Peter Heesen
President of the Europe Academy
"We can only guarantee success if we stand together in solidarity as European trade unions across borders," observed Heesen on 2 June, 2005 at the opening of the international symposium 'Social Europe and Enlargement. Towards a reinforced solidarity' held by CESI’s Europe Academy in Brussels.
The failed referenda on the EU Constitution in France and the Netherlands had made it clearer than ever "how opportunities had been missed over the last few years to get people on board in Europe regarding Europe-related social issues", noted Heesen. He added that Europe had above all been perceived as a "bureaucracy bringer". In spite of these setbacks, there could only be one stance taken by trade unions vis-à-vis social change in Europe: "We have to play an active part in this change, press on with things", said Heesen. "This is why trade union solidarity has become urgent."
Approximately 150 actors from the fields of politics, industry, science and trade unions from across Europe took part in the international symposium. They discussed the social aspects of EU enlargement and the outlook for the employment and social policy.