Brussels, 23/10/2013 The current multi-faceted crisis exploded five years ago essentially in the financial sector; it triggered an economic and then a sovereign debt crisis. To combat this crisis EU leaders have adopted and implemented policies through brutal austerity measures and internal devaluation. This exacerbated the crisis, destroyed functioning economic structures, reduced consumption, increased inequalities and poverty, attacked wage levels, dramatically raised unemployment, jeopardised social cohesion and the support to the EU project.

Brussels, 23/10/2013          •    The EU economic governance introduced unwanted interventions on collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms, particularly through the CSRs. •    In this context a new method of internal and autonomous coordination is needed to prevent and/or counter such interventions, by involving the ETUC affiliates in a multi-level exercise (EU, national, sectoral), fully respecting the autonomy of social partners at the appropriate levels.

Brussels, 22-23/10/2013 For quality jobs, equality and democracy in Europe! From 22 to 25 May 2014, elections will be organised in each Member State of the European Union (EU) to elect the MEPs who will sit in the next European Parliament (EP). In particular, the European Parliament has the power to approve or reject European laws, decide on the European budget and choose the President of the European Commission.

Brussels, 05/06/2013

Brussels, 23/04/2013 Key messages; • The key concern is that the EU needs real social investment. Social benefits bring value to individuals and to society and therefore it is justified to dedicate adequate budget resources to deliver social benefits and services to the people who are in need and entitled to social rights. Europe needs a real investment package to promote growth, employment and ensure economic and social cohesion. The ETUC has called for an additional investment equivalent to 1-2% of European GDP.

Brussels, 05/06/2013 Key messages The European Council must critically assess the European Semester to determine if the process meets the challenges of creating quality and sustainable jobs. Inadequate policies pursued by the Member States and the European Union need to be corrected. The ETUC calls on the European Union to adopt a REAL change of course and strategy by prioritising growth, jobs and social cohesion. This requires:

Brussels, 25/04/2013 On 12 March 2013, the European Commission adopted a draft negotiating mandate for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the USA. This represents a significant step-change in transatlantic relations, which collectively account for half of global GDP in terms of value. EU Member States have been given a remarkably tight timeframe to agree this mandate, which the Commission aims to conclude in time to allow negotiations to start before the summer recess this year.

Brussels, 23/04/2013

Brussels, 2012

Brussels, 05-06/03/2013 {{INTRODUCTION }} European migration policy is being deployed in a new institutional environment in which the European Parliament can intervene as co-legislator. It has opened doors to the greater involvement of civil society in a consultative role, from which the ETUC has benefitted as well.

Brussels, 06/03/2013 Introduction

Brussels, 05-06/03/2013 {{Background }} The Communication of the European Commission on Rethinking Education was published by the European Commission on 20 November 2012, accompanied by seven staff working documents: http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/rethinking_en.htm.The Communication will be integrated into Council conclusions, which will be adopted by the Education Council on 15th February 2013.

Brussels, 05-06/03/2013 {{Introduction }} The ETUC’s ambition: To continue and intensify mobilisation