SOCIAL DIALOGUE - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The Social Dialogue is a part of the European social model, the principle of which is defined in the EC Treaty. The Social Dialogue includes discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint measures by employers’ and employees’ organisations. The Social Dialogue at European level combines the values of responsibility, solidarity and participation. It supplements the national procedures in the social dialogue as they exist in the majority of Member States.

At European level, the Social Dialogue occurs in the form of:

• bilateral dialogue between the European employers’ and trade union organisations

• trilateral dialogue including public institutions

The results of the Social Dialogue at European level are many and varied. They include the conclusion of over 300 joint agreements by the European social partners. In addition, it represents the major instrument with which the social partners contribute to the establishment of European social standards. It plays a crucial role for the further social development of the European Union.

The Social Dialogue at European level has secured explicit institutional recognition in the EC Treaty (Articles 138 and 139) and in the conclusions of several important meetings of the European Council, in particular the meetings in Laeken and Barcelona.

The European Commission has set up a comprehensive internet site on the principles and results of the European Dialogue: