Dear members, partners, and friends,

As the European Parliament gears up for the upcoming Commissioner hearings, I had the chance to meet with both newly elected and returning MEPs to align on shared priorities for 2024-2029.

From social rights to boosting competitiveness, from fair taxation to civil protection, and from defense to reinforcing public services: the coming years are poised to be pivotal.

A major focus was the future of employment in the digital era. While new technologies and AI promise vast opportunities, they also present significant risks. The need for updated regulations, such as a directive on the right to disconnect and fair conditions for remote work, is urgent. CESI’s resolution on AI advocates for strong workforce involvement in shaping this future.

Beyond the digital frontier, we discussed the proposals for the revision of the European Works Council (EWC) directive and a new directive aimed at improving conditions for trainees. These measures need rapid adoption. EWCs, currently limited to consultation, should evolve into genuine negotiation tools, though the current revision mostly strengthens their consultation capacity. The new traineeship directive must emphasise equal treatment and adequate financial compensation.

Tax justice was another hot topic. Tackling tax evasion isn’t just about economics – it’s a moral imperative. As multinational corporations exploit loopholes, ordinary citizens bear the heavier tax burden. Ensuring well-resourced national tax administrations is crucial for fairness.

Health sector understaffing also featured prominently in the discussions. Investing in equipment, facilities, and most importantly, personnel, as well as improving working conditions, is critical to the sector’s future.

In defense, conversations highlighted the shared commitment to building a robust EU defense infrastructure with broad stakeholder involvement. CESI’s European Defence Round Table is proving to be a valuable platform for advancing these goals.

We also worked to elevate crisis management and civil protection on the EU agenda, where the Union’s contribution is particularly evident and tangible.

At a recent civil society and trade union hearing with the Renew group in the European Parliament, we outlined our key demands, hoping they will shape policies in the coming years.

Just days after CESI@noon addressed teacher shortages and the misuse of temporary contracts in schools, the European Commission took Italy to court over these very issues. Marcello Pacifico, President of the CESI Europe Academy and ANIEF, played a leading role in these developments.

With the selection of future EU leaders on the horizon, there are high hopes that those chosen will be both qualified and attuned to the needs of Europe’s citizens and workers. These appointments will be crucial in shaping the Union’s future trajectory.

As these crucial discussions unfold, it’s clear that workers themselves must be prepared for the transformations ahead. The rapid evolution of technology, coupled with new regulations and economic shifts, will redefine the workplace of the future. Ensuring that employees are equipped with the right skills and safeguards to navigate this new landscape is essential. Ultimately, the success of these policies hinges not just on their adoption, but on empowering the workforce to embrace the future with confidence.