Every year on May 9, the member states of the European Union celebrate Europe Day –a symbolic occasion commemorating the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which will mark its 75th anniversary in 2025. With this declaration, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman laid the foundations for what would eventually become the European Union. His vision was to secure lasting peace, foster economic cooperation, and promote political integration in post-war Europe.
Europe Day stands as a reminder of the values of unity, solidarity, and cooperation – principles that are more relevant than ever in today’s world of global crises, geopolitical tensions, and growing social inequality. But beyond the historical significance, Europe Day also invites reflection on how these values are upheld and advanced in practice. One key mechanism is the social dialogue that underpins the European social model.
Social Dialogue – A Cornerstone of the European Model
Social dialogue refers to the structured exchange and negotiation processes between employers’ organisations, trade unions, and public authorities at the European, national, and regional levels. The objective is to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with fair labour practices and social responsibility – a balancing act that lies at the heart of the European social model.
Within the EU, social dialogue plays a vital role in strengthening social cohesion. It helps ensure that social standards evolve rather than erode under economic pressure. Over the years, this process has led to concrete outcomes such as European framework agreements on telework (2002), work-related stress (2004), inclusive labour markets (2010), active ageing (2017) and, more recently, digitalisation (2020). These agreements, negotiated by the European social partners, show how dialogue can lead to tangible improvements for workers and employers alike.
Challenges and Political Realities
Today, social dialogue faces new challenges. Digitalisation, climate transition, and shifting global dynamics are transforming the world of work. But perhaps more pressing than technological change is the political climate itself. In both the EU and internationally, political leadership does not always prioritise or value the role of social partners. This can weaken the foundations of the European social model at a time when strong cooperation is needed most.
Nevertheless, Europe Day offers an opportunity not only to reflect on past achievements but also to look ahead. Building a sustainable, fair, and inclusive Europe requires a renewed commitment to social dialogue – not as a formality, but as a vital democratic tool for shaping the future.
The European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) therefore calls on all stakeholders to see Europe Day not only as a historic commemoration, but as an invitation to engage in open and forward-looking dialogue about Europe’s future – with strong social dialogue at its core.