A turning point: Why the CJEU’s minimum wages ruling matters
By upholding the Minimum Wages Directive, the CJEU has set a clear signal: fair wages and strong collective bargaining are central to Europe’s social future. The judgment empowers governments to lift wage floors and tackle in-work poverty with renewed confidence.
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Event on teacher shortages
Education and active labour market policies responses. Tuesday, September 24 2024, 12:00-14:00
Towards a fair AI future for all workers | Editorial of the Secretary-General Klaus Heeger
Only if we embrace AI with foresight and responsibility, we can create thriving and inclusive work environments for all.
CESI calls for central role of teachers in the European Education Area
As part of a consultation by the European Commission on an interim evaluation of the European Education Area, CESI has called for a central role of teachers and the teaching profession in EU education policy.
Final #WEP event: Celebrating the future leaders of trade unions
On June 26, 2024, the premises of CESI in Brussels buzzed with enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment as the final event of the WEP (Workers' Exchange Program) project unfolded.
CESI calls for right to disconnect for workers in Europe
In a first phase social partner consultation run by the European Commission, CESI has spoken up in favour of a right to disconnect for workers in Europe.
Confirmation of von der Leyen as Commission President: Time to deliver for unions and workers too
In a reaction to the confirmation of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President from 2024 to 2029, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger called on the incoming European Commission to prioritise decent work, fair transitions, performing public services and inclusive social dialogue.
Metsola re-election: An opportunity to strengthen the role of the European Parliament in EU decision making
CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger welcomes the re-election of Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament.
Hungary takes on EU Presidency
The Presidency is unfortunately marred by Prime Minister Orban's and his Fidesz party's authoritarian tendencies to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the media, as well as the freedom of NGOs and universities.
Reflections on the European Elections | Editorial of the Secretary-General Klaus Heeger
The European elections are over. On the positive side, pro-European voices as well as the overall turnover remained strong, testifying widespread support for the idea of a unified Europe.
CESI holds cross-party EU elections rally
Today, on May 28, the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) held a cross-party EU elections rally to discuss EU policy demands of independent trade unions with high level representatives from European political parties.
CESI@noon: Towards a revision of the recognition of professional qualifications directive?
On May 22, CESI held an online edition of its CESI@noon series, focused on the potential need to revise the EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Event: Your Voice, Your Europe- The Time is Now
A timely #WeEP24 debate on the upcoming European elections. Register now!
CESI Expert Commission on Public Administration urges necessary public sector investments in Europe
Yesterday, on May 16, CESI's statutory Expert Commission on Public Administrations convened for its annual meeting in Brussels to discuss challenges facing the public sector.
Call for tender: European postal sector social partners solicit external expertise for EU-funded project
The European social partners in the postal sector – POSTEUROP, UNI Europa Post & Logistics, and CESI – have launched an EU-funded project on 'Skills and work environment in the digital postal transition: New analysis from the social partners,' which will run for 2 years (24 months) from May 2024 onwards.
EU elections: CESI launches social media mobilisation campaign
One month ahead of the EU elections on June 6-9 2024, CESI has launched a visual elections mobilisation campaign in the social media.
Important steps towards a fairer Europe
Editorial of Secretary General Klaus Heeger
Event: Labour shortage in the healthcare sector
Does the 2005 Professional Qualifications Directive need update? -->May 22 2024 | (Brussels – CESI office) | 12:00 – 14:00 |
Are you ready? CESI Summer Days 2024
New Technologies, AI & Gender Equality at Work: Bridging gaps, now and tomorrow | June 27 & 28 in Brussels
Don't take democracy for granted!
European Parliament campaign emphasises importance of voting in June to protect democracy
Net Zero Industry Act: A chance for more social public procurement in Europe
CESI appreciates the European Parliament plenary's approval of a new EU Net Zero Industry Act this week in Strasbourg.
New platform directive: A major win for social Europe
CESI celebrates the European Parliament plenary's approval of a new directive on fair working conditions in the platform economy as a major win for a more social Europe.
Prospective directive on violence against women to bring more equality at work
CESI salutes the European Parliament's plenary approval today of a new directive on combating violence against women, with provisions to foster more equality in employment too.
CESI welcomes forthcoming forced labour products ban
CESI welcomes today's approval by the European Parliament plenary of a new EU regulation to ban products made with forced labour from the EU market.
CESI-EPC event on the labour inclusion of Ukrainian refugees
On April 11-12, 2024, CESI and the European Policy Centre (EPC) organised a timely event focused on the crucial issue of labour inclusion of Ukrainian refugees.
La Hulpe Declaration on the Future of the European Pillar of Social Rights needs full political backing
The Belgian Council Presidency's high-level conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights earlier this week in La Hulpe saw the adoption of a new Declaration on the Future of the European Pillar of Social Rights. CESI supports the declaration and calls for its full political backing by all actors.
EPC-CESI Roundtable on labour inclusion prospects for Ukrainian refugees
In the frame of the 'Activer' project, CESI and the European Policy Centre (EPC) organised a timely event focused on the crucial issue of labour inclusion of Ukrainian refugees.
CESI participates in La Hulpe High Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights
CESI, represented by its Secretary General Klaus Heeger, is in La Hulpe today to participate at the Belgian Presidency’s long-awaited High Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights.
European Parliamentary breakfast on the protection of a work-free Sunday in Europe
On April 10, CESI, as a member of the European Sunday Alliance, co-held a European Parliamentary breakfast on the protection of a work-free Sunday in the EU.
CESI welcomes new EU initiative for fair traineeships
CESI and CESI Youth welcome the European Commission's proposals of March 20 to combat exploitative traineeships in Europe.
Upcoming on April 10: Parliamentary breakfast on ‘Sunday protection’ in EU policy
On April 10, CESI will co-host a European parliamentary breakfast together with the European Sunday Alliance on the importance of ‘Sunday protection’ in EU policy initiatives. The event will feature MEPs Miriam Lexmann, Tomáš Zdechovský and Evelyn Regner. The event will be co-moderated by CESI. Registrations are now open.
CESI encouraged by EU policy progress before EU elections
During the recent weeks, the Belgian Council Presidency and respective rapporteurs of the European Parliament have been busy closing legislative files. CESI is encouraged to see this policy progress ahead of the EU elections in June.
CESI's Manifesto for the EU Elections 2024 | Editorial of Secretary General Klaus Heeger
In our manifesto we seek to address key challenges and advocate for positive changes in the European political landscape.
CESI Firefighters’ Day 2024 in Athens: Celebrating Courage, Unity and Service
On March 11th and 12th, CESI paid tribute to the work and commitment of European firefighters. In cooperation with the Greek firefighters´ union EPAYPS, firefighters from Germany, France, The Netherlands and Greece met in Athens.
Manifesto of CESI’s Expert Commission ‘Health Services’
The manifesto sets out recommendations to improve health care service delivery in Europe through better employment conditions for the sector’s personnel, which must above all address the root causes of staff shortages.
Event: The imperative for affordable housing solutions in the EU
CESI Youth invites you to a hybrid lunchtime CESI@noon event to discuss the rising housing costs and related economic disparities and social consequences for vulnerable groups, including young adults.
CESI salutes forthcoming EU directive on fair working conditions in platforms
In a historic vote, the Council yesterday overcame an internal blockade on a new EU directive for fair working conditions in platforms. CESI salutes the new forthcoming rules, the final formal adoption of which it hopes will be a formality.
Joint letter to the Council: Integrate social and health ambitions into the next EU Strategic Agenda
The European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) has signed a joint letter, alongside 19 social and health stakeholder organisations, calling to integrate social and health ambitions into the Council's next EU Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029.
CESI's member 'CSEN' on the upcoming EU elections
Article by the French Trade Union Confederation of National Education (CSEN)
International Women’s Day: It's HER right!
On this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, the President of CESI’s Commission on Women’s Rights Kirsten Lühmann calls on policy makers to continue recent successful progress towards gender equality in the EU.
CESI Firefighters’ Day 2024 in Athens
In cooperation with the Greek firefighters´ union EPAYPS, the 2024 Firefighters’ Day will take place in Greece.
Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine: CESI calls for more central role of the EU in defence policy
As the military conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza symbolise a new era for security in Europe, CESI calls for a more central role of the EU to secure an efficient and effective defence of its Member States.
March 3: European Day for a Work-free Sunday
On this year's annual European Day for a Work-free Sunday, CESI, as a member of the European Sunday Alliances, supports the launch of its manifesto for the upcoming EU elections.
New position on an EU action plan on labour and skills shortages
CESI has issued a position on a new EU Action plan on labour shortages, demanding a holisitic European approach to increase the availability of rightly skilled workers in the labour market.
CESI@noon flags potential of strengthened European Works Councils (EWCs)
Last week, CESI held a further edition of its lunchtime event series CESI@noon. Themed 'Strengthened European Works Councils (EWCs): Can The European Commission’s Proposal Deliver?', it served to highlight the potential of strengthened EWCs for improved information and consultation practices for workers in Europe.
3rd #WEP training on communication and social media
Held on February 2, 2024, the event brought together young trade unionists eager to delve into the nuances of effective communication strategies in the realm of trade unions.
7th European Defence Round Table (EDRT): Building the future of European security in times of climate change
On February 6, CESI hosted the 7th European Defence Round Table (EDRT) event. Guest speakers, including former Luxembourgish Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, discussed the link between climate and security, and how the war in Ukraine affects EU and global climate goals.
Odd social dialogue summit held in Val Duchesse
Today, Commission President von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister De Croo co-hosted a long-announced social partner summit in Val Duchesse - an exclusive meeting of questionable format and nature.
CESI EU elections manifesto now available
CESI EU 2024 Election Manifesto is now available. Fostering trade union pluralism in Europe, improvements to the EU Acquis in employment policy and the call for a strong public service agenda are among the key demands of the document.
European Parliament meeting addresses urgent need for better working conditions in the health care sector
Yesterday, MEP Dolors Montserrat and CESI convened a hearing in the European Parliament to address the pressing need for better working conditions for health care workers in Europe.
