Von Der Leyen Signs European Social Dialogue Agreement
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been only one year since we met in Val Duchesse and promised to set out a new Pact for European Social Dialogue. In that period, the world has been transformed. Artificial intelligence has evolved at breakneck pace. In just a few months, we could have models that approach human reasoning. Global competition has become even fiercer and more disruptive. And the threat of tariffs on the other side of the Atlantic is imminent. This is a watershed moment for Europe’s economy. A moment of transition and transformation. By the end of the decade, we have to double the number of workers in digital and AI. At the same time, the shift to clean energy will create over 1 million new jobs by 2030. Massive investments are needed in skills, in AI adoption, in energy, and digital infrastructure.
These facts and figures clearly show why we need a new Pact for European Social Dialogue. In other parts of the world, economic transformation is planned and dictated by the government, or it is driven simply by the logic of profit. The European social market economy is different. When technologies shift, when industries evolve, it is our social dialogue that ensures fairness and sustainable success. For all. Employees and employer. Because all know that we can only be successful over a long period of time if working together. Social dialogue turns disruptive innovation into progress for all. It keeps the well-being of competitive companies and workers at the heart of everything we do.
In a changing world, Europe must change too. Social partners will help drive that change. You know best what business and workers need to thrive. You know best where our rules need to be updated. In this moment of uncertainty, Europe’s well-balanced system of collective bargaining is a competitive advantage. And with this Pact, we commit to putting social dialogue at the heart of European decision-making. We will now consult with you on all new proposals that affect you. Let me set out three of these areas, where social dialogue will be key in the coming months.
First, implementing the Clean Industrial Deal. This is our plan for European industry and workers – to deliver climate action and competitiveness in one strategy. Here we need your input. For example, on how we can facilitate offshore oil and gas workers to transition to new roles in offshore wind or ocean energy. Or how we can train and upskill the 800,000 workers needed in the battery sector, to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. Because when it comes to details of what companies and workers need, nothing can replace the collective expertise of a strong social dialogue.
Second, social dialogue is central to our work with Europe’s automotive, chemical and steel sectors. These industries are struggling with structurally high-energy costs. Their supply chains are exposed to an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment. And often they are facing unfair competition. There is state-sponsored over-capacity from China. And there is the US announcement to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports. Let me be clear: Europe will always stand for open markets and fair competition. But we will act when the interests of our businesses and workers are threatened. Here too, we will continue to work closely with you. To ensure that the future of these industries is in Europe.
Finally, social dialogue is key to deliver a true Union of Skills. If we want to lead in the industries of tomorrow – we need workers with the right skills. That means investing in education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and maths. And encouraging more girls and women into these subjects. It also means investing in training and upskilling. The motivation and the need for action are there. 60% of European workers believe they will need new knowledge or skills to make the most of AI. Digital Europe estimates that we need at least 300,000 new cybersecurity professionals by 2030. So let us jointly invest in digital skills across the labour force. But also, in highly specialised expertise. Again, we need the support of you, our social partners. You are the best placed to see what skills are needed and what is missing.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
By signing this Pact, we reaffirm our commitment to social dialogue. But most importantly, we agree to work shoulder-to-shoulder, to jointly address the most pressing challenges of our time.
Thank you. And long live Europe.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_689