Employment and social affairs : Promoting jobs, inclusion and social policy as an investment

The European Union is based on the concept of a social market economy. Full employment, social progress, social inclusion, social protection, solidarity and social cohesion are included in the EU Treaty among its priority objectives. Indeed, the Treaty states that a high level of employment, adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion should be taken into account when developing and implementing all EU policies. Furthermore, the Treaty contains a Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU which has binding powers. This Charter ensures social rights of all EU residents. This publication is a part of a series that explains what the EU does in different policy areas, why the EU is involved and what the results are