European Commission's point of view

Social dialogue is defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to include all types of negotiation, consultation or simply exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers, on issues of common interest related to economic and social policy.

It can exist as a tripartite process, with the government as an official party to the dialogue or it may consist of bipartite relations between labour and management (or trade unions and employer organisations), with or without indirect government involvement.

Dialogue can be informal or institutionalised and often it is a combination of both.

It takes place at either national, regional or company level.

It can be inter–professional, sectoral or a combination of all of those.

The social dialogue and the quality of industrial relations are at the centre of the European social model. The social dialogue is the driving force behind successful economic and social reforms. It has arrived at a crossroad, and has a considerable scope of action, extended further by the prospective of enlargement and the backup it requires. It is the vehicle for core values of participation and responsibility based on firmly rooted national tradition and provides a suitable framework for managed modernisation, also in the candidate countries. To take on this role properly at European level, it needs, however, to broaden its practices, diversify its operational methods and use, to its best advantage the entire bargaining area.

The legal framework


The treaty of Rome, modified by the treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam, makes the European Commission responsible for promoting and supporting the European social dialogue.

Article 138 of the EC Treaty


Article 139 of the EC Treaty


The cross industry social dialogue


The sectoral social dialogue


The European Commission's communications and decision


Communication 322 "Adapting and promoting the Social Dialogue at Community level" - 1998


Decision on the establishment of Sectoral Dialogue Committees - 1998


Communication 341 "The European Social Dialogue, a force for innovation and change" - 2002



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Version française

Présentation de EASE en français!

Database social partners

Database of the employer and employee organisations in the EU25 (as of 31.12.2006)

EQF projects

10.05.25
EASE was involved in the project called "European Qualifications Framework for Outdoor Animators" - EQFOA project (Oct. 06 - Sept. 08) led by SkillsActive (UK Full Member of EASE). EASE is now involved in its follow-up named CLO2 project: “Professionalising training and mobility for Outdoor animators in Europe bridging the gap between sector Competences and Learning Outcomes” (1st Oct. 08 - 30th Sept. 10). The CLO2 project's final conference will be organised in Leuven (Belgium) on 16th and 17th September 2010.
See Project partner

European social dialogue in professional football

The European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for professional football – launched on 1st July 08 – brings together the International Federation of Professional Footballers' Associations-Division Europe (FIFPro) and the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL). The employers' side is complemented by the European Club Association (ECA). Given the specificity of sport governance, the social partners have invited UEFA to chair their dialogue.
Press release EN / FR

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