The European Committee of Social Rights (Council of Europe) has published its annual activity report, calling for “greater protection of social rights in the context of the cost-of-living crisis”. In its Activity Report for 2024, published today, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) also reviews developments under the collective complaints procedure and the ECSR’s cooperation with other Council of Europe bodies and international organisations. The report’s findings show “that food prices in 2023 continued to rise at more than seven times the rate of wage growth, disproportionately affecting low-income households. While inflation eased in 2024, living costs remained high”, highlighting persistent gaps in wage protection, housing, and social support. The Committee calls on governments: to ensure the net minimum wage is at least 60% of the net national average wage; to implement price caps on staple food items and targeted support for vulnerable groups; to guarantee stable and safe access to affordable energy, recognising it as essential for securing European Social Charter rights; to address housing affordability and homelessness risks through rent caps, increased housing benefits and social housing expansion; and to adjust social security and assistance levels to keep pace with inflation.