EU and social partners in Val Duchesse commit to strengthening social dialogue

The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and European social partners signed a ‘Tripartite Declaration for a Thriving European Social Dialogue'.

The Declaration stands for a renewed commitment to strengthen social dialogue at EU level and to join forces in addressing key challenges in our economies and labour markets. The aim is to support thriving businesses, quality jobs and services as well as improved working conditions.

Social dialogue – the dialogue between workers' and business' representatives – is a fundamental component of the European social model, contributing to economic prosperity, improving living and working conditions, fostering the competitiveness of EU businesses, and helping to anticipate and manage change, for instance in the context of the green and digital transitions.

Key outcomes of the summit

As part of their commitment to reinforcing social dialogue, the Commission, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and European social partners agreed to:

  • Address labour and skills shortages: having quality jobs and a workforce equipped with the right skills are essential for the EU's competitiveness. However, currently nearly two thirds (63%) of small and medium-sized businesses said in a recent Eurobarometer survey that labour and skills shortages hold them back in their general business activities. The Commission, in cooperation with social partners, will present an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages in spring 2024. Moreover, the four signatories committed to each do their part to bring more people to the labour market, improve working conditions, facilitate the recognition of qualifications, and integrate workers coming from abroad.
  • Put European social dialogue at the heart of our common future: social partners play an essential role in how the EU responds and adapts to changing economic and social circumstances, including in light of the green and digital transitions. The Declaration reiterates the EU's commitment to fully respect and promote the role of social partners and social dialogue.
  • Establish a European social dialogue envoy: the Commission will establish a dedicated European Social Dialogue Envoy to promote and strengthen further the role of social dialogue at European and national level. The Envoy will support and coordinate the implementation of the Commission Communication on strengthening social dialogue in the EU. The Envoy will be the contact point for social partners to jointly inform about concerns related to social dialogue.
  • Launch a Pact for European social dialogue: a series of bipartite and tripartite meetings to identify how to reinforce social dialogue further at EU level. This includes EU institutional and financial support and capacity building, including through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), as well as an agreed bipartite approach for the negotiation, promotion and implementation of social partners agreements. The aim is to conclude the Pact by early 2025.

Quotes

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Social dialogue is at the heart of our unique European social economy. 39 years ago day by day, and here in Val Duchesse, Jacques Delors brought European social dialogue to life. Today, we come back to Val Duchesse to continue his legacy. Our Declaration is a commitment to work side by side to strengthen social dialogue and join forces to address the key challenges of our times, like labour and skills shortages. Only together we can continue to find fair and common solutions that benefit Europe's workers and competitiveness alike.”

Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, said: “Ensuring our competitiveness is a key priority for the Belgian Presidency. It is the basis for our future welfare, social cohesion, and the green transition. Tackling shortages in labour and skills is essential to this end. We need more skilled workers in every sector of the economy to make our green future a success and an agenda for growth. Social partners throughout Europe have an essential role to play, together with governments on every level. A strengthened and revitalised social dialogue is the key to our common success.”

Background

The 2024 Val Duchesse Social Partners Summit was attended by President von der Leyen, Prime Minister De Croo, Vice-President Schinas, Commissioner Schmit, Belgian Ministers Dermagne, Vandenbroucke and Clarinval, as well as representatives from ETUC, Business Europe, SME United and SGI Europe.

The Summit was announced by President von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address and the letter of intent, as well as in the 2024 Commission Work Programme. It also follows on the 2023 Council Recommendation on reinforcing social dialogue and collective bargaining at national level, as well as the Commission Communication on reinforcing and promoting social dialogue at EU level. The first Val Duchesse meeting, which saw the birth of European social dialogue, was conveyed by former Commission President Jacques Delors in 1985. Executive Vice President Dombrovskis, Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Schmit will carry forward the follow-up actions to the Summit, including in particular the action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages.

Social partners play a role in improving working conditions and productivity, strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses and boosting Europe's prosperity and resilience. This is especially relevant in light of changes brought about by new technologies and the need for a fair transition to climate neutrality. Social partners are also essential to guarantee fairness and inclusion in the labour market and to ensure no one is left behind. 

Social dialogue is enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and underlined by Principle 8 of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Pillar Action Plan. Article 154 TFEU lays down the Commission's obligation to consult social partners on legislative proposals in the social policy field and allow them to negotiate agreements, that can be implemented through EU law.