European Trade Union Committee for Education

25 March 2017 marked the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. To commemorate this historical landmark, an informal EU summit took place in Rome, attended by European heads of State or government, and stakeholders. At this occasion, European social partners, including the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) took part in the celebrations and met various stakeholders to reflect on the past and future achievements and challenges of the European project. A joint declaration of ETUC, BusinessEurope, CEEP and UAPME was presented to the Tripartite Social Summit on 24 March 2017. In this declaration, European Social Partners reaffirm their commitment to the European Union, and call for a stronger and more sustainable social model, and social dialogue, as well as an increase in public and private investment.

These calls are in accordance with ETUCE’s continuous plea and work on improving cross-sectoral and sectoral social dialogue at all levels: European, national, regional and local. ETUCE strongly believes that the goals of a fairer, more social and sustainable Europe can only be achieved through the systematic inclusion and consultation of social partners at all relevant levels of decision-making. The Rome Summit’s main outcome is the adoption of the Rome Declaration on the Future of Europe, a strong political statement signed by all 27 heads of State or government. This document, set to clearly establish the European Union’s political agenda, notably reasserts the necessity of social dialogue and social partner’s involvement in the process of policy-making in the EU, as proven by the Rome Declaration’s “pledge to work towards: (...) A social Europe: a Union which, based on sustainable growth, promotes economic and social progress as well as cohesion and convergence, while upholding the integrity of the internal market; a Union taking into account the diversity of national systems and the key role of social partners”

Such a declaration is welcomed by ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini, who stated: “The Rome Declaration offers some hope for the future of the EU.” He however remarked that: “ Good words on paper need to be put into practice. The test will come soon with the publication in April of proposals for the new 'European Pillar of Social Rights', in May with new economic policy recommendations, and later in the year at the EU Social Summit in Gothenburg.”.  Commenting on the event, ETUCE European Director, Susan Flocken said “At this critical time for Europe, with the European Social Model under attack, ETUCE supports European leaders’ commitment to a united and peaceful Europe and not to fall prey of extreme and populist views, and will continue to advocate a close relationship between policy-makers and social partners in order to ensure a thriving European Union, focused towards ambitious and cohesive policies.” In this context, she also stressed the key role education plays for the full development of the individual and his/her contribution to a democratic society.