SynCrisis: Strengthening public services for a resilient Europe

Building on the findings of CESI's recently published policy brief on the crucial role of public services in times of crisis, this article presents key conclusions and actionable recommendations to reinforce their resilience.

As Europe faces an era of unprecedented crises—from pandemics to climate disasters and economic instability—its public services remain at the frontline of response. Yet, underfunding, workforce shortages, and rigid fiscal constraints have left these essential sectors struggling to meet growing societal needs. The SynCrisis campaign, spearheaded by the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI), calls for urgent investment in public services to build resilience, protect workers, and ensure fair access to quality healthcare, education, and social support.

The challenge: Public services under pressure

Public services are the backbone of European societies, yet years of austerity, privatisation, and fiscal restraints have stretched them thin. The SynCrisis campaign highlights key challenges:

• Underfunding & fiscal constraints: Years of budget cuts have led to understaffed hospitals, overwhelmed education systems, and outdated infrastructure.
• Labour shortages & precarious employment: Healthcare and education sectors suffer from staff burnout, low wages, and overreliance on temporary contracts, making them less attractive to younger workers.
• Inequalities & social gaps: Countries with weaker public systems experience longer recovery times and deeper inequalities during crises.
• Macroeconomic & climate challenges: Inflation, refugee integration, and the accelerating effects of climate change place further strain on public services.

The call to action: A new model for social investment

The SynCrisis campaign urges EU policymakers, national governments, and trade unions to rethink public service funding through a social investment approach. Instead of short-term budget cuts, this approach prioritises preventative and strategic investments that enhance resilience and long-term economic growth. Key recommendations include:

1. Increase funding for public services

• Ensure that public investment in healthcare, education, and social care aligns with Europe’s long-term social and economic needs.
• Establish a specific policy window for public sector investment in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

2. Modernise infrastructure & digital readiness

• Upgrade public services with digital tools and sustainable infrastructure to withstand future crises.
• Ensure equal access to digital education and telehealth services across all regions.

3. Support & retain public sector workers

• Provide fair wages, manageable workloads, mental health support, and permanent contracts to prevent staff burnout and high turnover.
• Attract young professionals to public service careers by ensuring competitive employment conditions.

4. Adapt public services for the green & digital transitions

• Invest in education systems that prepare future generations for the green and digital economy.
• Expand lifelong learning opportunities for public sector employees to keep pace with evolving challenges.

5. Ensure fiscal flexibility for sustainable social investment

• Integrate social impact assessments into EU fiscal frameworks, ensuring that spending on public services is recognised as an investment rather than a cost.

A stronger Europe starts with stronger public services

Public services are the lifelines of European societies, ensuring health, education, and economic stability for millions. The SynCrisis campaign underscores that investing in these services is not just a social necessity but an economic imperative. Well-funded, well-staffed, and well-equipped public services foster social cohesion, rebuild trust in institutions, and future-proof Europe against new crises.

It is time for policymakers to act. Join CESI’s SynCrisis campaign and advocate for stronger, more resilient public services that can stand the test of time.

‍

Join CESI’s SynCrisis campaign by sharing our materials and advocating for stronger public services:
‍

Campaign video: https://bit.ly/4bBiJv6 | Full report: https://bit.ly/4kFrQiv | Infographics: https://bit.ly/41AWroM

‍

#SynCrisis | #StrongerPublicServices | #CESI

‍