20 years of European Social Dialogue

Social Partners provide input to the debate on the future of Europe

EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso said at today´s social dialogue summit in Brussels: "Without solidarity there would not be a European Union. Faced with rapid globalisation, we must work hard, together with our social partners, to renew and strengthen Europe´s economic and social models." Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal opportunities, Vladimir Spidla emphasized that the social partners' role has become even more important due to the economic and social challenges facing the EU, such as industrial restructuring and an ageing population. The meeting was an opportunity for the social partners to provide input to the debate on the future of the European social model, which will be discussed at next month's informal EU heads of state summit in the UK.

Basic information: What is European social dialogue?

Full press release: _web site_

Source: DG Employment and Social Affairs