Brussels, 18/04/2005 (Agence Europe) - The conference on twenty years of European social dialogue held on 14 April in Brussels by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) stressed the success of this dialogue as well as its limits. It also raised the essential issue of the conditions in which mechanisms of this kind complete traditional legislation and, inversely, the circumstances in which they may complicate it (EUROPE 8919). This anniversary day showed the complementary nature of social dialogue and civil dialogue and participative democracy, EESC President Anne-Marie Sigmund commented, allowing it to be noted that all persons involved in social dialogue “are keen on the Constitutional Treaty”.
“It is comforting to be here when one takes part in the debate on the constitutional treaty in France!” the former president of the European Commission, Jacques Delors, exclaimed. “Social progress like economic progress calls for effort over time, not always crowned with success”, he went on to add, calling for patience and noting: “The Constitutional Treaty may perhaps help us”. Putting a number of personal ideas forward, Jacques Delors above all asserted: “One should see the European landscape as it is because, without a realistic understanding of this landscape”, one may miss the social challenge. In his view, there should be a more coherent gearing between the various levels of social dialogue. Jacques Delors feels that “one must take an interest in what is collective in nature. Everyone must be given the ability to control their own lives. It is permanent combat that leads to social dialogue”.
“Can one imagine meeting the challenges facing Europe today without social dialogue? Certainly not”, Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Spidla commented. He went on to specify that the future of social dialogue is based mainly on an intensified link between the European and the national levels, between the inter-professional and sectoral levels and enterprise. This future also means confidence-building and, hence, the intensification of channels for participation and dialogue, the Commissioner added, noting that, at an era of new information technologies, dialogue must become permanent, rich, transparent, multiform and without borders.
Odile Quintin, Director General at DG Employment (European Commission) said that, in future, it will be a matter of consolidating areas where active partnership between social partners and civil society is possible and desirable, such as social inclusion, equal opportunities, combating discrimination, and social services of general interest. Social dialogue, with the active support of the Commission, has a considerable challenge before it that is very difficult to raise, that of giving substance to the European level of professional relations, Ms Quintin continued, explaining: “It is the place of engagement and negotiation. It is the ground for action and of structured organisations and social partners that are represented and mandated at European level, responsible and independent organisations”.
EESC Vice-President Roger Briesch recalled that social dialogue is and remains the concern of social partners but that, in a more open and broader manner, one must also bear the new situation in mind. The Committee has understood this in the cooperation agreements with the platform of social NGOs, he said. “The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) could not have grown over the years without social dialogue. It has transformed itself and become a transnational player. This would not have been possible without the impetus of social dialogue”, Emilo Gabaglio, former ETUC General Secretary, commented. According to Mr Gabaglio, “we need a great European Social Pact to reactivate employment and the economy”. “The European social dialogue's ability to live an eternal but responsible youth also depends on the ability of political decision-makers to come together around a common project that brings growth and sustainable employment”, Philippe de Buck, UNICE (European employers) General Secretary, said.