September 13, 2023

In the wake of the State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech delivered by the European Commission President, CESI reflects on the key issues addressed.

The speech outlined the significant challenges faced by the European Union in recent years and its ambitious plans for the future, particularly in the domains of crisis management, employment, social affairs, gender equality, and public services.

Perma- and Polycrisis Management:

The EC President acknowledged the relentless onslaught of crises, from the Covid-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine, surging inflation, and the pressing climate emergency. While admitting that mistakes were made, it was noted that the EU managed these crises reasonably well, particularly in terms of joint procurement of vaccines and the utilization of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and SURE instrument.

CESI acknowledges the commendable efforts of the EU in crisis management but emphasises the need for improved measures to address social inequalities, such as measures for energy companies benefiting disproportionately from the energy crisis.

Green-Digital Transitions:

Despite the crises, the EU’s commitment to the green-digital twin transition remains steadfast. Initiatives like the Digital Decade and the European Green Deal reflect the EU’s determination to become a global digital frontrunner and achieve climate neutrality.

CESI highlights the importance of supporting citizens and workers adversely affected by these transitions through mechanisms like the Just Transition Funds.

Employment/Social Affairs/Gender Equality – European Pillar of Social Rights:

The EC’s leadership has led to significant legislative and policy initiatives in the areas of minimum wages, platform economy, access to social protection, European Works Council (EWC) directive, and gender equality.

CESI lauds these steps toward social justice and convergence across Member States, but stresses that social and employment challenges remain and numerous and substantial. Continuing to make the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality requires a sustained and joint commitment and endeavour by the EU institutions, Member States, local authorities, social partners, and civil society. The Pillar is, first and foremost, a political pledge. Delivering on it is a shared political commitment and responsibility towards future generations.

Public Services:

Investments in public services and personnel are vital for creating resilient and fair societies. The EU’s investment-based response to the Covid pandemic was an important help in maintaining employment and fostering economic growth.

CESI urges continued investments in public services to meet the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

CESI’s Expectations for the Next Term:

CESI outlines key expectations for the next term:

-A clear and ambitious agenda for performing public services, with sufficient investments in its facilities, resources, equipment and staff.

-A clear commitment to foster trade union pluralism and inclusive social dialogue at the EU level and in the Member States.

-A clear focus in all EU legislative and non-legislative initiatives and measures on sustainability; sustainability which reflects at level playing field not only the needs of the economy/business, citizens/consumers and the environment/climate but also those of workers.

-The pursuit of fair digital and green transitions for and with workers, based on (1) strengthened information, consultation and co-decision, (2) decent employment and working conditions, (3) access to training and skills, and (4) adequate social protection.

-A revision of the EU public procurement and EU state aid legislation to include binding sustainability conditionalities for beneficiaries.

-A functioning regulation of telework, implemented to the mutual benefits of workers and business and not unilaterally imposed by employers.

-A framework directive for decent work. Sectoral and issue-specific legislation can bring improvements for specific sectors or groups of workers, but labour markets and employment models develop so quickly that policy making risks lagging continuously behind its regulation.

-A revision of the directives on temporary agency work, fixed-term work contracts and part-time work contracts, to close discriminatory loopholes.

CESI calls for continued commitment to social justice, sustainability, and fair transitions and looks forward to the announced Val Duchesse Social Partner summit in 2024.