Since the UN resolution 57/277 adopted by the General Assembly, that designated June 23 as Public Services Day, we have seen annual celebrations all over the world. The UN Public Service Day celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community. It also aims to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process and recognises the work of public servants, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

At a hearing in the European Parliament on last week Thursday, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger drew positive conclusions about the European Commission's recent package delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights and called on Member States and social partners to work together for a successful implementation and enforcement of what could become a new, fuller social dimension for the EU.

Today, the European Commission presented a long-awaited set of measures to improve the EU's social dimension. Under the heading 'European Pillar of Social Rights and accompanying initiatives', the European Commission issued 20 principles to guide the future of employment and social affairs. While these principles are not legally binding or directly enforceable targets, there are a number of accompanying legislative proposals, most notably in the area of work-life balance. In a first reaction, the CESI leadership expressed cautious optimism about the European Commission's proposals.