Reacting to the European Council Conclusions, published today, on security and defence, the ETUC calls for a redoubling of efforts for peace.
The ETUC is deeply concerned with the current state of peace and security in Europe and the world, along with the extraordinary growth in the number of wars and violent conflicts.
In a globalised world, grappling with issues of concern to working people throughout Europe, including the cost of living crisis and the need to retain and create more quality jobs is strategically important. The Tripartite Social Summit, taking place in advance of the European Council meeting, recognised the importance of an economically and socially strong Europe to play its role in the world. The ETUC contribution underscored the need for a European Industrial Strategy.
Middle East
The EU must prioritise the use of the wide range of diplomatic and conflict resolution tools at its disposal. The ETUC is calling on the EU to work intensely to prevent further regional escalation in the Middle East. The ETUC has previously called on the EU for a more urgent response and the full respect for international law obligations (e.g. Grave and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza calls for more urgent EU response). The services UNRWA provides in Gaza and across the region are essential and an increase in lifesaving humanitarian aid is urgently needed. The situation in Rafah is gravely perilous.
We underscore the importance of the Peace Day Initiative and a Peace Conference outlined in the European Council conclusions. These must be convened as soon as possible and we recall the proven benefit of including trade unions in peace delegations.
We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and dialogue for peace on the basis of a two-state solution. The ETUC also reiterates our condemnation of the attack by Hamas.
Enlargement
The ETUC reiterates its condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which continues to have a devastating impact on the Ukrainian people.
The ETUC supports the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The ETUC is supporting the enlargement process and the need to provide an EU perspective to accession countries. At the same time, it is key to ensure the full respect for the social acquis for admission to the EU, including the respect for and reinforcement of social dialogue and the full respect of trade union rights. Also, we call for the clear rejection of any piecemeal approach to accession discussions: there should be no access to the internal market, or parts of it, without full alignment with the social acquis.
EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029
In view of the special meeting of the European Council on 17 and 18 April 2024 and the ongoing discussions on the EU Strategic Agenda 2024 – 2029, we call on leaders to put social progress and the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights at the centre of the plans for the next institutional term and to put in place as a matter of urgency an ambitious European Industrial Strategy with quality jobs at its heart.
