In the past decade, we witnessed a number of crises and changes, which have had, and are still having, an adverse impact on the effective enjoyment of economic and social rights by many communities across the world, undermining the capacity of states and the political will of governments to safeguard and promote the enjoyment of these rights.

Most of the countries in Europe have been particularly affected by the consequences of such crises and changes. A major source of concern and problems in terms of protection of social rights in Europe is related to the serious difficulties which workers, families and the most vulnerable people have experienced, and are still experiencing, because of the economic crisis which has endured since 2008 and the ‘austerity measures’ deployed by some states to cope with it. Inadequate levels of social security benefits and social assistance continue to disproportionately affect those who are most vulnerable, namely the poor, the elderly and the sick. Public policies continue to be unable to stem a generalized increase in poverty and unemployment. The pursuit of flexibility and changes to employment contracts are at risk of undermining workers’ rights and safety. Austerity measures and budgetary cuts are placing ever-increasing pressure on health systems, and there are also signs of a potential deterioration in the protection of health and safety at work.

Secondly, problems have arisen in the recent past, and are continuing in the present, because of the migrant and refugee crisis. Over the past five years, millions of migrants and refugees fleeing war, terror, torture, persecution and poverty have crossed into Europe, where divisions have arisen among European states over how best to deal with resettling people. Offering these millions of individuals hospitality, respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights, as well as prompt and effective social integration, poses a major challenge for European states attempting to apply international social rights standards.

At the same time, as globalisation and automation progress, amplified by the ongoing technological revolution and the immense potential of artificial intelligence, it is clear that employment and labour market policies are changing radically, and it is predicted that millions of jobs may soon be lost.