Make social Europe a reality

On the occasion of the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth on 17 November in Gothenburg, CEC European Managers calls for better representativity in social dialogue and for strenghtening the social dimension of Europe. In its response to the reflection paper issued by the European Commission, the managers’ organisation highlights the need for smart, adapted and inclusive social security and education for all citizens, while respecting national differences.

In its function as a European social partner organisation, CEC European Managers wants to contribute to the current debate on how the European Union should prepare to face the future challenges that await it. Following the social partners consultation on the European Pillar of Social rights, to which CEC had contributed, and at the occasion of the pillar’s proclamation during the Social Summit, CEC now makes its publication on the future of social Europe available. “Managers support the idea that social and economic progress go hand in hand. The establishment of the European Pillar of Social Rights could serve as a tool towards more social convergence in and among member states without imposing one-fits-all solutions” said Ludger Ramme, President of CEC European Managers. 

Here are the main points of the CEC document on “The Social Dimension of Europe” (please find the full version below):

• As the economy recovers, Europe must focus on answering the real needs and expectations of the people as a tool against Euroscepticism. The model of social market economy needs to be reinforced, with more attention to  social progress.
• An educational campaign to counter fake news and Eurobashing is needed: the EU must clearly explain what it is able to do, showing that isolationism is not an answer. A new narrative of Europe is necessary.
• In a fast-changing world of work, make sure that innovations in this field do not unfold to the detriment of quality employment. Social protection mechanisms need to be adaptive and evolve rapidly, to continue guaranteeing protection to all. To design the best policies and anticipate the future needs, skilled leadership is essential.
• Promote “smart” administrations and invest in education, to support students better face a labour market where professional statuses change more rapidly with new, transversal skills.
• Facing the growing diversity of our societies, we need to ensure fair and equal conditions to all to make the most of all potential (yet too often unused) pools of competences. Integration must become a priority, both in the workplace and at societal level, dealt with in a professional way. In a diverse society, the need to ensure a fair representation of all its actors become fundamental.
• The EU is more than the sum of its policies: it is an irrevocable political space for liberty, shared rights and common identity covering more than 500 million individuals. Any option aiming at limiting its scope and function to the simple dimension of the single market would be anachronistic and dangerous. Member States wishing to do more in selected domains should be given the opportunity to do so, paving the way for others to join at a later stage.

Please also find “Managers in Europe” on the managers’ vision for the future of Europe here.