A New Start for Social Dialogue in Europe

Over 400 delegates from social partners (trade unions, employees’ organisations and governments) across the EU gathered on March 5th for a high-level event marking the 30th anniversary and signalling ’A New Start for Social Dialogue’ in Europe.

The event was kicked off at the opening session in the morning with a line-up of speakers representing the EU and the social partners, including European Parliament President Martin Schulz, ETUC Secretary General Bernadette Ségol, various representatives of the employees’ organisations, Commissioner Thyssen and Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, responsible for social dialogue. In his address, Mr. Dombrovskis stressed that “the present social dialogue is not using its full potential” and that the Commission is aiming to give it a new impetus.

Workshops dealt with improving social partners’ involvement in the European Semester, the EU’s plans to invest in growth and quality jobs, the challenges and opportunities of the digital market and social dialogue and better regulation.

Commissioner Thyssen stressed that a well-functioning social dialogue is crucial for a strong social market economy, adding that “countries with strong social dialogue institutions are among the EU’s best performing and most competitive economies, with a better and more resilient social situation”. Mrs. Thyssen finished by stating that “the Commission has the duty to promote the role of social partners at EU level” and is willing to reinvigorate European social dialogue 30 years after the start at Val Duchesse.

EUCDW, together with our member organisations, is closely following developments in the European social dialogue.

Positions in 2015

On the 30th anniversary of the European Social Dialogue, EUCDW joins the call for ’A New Start for Social Dialogue’ in Europe.

On the 30th anniversary of the European Social Dialogue, EUCDW joins the call for ’A New Start for Social Dialogue’ in Europe.

On the 30th anniversary of the European Social Dialogue, EUCDW joins the call for ’A New Start for Social Dialogue’ in Europe.

On the 30th anniversary of the European Social Dialogue, EUCDW joins the call for ’A New Start for Social Dialogue’ in Europe.