European social partners to promote social dialogue in Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro and Serbia

Brussels, 21 January 2015 – To promote the European social dialogue in three EU candidate countries – Montenegro, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the European social partners will meet representatives of national employers and trade unions of these countries at a seminar in Belgrade on 22 and 23 January 2015.

The key goal of ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME is to help social partners in these countries better understand the role and functioning of the European social dialogue in view of their countries’ accession to the EU, and supporting the development of social dialogue between national organisations and/or their respective members.

Social dialogue is an important feature of the European model of economic and social development. In many EU countries, social partners play a substantial role in determining working conditions. As a significant vehicle of policy-making at EU and national levels, it allows devising arrangements that reflect the needs of enterprises and employees.

Engaging in a properly structured, responsible and effective social dialogue will also be key in the candidate countries for developing the framework conditions for long-term economic growth and job creation. Existence of strong, representative and independent employers and worker’s organizations is a prerequisite for an effective social dialogue at all appropriate levels. Further the recognition of national social partners in these countries through their consistent and effective consultations by governments is an essential component to make social dialogue a success.