European Social Dialogue

What is European Social Dialogue and why is it important?

European social dialogue is the process by which trade union and employer organisations can exchange information and influence European policy and legislation through their European representative organisations. Over the historical development of the European Communities, the social dialogue process has become more structured and has increased significantly in importance. This is particularly true since 1991, when the Maastricht Treaty made it possible for the social partners to conclude European level framework agreements in the area of individual and collective employees’ rights. If the social partners so desire, these can form the basis of national legislation through the implementation of European Directives. Such agreements have formed the origin of the Parental Leave Directive; the Part-time Work Directive and the Fixed-term Work Directive.

The four European intersectoral social partner organisations involved in these negotiations are ETUC (the European Trade Union Confederation), Business Europe (representing private sector employers), UEAPME (European Organisation of Small and Medium Sized Companies) and CEEP (representing public service employers).

PPE is a full member of CEEP. CEEP members include organisations which provide (or procure) essential services available to all members of the community, which are operated in the general public interest and/or subject to state regulation.

Membership of CEEP does not only provide access to social partner negotiations, but also allows early access to policy and regulatory documents from the European Union and the opportunity to influence these at an early stage. In addition to provides access to a network of sectoral contacts to facilitate the exchange of information and good practice.