This chapter sets out why an SIA is of timely and crucial importance for European member states to meet the challenges of increased poverty and social exclusion, demographic ageing and increasingly knowledge-based societies, as well as to deliver on the EU’s objective of upward social convergence. The chapter outlines the key elements of an SIA that the European Commission has sought to take forward in its policy guidance. The Commission’s efforts to support reforms in this direction are discussed, ranging from the mobilization of governance instruments and funds, to financial support for research, innovation, and capacity building, and the development of assessment frameworks in support of evidence-based policy reform. Finally, the chapter explores some potential avenues for further work, at both EU and country level, to support and monitor the implementation of policy reforms.