CEC European Managers President calls for action at the EU Social Partners meeting
European social partners met today at the European Commission. CEC European Managers President Maxime Legrand delivered a speech underscoring the urgent need for transformative action in Europe’s approach to labour and economic growth.
The event, chaired by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, provided a platform for EU social partners to discuss the future of work and economic resilience in Europe.
Legrand’s Vision: A Call for High-Quality Jobs and Sustainable Growth
In his address, Legrand outlined several key priorities, such as creating quality jobs. He emphasized that Europe must prioritize delivering high-value jobs that offer personal fulfillment and produce sustainable, innovative, high-quality goods and services.
Madam President, by 2029, we and our children will be five years older. I hope we can create a Europe that fosters innovation, production, and competitiveness while being inclusive, green, and human.
He also called for social reforms, with a renewed vision for employers, employees, and society. He proposed a shift from cost-cutting practices to investment in personal and professional growth.
To successfully guide Europe’s green and digital transitions, Legrand advocated for enhanced management training programs, stressing that leaders and managers must integrate sustainability, inclusivity, and technological advances within Europe’s economy.
Finally, Legrand emphasized the importance of trust in energy security and human capital and urged EU leaders to ensure access to affordable, reliable energy.
He called for measures to safeguard energy autonomy and initiatives to inspire a collective vision for Europe’s future prosperity.
You can download Maxime Legrand’s full speech here [+]
Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission President
Social Europe’s Future
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the critical role of social partners like CEC European Managers in shaping policies that promote both economic resilience and social progress.
Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis echoed this sentiment, noting that strong social partnerships are fundamental to creating an economy that serves all Europeans.
Commissioner Nicolas Schmit emphasized the Commission’s commitment to working closely with social partners to address issues such as job security, skill development, and social inclusion.
He underscored the need for collaboration to ensure a balanced approach to economic growth that supports Europe’s transition to a green and digital future.
A Path Forward for Europe’s Social Dialogue
The visit by CEC European Managers (in joint representation of Eurocadres through the ETUC—European Trade Union Confederation delegation) and other social partners to the European Commission is a promising gesture of commitment by the new EU Commission.
CEC European Managers, together with the partner organisations in the social dialogue and the EU’s leadership, are working to establish a future-oriented agenda that addresses Europe’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
Legrand’s speech, emphasizing action, innovation, and shared responsibility, serves as a clarion call for an economically competitive, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable European Union.
Maxime Legrand, President and Olga Molina, Director at CEC European Managers (at the centre) together with other social partners’ representatives at the Social Partners meeting with the European Commission
