Social dialogue

We promote the Social Dialogue between the representatives of the European trade unions and employers' organisations – the social partners. The social partners have reached a large number of autonomous agreements at the European level which they implement themselves, while others have been transformed into binding legislation.

European social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions involving organisations representing the two sides of industry (employers and workers). It takes two main forms - a tripartite dialogue involving the public authorities, and a bipartite dialogue between the European employers and trade union organisations.

The bipartite dialogue takes place at cross-industry level and within sectoral social dialogue committees. As a result of their representativeness, European social partners have the right to be consulted by the Commission, and may decide to negotiate binding agreements. The institutional basis for social dialogue can be found in the EC Treaty.

European social dialogue has resulted in over 300 joint texts by the European social partners, which are included in a database.

Community financial support can be given to social dialogue initiatives, for instance in the key area of capacity-building for social partner organisations. Details of the EU funding provided are available on the awarded grants page of this website.

The Commission also regularly publishes an Industrial Relations Report and other documents related to industrial relations, including a social dialogue toolkit.