The European Union’s commitment to its social model remains stronger than ever as the continent emerges into a post-pandemic world.

The recent Porto Social Summit called for faster progress towards achieving the EU’s Pillar of Social Rights, which forms the backbone of the EU’s approach to social policy.

Restoring and creating new opportunities for employment is a key priority for the European Commission, especially in the context of the green and digital transitions at the heart of the EU’s ambitions for economic transformation.

The third episode of the European Commission’s podcast Europe Calling features Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit.

In a wide-ranging interview focusing in particular on the challenges of youth unemployment in a post-pandemic age, Commissioner Schmit outlines the EU’s approach to making the Union’s commitment to stronger social rights a reality in people’s lives and livelihoods.

Commissioner Schmit will also be responding to concerns raised by a leading youth NGO about young people’s inclusion in the labour market, and by a priest in Sardinia working at the sharp end of young people’s welfare in the highly seasonal and vulnerable tourist economy.