Birth of a new EU agency

SOC I A L AG E NDA / J U LY 2 0 1 7 / 9 © Belga Image A “just for all” transition A “European Green Deal” is the first of the six political guidelines for 2019-2024 presented on 16 July by Ursula von der Leyen, then President-elect of the European Commission. A few days before, the European Commission had published its Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) annual review, dedicated this year to sustainability (see page 10). Its title, “Sustainable growth for all”, is echoed by a sub-title in the European Green Deal: “We need a just transition for all”. “We will support the people and regions most affected, through a new Just Transition Fund”, Ursula von de Leyen explained. A European Climate Pact “will bring together regions, local communities, civil society, industry and schools. Together, they will design and commit to a set of pledges to bring about a change in behaviour, from the individual to the largest multinational”. The other guidelines are entitled: an economy that works for people; a Europe fit for the digital age; promoting our European way of life; a stronger Europe in the world; and a new push for European democracy. is left behind. To achieve this objective, the ESF+, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, Invest EU and a new Just Transition fund need to be robust enough”. “Social dialogue should be promoted at all levels, as the EU’s social dialogue can only work when built on strong, autonomous national social partners. Likewise, collective bargaining should also be supported, as it constitutes an important feature of our social market economy. As Commissioner, I will fully engage in a dialogue, both with the European Parliament and the Council, but also with national parliaments and national social partners”. “More than ever, facts need to drive our discussion. My work will be based on thorough analysis and impact assessment of our initiatives, drawing on inspiration also beyond the EU, from our partners in the G7 and the G20, and working with international organisations like the International Labour Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development”. Guidance Commissioner-elect Schmit is due to act in the framework of the political guidelines set out by President von der Leyen (see box) together with Executive Vice-president-elect Valdis Dombrovskis, in charge of “an economy that works for people”, who is also responsible for the commissioners handling economic and financial affairs, trade and regional policy. At all levels: the EU’s social dialogue can only work when built on strong, autonomous national social partners. SOC I A L AG E NDA / NOV E MB E R 9