Enhancing Social Dialogue through Workers' Organizations Support
In the journey towards EU accession, the role of workers' organizations is vital. Trade unions play a crucial part in shaping the society, politics, and economy of European nations, particularly through social dialogue. Acknowledging this, EZA is dedicated to empowering workers' organizations in EU candidate countries, ensuring they are prepared to engage effectively in the accession process.
Since 2011, our efforts have been directed towards the Western Balkans, collaborating with partners from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. We welcome the opportunity to expand our project to Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, reflecting their new status as EU candidate countries.
Challenges and Opportunities
Candidate countries face unique challenges, including prolonged economic and political transitions, widespread corruption, and entrenched societal structures. Despite these obstacles, the foundation for social dialogue exists. However, the effectiveness of such dialogues is often hampered by a lack of consideration for workers' organizations' views, limiting their impact on policy and societal development.
Our Mission
EZA aims to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive support to workers' organisations. Through education, training, and access to our networking forum, we strive to enhance their capacity for meaningful participation in social dialogue. Our initiative is not just about support; it's about empowering these organizations to actively contribute to their countries' EU accession journey, ensuring that workers' rights and interests are represented.
This initiative is a testament to our dedication to strengthening the foundations of social dialogue in Europe, ensuring that the voices of workers' organisations are not just heard but are influential in shaping the future.