European society is evolving due to factors such as technological progress, globalisation and an ageing population. Crucially, it was also heavily impacted by the economic and financial crisis of 2008 and its fall-out.

European employment, social affairs and equal opportunities policies aim to improve living conditions by promoting employment, sustainable growth and greater social cohesion.

The EU is a catalyst in social change, seeking to increase employment and worker mobility, improve the quality of jobs and working conditions, inform and consult workers, combat poverty and social exclusion, promote equal opportunities and combat discrimination, as well as modernise social protection systems.