EU and social partners commit to strengthening social dialogue.

On 31 January 2024, the European Commission, the Belgian Council Presidency and the European social partners signed a "Tripartite Declaration for a Thriving European Social Dialogue". The declaration constitutes a renewed commitment to strengthening social dialogue at European Union (EU) level and to jointly tackling the challenges facing EU economies and labour markets. The aim is to create flourishing companies, high-quality jobs and services as well as improved working conditions.

As part of the declaration, the European Commission, the Council and the European social partners commit to a series of measures.

Tackling labour and skills shortages

Addressing labour and skills shortages is crucial for sustainable growth and the EU's competitiveness. Against this backdrop, the signatories to the declaration pledge to do their part to bring more people into the labour market, improve working conditions, facilitate the recognition of qualifications and better integrate workers from abroad. In addition, the European Commission, in cooperation with the social partners, intends to present an Action Plan to address labour and skills shortages by spring 2024.

Focusing on the European social dialogue

The social dialogue is a process that is precisely regulated in Articles 151 to 156 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) with regard to participants, powers and procedures. Its role as an essential component of the European social model and European democracy differs from other forms of consultation, such as dialogue with civil society, the functioning of which is not enshrined in the Treaties. The European Commission, the Council and the European social partners therefore reaffirm their commitment to promoting the role of the social partners and social dialogue.

Establishing a European Social Dialogue Envoy

In order to promote and strengthen the role of social dialogue at European and national level, a European Social Dialogue Envoy will be appointed. The impartial representative is to monitor the implementation of the European Commission's Communication on strengthening social dialogue in the EU and be the contact point in the European Commission for the social partners.

Launching a Pact for European Social Dialogue

According to the declaration, a series of meetings will be held with the European social partners to identify ways to further strengthen the European social dialogue. These should include institutional and financial support for European social dialogue at all levels, as well as capacity building for the social partners, including in the EU candidate countries. This should result in a "Pact for European Social Dialogue" by early 2025.