European Social Model: encouraging social convergence through labelling of services and products.

How to set up a European social label for companies? Which options do we have to relaunch social convergence in Europe? These questions were examined at a Hearing of the EPP Group, organised on Wednesday 6 June on the initiative of Philippe Boulland MEP, Member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.

Respect for social norms should be an argument for companies towards their consumers. For Philippe Boulland MEP, who has been defending this project since the beginning of his mandate, a 'European social label' would enable companies which are virtuous to valorise their social policies, notably as regards employment of older people, gender equality, levels of salaries, etc.

"Undertakings willing to give more prominence to their abiding by various social standards could ask for such a label on a voluntary basis. They would thus pledge to improve working conditions, take greater account of customers caring about social progress and acting towards stronger social convergence", Philippe Boulland suggested.

He added: "European citizens and consumers should, on the other hand, be duly informed that the goods or services they are buying are slightly more expensive because it is a long-term investment in the improvement of their social model."

The Hearing led to a very fruitful debate thanks to two roundtables with professionals as well as social workers and experts that focused on two main issues: which social benchmarks to use for the European social label to meet businesses' expectations; and how to grant, monitor and control this European social label in cooperation with local, national and European authorities, and social workers.

As the Hearing drew to a close, Philippe Boulland concluded: "This prospective European social label will soon be examined by the European Commission as part of a pilot project to be set up within the 2013 budget framework. A Europe-wide feasibility study should be launched. The setting-up of this label, inspired by the debates that took place in the European Parliament, could enhance social convergence and inclusiveness thanks to businesses being strongly involved in this European social label scheme."