The Socialists and Democrats today call on the European Commission and the EU Council to fully respect the role of social partners in Europe, following a meeting with representatives of employers and employees associations.
 
S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:
 
"The relationships with social partners are fundamental for the European project and its social dimension. We are very unhappy that the social dialog was not included in the European semester. This must be changed.
 
"We also believe that social partners must be systematically consulted and involved on any legislative proposals under consideration before they are formally proposed or wherever it is appropriate. In particular this should be the case for the upcoming mobility package.
 
"We demand that the results of social dialogues should be taken seriously. They also should lead consequently to corresponding initiatives from the Commission to be discussed by EU governments and the European Parliament."