Over half a million people around the globe have demanded a strong EU law to hold corporations accountable for their impact on human rights, including trade union and workers’ rights, and the environment.
These demands were made as part of the public consultation launched by the European Commission to get the input of citizens and organisations on the new EU legislation on corporate accountability that is due to be published in June 2021.
This week, the European Commission organizes a series of virtual events for EU Industry Days 2021. ETUC takes this opportunity to remind policy makers about the crucial importance of EU industry for European prosperity and highlight its key recommendations ahead of the publication of the revised New Industrial Strategy for Europe, expected in mid-March.
Dear Ministers,
We are writing to you in view of the discussions taking place in the informal meeting of employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs ministers on 22 February 2021, on the forthcoming Commission’s proposal on the Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Social Summit.
The new CAP needs social conditionality - End exploitation and raise labour standards in European agriculture
Together with other 300 organisations, the ETUC signed this open letter addressed to key Commissioners, EU Parliament negotiating MEPs, and national agriculture ministers
ETUC position on the assessment of the Regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility. A first step toward a People’s Recovery
Adopted this document at the extraordinary virtual Executive Committee Meeting of 9th February 2021
European youth are severely affected by the pandemic. One in six young people lost their job due to the economic consequences of COVID-19. In September 2020, the EU youth unemployment rate was 17.1%. Youth unemployment has soared in several countries, including Spain (40,5%), Italy (29,7%), Bulgaria (18,3%) and France (19,6%).
The ETUC is deeply worried about the deterioration of the relationship between Russia and the EU and firmly condemns the expulsion by the Moscow authorities of three EU diplomats from Germany, Poland and Sweden, after they expressed concerns for the state of human rights in the country.
The ETUC doesn't interfere in internal political affairs of foreign countries, but shall not refrain from denouncing any situation of violation of human and democratic rights, wherever it happens.
Trade unions from across Europe (including the European Trade Union Confederation and unions in Ukraine) are urging the European Union to implement the commitments to social justice made under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, when the Association Council meets in Brussels today (Thursday). The meeting will focus on several areas including political reforms, rule of law and security, economic cooperation and trade, as well as the EU immediate assistance to the country in view of the COVID19 challenge.
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 9th February 2021
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomes the European Commission’s intention to revise both Directive 98/24/EC, on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work (Chemical Agents Directive or CAD), and Directive 2009/148/EC, on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (Asbestos at Work Directive or AWD).
ETUC PRIORITIES FOR THE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTING THE EUROPEAN PILLAR OF SOCIAL RIGHTS
(full version available on the dedicated website https://est.etuc.org/socialpillar)
GENERAL PRINCIPLES