During a webinar organized by the European Center for Workers’ Questions (EZA) in cooperation with the World Organization of Workers (WOW), EZA President Luc Van den Brande discussed the priorities of the new European Commission. He emphasized that while safeguarding democracy and strengthening security and defense are crucial, the current focus on competitiveness is seen as necessary to make the European Union more resilient.
The recent reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi have highlighted the importance of innovation and competitiveness for the EU's future. Letta’s report emphasizes the need for innovation as a core element of the single market, while Draghi outlines a roadmap for enhancing EU competitiveness. Both reports aim for sustainable prosperity and ensuring that public goods are accessible to all.
However, Van den Brande pointed out that it remains uncertain how this emphasis on competitiveness will align with efforts to build a stronger social Europe. He noted that, historically, social policy does not advance on its own and requires deliberate action. He referred to the work done by Marianne Thyssen in the Juncker Commission and Nicolas Schmit in the von der Leyen I Commission, who played crucial roles in driving the EU's social agenda in recent years. Van den Brande stressed that, once again, efforts will be needed to keep social Europe high on the agenda.
In addressing the new challenges facing the EU, Van den Brande underlined the importance of cooperation between all key players—institutions at every level and social partners alike. He argued that it is time to work on establishing a new Social Pact to ensure that social policies are developed in parallel with economic and competitiveness strategies.
Van den Brande also discussed the role of Roxana Mînzatu, the Commissioner designated to oversee social Europe, noting that the mission letter outlining her responsibilities in this area lacks sufficient emphasis on social policy. He suggested that her title should be expanded to include “Social Rights and Jobs,” alongside “People, Skills and Preparedness,” to more accurately reflect this ambition. He proposed that the most appropriate time to advocate for this modification would be during her hearing before the European Parliament.
This adjustment goes beyond mere symbolism, Van den Brande said. It is about demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring that everyone is included in the European project. Such a change would send a clear message that the EU intends to take concrete action on Article 3 of the Treaty on the European Union, which mandates the Union to work towards “full employment and social progress.”