The participating European-level social partners include:
- BusinessEurope
- the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
- SGI Europe (association of enterprises with services of general interest)
- SMEunited (association of crafts and SMEs in Europe)
- Eurocadres (council of European professional and managerial staff)
On behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, the Danish minister for employment, Kaare Dybvad Bek, also took part in the meeting of 2025 October 23th.
The main issues discussed and explored:
- A stronger Union economically and politically
- Investing in productivity, affordable housing and quality jobs
Which ways can boost the EU’s resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges by strengthening it from the inside. When we want greater social cohesion and mobility then we need affordable housing. When Europe wants to cut unnecessary red tape then we have to do that without sacrificing the EU’s ambitious climate objectives.
Other topics covered during the summit included the importance of investing in key infrastructure, particularly artificial intelligence; the need to boost skills and foster quality jobs to increase the EU’s competitiveness and productivity; and the key role played by social dialogue and collective bargaining in ensuring that the EU delivers for its citizens.
The European Trade Union Confederation highlighted that quality jobs are the key to Europe’s success. For working people, it is crucial that the EU delivers quality jobs through legislation under the Quality Jobs Act with secure contracts, fair pay, and strong rights for every worker. Wages must rise in the face of soaring cost of living, especially housing, which is now unaffordable for millions of workers. The EU must act urgently to protect workers and rebuild trust through fair pay, secure jobs and affordable housing. Public investments in working people, their skills, innovation and homes, are key also to driving up productivity.