CEC European Managers participates in EU Social Partner Liaison Forum to advance quality jobs and social dialogue in Europe
CEC European Managers participated in the latest EU Social Partner Liaison Forum on 7 November 2025, reinforcing its commitment as a recognised European Social Partner and contributing to discussions on the European Commission’s 2026 work programme, the EU’s quality jobs agenda, and new Eurofound data on working conditions.
The meeting brought together European and sectoral social partners, alongside the European Commission, to reflect on upcoming legislative priorities, evolving workplace realities, and the crucial role of structured dialogue in Europe’s social model.
From the outset, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the message that social dialogue remains firmly embedded in the EU’s political and institutional agenda.
Social dialogue is here to stay.
European Commission, Liaison Forum, Brussels
7 November 2025
CEC European Managers welcomed this clear commitment to continued cooperation and shared responsibility in shaping and implementing European social policy.
Quality jobs and trust-based cooperation at the centre of the agenda
A key point of discussion was the forthcoming Roadmap on Quality Jobs, a strategic initiative developed through extensive consultations with European and national social partners.
The Commission emphasized that this dialogue has been unprecedented in its scope, encompassing all Member States and multiple sectors.
Partners, including CEC European Managers, were recognised as the first contributors to this process and will also be the first to review the final roadmap when it is officially presented on 12 December 2025.
CEC European Managers underlined that managers are essential actors in delivering fair, productive and healthy workplaces, and that leadership quality must remain a central pillar in debates on job quality.
As Europe faces skill shortages, digital transformation, and organisational change, managers’ ability to lead responsibly and sustainably becomes even more critical.
The European Commission confirmed that a Quality Jobs Act is planned for later in 2026, with foreseen action on enforcement of labour rules, psychosocial risks, algorithmic management and the right to disconnect. The initiative will be grounded in a careful approach, balancing innovation, competitiveness and social protection.
Reflecting the tone of the discussion, Commission speakers emphasised that simplification efforts are aimed at clarity and consistency — not deregulation.
“The goal is not deregulation, but clearer rules and less fragmentation,” explained Filip Tanay, adding that much of the current administrative burden stems from differing national interpretations rather than EU legislation itself.
Better coordination on cross-border social security, streamlined worker declarations and clearer pay transparency rules were cited among upcoming improvements.
Ensuring European values also apply in new strategic sectors
The forum also addressed concerns regarding labour standards in defence-related supply chains, an increasingly relevant area given the EU’s strategic investment in security and resilience.
Civil society and trade union voices called for vigilance to ensure that competitiveness is not pursued at the expense of labour protections.
Responding to this, the Commission reassured participants that “no erosion of workers’ rights is being considered”, clarifying that the objective is to provide guidance and flexibility within existing frameworks — not to weaken standards.
Evidence-based policy: Eurofound reveals trends on work and wellbeing
The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) was also present at the Liaison Forum.
Eurofound is a tripartite European Union Agency, whose role is to provide knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies.
Eurofound presented the first results from the 2024 European Working Conditions Survey, offering a comprehensive picture of working life trends across Europe.
Findings reveal an overall improvement in job quality, along with growing opportunities for training and skills development.
Disparities persist, with women reporting higher work intensity and emotional demands, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, where labour shortages and pressure remain acute.
Barbara Gerstenberger
Head of the Working Life Unit. Eurofound
Participation and representation were identified as stabilising factors in managing workplace change.
A declining index of organisational participation was presented as a warning signal, as lower involvement tends to heighten perceptions of insecurity.
Eurofound also highlighted the rapid emergence of algorithmic management, noting that generative AI is now used by one in eight European workers, and task allocation algorithms are increasingly present in sectors such as transportation and finance.
As Eurofound noted during the meeting, the role of social partners in shaping responses to these trends is becoming increasingly important as workplaces evolve.
The data also underscored growing awareness of occupational health risks, with the striking observation that “sitting is the new smoking” capturing attention in relation to modern work patterns.
A forward-looking vision for Europe’s labour market
The session also provided an overview of the ambitious 2026 policy agenda, with significant initiatives expected in areas such as vocational education and training, poverty reduction, social economy development, labour mobility, and the single market.
The Commission affirmed that policy effectiveness is greatest when social partners help shape both design and implementation.
As one official noted, “Practice shows that initiatives work better when social partners are involved.”
CEC European Managers fully shares this view and continues to promote leadership excellence, managerial responsibility, and social partner cooperation as fundamental pillars for Europe’s competitiveness and social cohesion.
Strong collaboration ahead
A dedicated meeting between social partners and the Commission is scheduled for December, where the final Roadmap on Quality Jobs will be presented.
CEC European Managers remains committed to contributing constructively to these discussions, supporting responsible management practices, and ensuring that managers’ voices continue to strengthen the European social model and the quality of work across the Union.
