Managers and their important role: Meeting with DG EMPL’s Director Mario Nava in Brussels

• CEC European Managers President Maxime Legrand, Deputy Secretary General Silvia Pugi, and Director Olga Molina met with DG EMPL Director General Mario Nava in Brussels.
• Mario Nava, Director-General of DG EMPL, emphasized the significant role of managers in shaping European labour policies.
• Leaders and managers were invited to continue contributing to European Social Dialogue.

In a pivotal meeting held last Thursday, 9 January 2025, at 14:30 in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) headquarters in Brussels, the leadership of CEC European Managers engaged in discussions with Mario Nava, DG EMPL‘s Director-General.

During the conversations, position papers, research outputs, and EU projects coordinated and led by CEC European Managers garnered significant interest.

On behalf of DG EMPL, Nava confirmed its intention to engage with CEC European Managers in the coming months to seek inputs, especially concerning the current focus topics, which revolve around the shortage of skills, quality jobs, internships, and apprenticeships, as well as simplifying bureaucratic procedures.

“Managers are influencers,” said Nava at the beginning of the gathering, and “as leaders, you also play a strategic role in reigniting European Social Dialogue.”

In that sense, CEC’s role in shaping European social dialogue was mentioned several times during the high-level meeting, focusing on competitiveness and facilitating critical transitions in the labour market. Managers are seen as key actors to provide solutions through concrete actions.

CEC European Managers is the only recognized social partner by the European Commission to represent exclusively leaders and managers,

From left to right: Maxime Legrand (CEC European Managers President), Olga Molina (CEC European Managers Director), Mario Nava (EU Commission’s DG EMPL Director), Silvia Pugi ( CEC European Managers Deputy Secretary General)

The delegation from CEC European Managers included Maxime Legrand, President of the organisation, Silvia Pugi, Deputy Secretary General, and Olga Molina, Director.

Representing DG EMPL, Mario Nava—who reports directly to Roxana Minzatu, EU Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Preparedness—expressed appreciation and interest in CEC‘s expertise.

Restarting Social Dialogue

The meeting was framed by discussions on the renewed efforts to “restart social dialogue.”

Members of CEC European Managers’ Board shared their satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, acknowledging that more agreements need to be reached among social partners and emphasizing the role CEC plays in the ongoing conversation.

Nava’s comments during the meeting highlighted this importance, recognizing their ability to drive change and innovation within the workplace and broader society.

The Role of Managers in EU Initiatives

During the session, Nava outlined the European Commission’s agenda for the coming months with key initiatives such as the Quality Framework for Traineeships.

“Managers have a crucial role in shaping the quality of internships and apprenticeships across Europe”, Nava said. President Legrand added, “As leaders, we can ensure these programs equip young professionals with the skills needed for future success.”

Also, the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL) team reminded three primary actions that form the backbone of their mandate, which include Addressing pensions and the organisation of the European Employment and Social Rights Forum, the strengthening of employment initiatives and enhancing social policies and supporting and empowering worker representation across member states (European Works Councils).

Mario Nava praised the collaborative relationship between CEC European Managers and other recognized social partners and noted CEC’s bridge-building role. “This role has been recognized positively by other organisations involved in the EU Social Dialogue,” he said, and added, “We need to involve social partners in policy discussions and frameworks that directly impact workers and businesses alike.”

Commitment to Competitiveness and Transition

“We are committed to contributing to a competitive and resilient European economy while facilitating the transitions needed to address digital, green, and demographic challenges” said President Maxime Legrand, who also discussed Artificial Intelligence management as a key aspect of future leadership concerning ongoing initiatives and EU projects with the European Commission.

Silvia Pugi, Deputy Secretary General, emphasized the role of innovation in fostering EU competitiveness, as she explained that leaders and managers are essential actors in EU growth.

In that regard, as one of CEC European Managers key priorities, Pugi will be leading a specific working group that will focus on how to use innovation efforts better to increase and sustain higher levels of competitiveness in line with Mario Draghi’s report.

We are committed to contributing to a competitive and resilient European economy while facilitating the transitions needed to address digital, green, and demographic challenges.

Maxime Legrand

CEC European Managers President

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the significant role managers play in promoting quality jobs, lifelong learning, and sustainable workplace practices across Europe, and Nava encouraged CEC European Managers to keep on providing substantial and concrete initiatives, as well as to maintaining a fluent and strong collaboration with DG EMPL.

Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion: Who is who?

DG EMPL develops and carries out the European Commission‘s policies on Employment and social affairs, as well as Education and training.

EU employment and social policies bring practical benefits to citizens, such as finding a job, moving to another Member State for work or other reasons, upgrading skills, etc.

DG EMPL works closely with national authorities and social partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

This Directorate-General addresses challenges linked to globalisation, the ageing of Europe’s population and changing social realities.

See DG EMPL’s organigramme here [+]