The European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since its foundation in 1985, EZA has been committed to a strong European social dialogue and has made a significant contribution to promoting social justice, solidarity and innovation in the world of work. This commitment is also reflected in the 2024 Startseminar: the traditional Startseminar, organised in collaboration with the Centro Español para Asuntos de los Trabajadores (CEAT) in Seville, focused on demographic change in the European labour markets.
Demographic change as a key challenge
In his opening speech, EZA President Luc Van den Brande emphasised the relevance of the topic: ‘Demographic change affects us all in one way or another.’ Expert presentations by specialists from across Europe highlighted the far-reaching effects of demographic change, such as low birth rates, the ageing of society and the resulting labour shortage. Alejandro Macarrón Larumbe from the University San Pablo (CEU) emphasised the need to promote birth rates by creating a society in which parenthood is desired and economically supported.
Sven Matzke, Director for Social Dialogue at the European Commission, presented four key approaches to meeting these challenges: promoting the reconciliation of family and career, training younger generations, integrating older people into the labour market for longer and well-managed migration.
Migration and mobility as an opportunity
Professor Vera Gligorijević from the University of Belgrade emphasised that a Europe-wide migration and mobility policy is needed to address the ageing of labour markets. In this context, solidarity between countries of origin and host countries must play a key role. This could bring both economic and social benefits.
Focus on care and social security
The demographic change also raises questions about the future of the social security systems. Professor Eleni de Becker from the Free University of Brussels emphasised that innovative approaches are needed to finance social security beyond earned income. In the field of care, Lisa Neubauer from the Oswald von Nell-Breuning Institute called for more gender equality and better working conditions for carers, which could be achieved through social dialogue.
Joint responsibility for the future
EZA Co-President Piergiorgio Sciacqua summed up the event by stating that the demographic challenges can only be overcome through joint efforts and a balanced dialogue in the midst of society. ‘Demographic change affects us all,’ explained Sciacqua, and called for sustainable solutions to be developed now.
With a clear view of the pressing issues of the future, the EZA is setting a strong symbol for the upcoming anniversary year.
Thoughts from our President
During the ceremony, our President Luc Van den Brande looked back over EZA's 40-year success story, which is closely linked to the development of Europe.
Since its foundation in 1985 by visionary personalities such as Frans van der Gun and Wolfgang Vogt, EZA has made significant contributions to promoting social dialogue. As a network based on Christian values and social principles, EZA has grown from a voluntary project to an institution with 70 members in 29 countries.
Important milestones such as EU enlargement, the fall of the Iron Curtain and the challenges posed by the Maastricht Treaty have shaped the organization. Commitment to social cohesion, equal opportunities, Christian social teaching and workers' rights is the foundation of our work. Thanks to the commitment of numerous partners and supporters, over 2,000 educational projects have been organized, reaching more than 100,000 workers' representatives.
In times marked by multiple crises such as climate change, geopolitical tensions and demographic challenges, EZA continues to develop viable solutions through social dialogue and education. Demographic change, in particular the ageing of society and the shortage of skilled workers, requires innovative approaches such as the promotion of lifelong learning, age-appropriate working and inclusive labor markets.
Our guiding principle remains to put people first and to reconcile economic and social concerns. Together with our partners, we will continue to work for a Europe of dialogue, solidarity and justice.
With the basic principles of truth, trust and cooperation, we look ahead with confidence to the challenges that lie ahead and thank everyone who has supported EZA over the years.
Solidarity with Ukraine
The network's solidarity was also evident, ranging from nostalgic cheerfulness to appreciation of the substantive work of EZA over the last 40 years. Within the EZA network, members collected donations for the Ukrainian member VOST ‘VOLYA’. A considerable donation of 6,000 euros was collected and ceremoniously handed over to Yuriy Kurylo, the representative of VOST ‘VOLYA’. A group, a family and a network is only as strong as its supposedly weakest member, and we are happy to be able to make a small contribution to VOST ‘VOLYA’ feeling strengthened in these very difficult times.
Further information
In the next few days, everyone who attended will receive a link with the photos and the presentations of the speakers and experts. You can also read everything worth knowing about the kick-off seminar and the anniversary in the next EZA magazine.