High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter to Address Social Rights and Democratic Security in Europe

This week the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) will be hosting the High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter in Chisinau, which will bring together Ministers from Council of Europe member states to discuss social rights in Europe. Building on the 2023 Reykjavík Declaration and the 2024 Vilnius Declaration, the 2026 High-Level Conference will focus on strengthening the protection and implementation of social rights across Europe. The Conference aims to promote wider ratification and acceptance of the Charter, reinforce political commitment and partnerships, and highlight the Charter’s role as a cornerstone of the European human rights system.

Professor Aoife Nolan, Director of the Human Rights Law Centre and President of the European Committee of Social Rights, has noted that the High-Level Conference offers “an ideal chance to consider in detail how the Charter and social rights can be leveraged to support democratic security in Europe." Professor Nolan has further stated that "those concerned about democracy in Europe cannot afford for this opportunity not to be taken. Liberal democracy depends on social rights. Democratic backsliding and rising social insecurity have gone hand in hand.”

The Conference will take place between 18-19 March. You can read more in Professor Nolan’s recent article, Liberal Democracy Depends on Social Rights, available here.