Sustainable development

First dialogue on climate change between the European social partners

May 2011

On 13 May 2011, CEC attended the first dialogue on climate change between the European social partners and the European Commission services. This high-level meeting initiated a new thematic among the European social dialogue. As climate change has consequences on employment and social policies, this meeting aimed at discussing the current initiatives of the social partners, as well as future challenges and opportunities in building a low-carbon European economy.

Indeed, besides national and European policy initiatives, social partners have already launched their own initiatives, thus developing a strong expertise (such as own sectoral roadmaps, training sessions...). They are also best placed to follow up climate-related social and employment issues, in particular via specific sectoral committees (on agriculture, construction...).

This first meeting paved the way for regular exchanges between all stakeholders in the next months and years. As the success of policies and strategies addressing climate changes are partly in the hands of employees and managers, who can directly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions within their companies, CEC is fully committed to support corporate initiatives towards a low-carbon development pathway.

Read the meeting's conclusions

Council for Employment and Social Affairs adopts conclusions on green economy

December 2010

The new EU's economic strategy, EU2020, stresses the need for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It means that while building a competitive and innovative economy, the EU is also committed to boost green economy and green jobs. Building a low-carbon and resource efficient economy is essential to safeguard the environment and prevent biodiversity loss and the unsustainable use of resources. Thus, the Council of ministers for Employment and Social Affairs has adopted conclusions on how employment policies and labour markets of Member States might participate in boosting green jobs. Supportive labour markets and employment policies designed to promote the transition towards greener occupations are essential in developing more environmentally-friendly economic growth. These conclusions complete the Council conclusions of 7 June 2010 "New skills for new jobs - the way forward", which focused on the development of efficient education and training systems to better meet the future needs of the labour market, in particular regarding growing sectors as green sector. Indeed, to achieve the goals of the EU2020 strategy, interconnected policies and guidelines aiming at shaping national and European policies towards green economy are crucial.

Read the Council's conclusions

Read the final report endorsed by the Employment Committee "Towards a greener labour market - the employment dimension of tackling environmental challenges"