Support for social dialogue

This call aims at contributing to the promotion of social dialogue at cross-industry and sectoral level, developing European social dialogue, and building and strengthening the capacity of national social partners, in particular following the Covid crisis.

Definitions used in the context of this call:

a) “Social partner organisation” is either an organisation representing workers – often also referred to as "trade union" – or an organisation representing employers. They engage in some form of "social dialogue", discussing and often negotiating such issues as wages, working conditions, training, etc.

b) European-level social partner organisations (or “European-level social partners”): either organisations that are consulted in accordance with Article 154 TFEU or other European social partner organisations fulfilling the definition of social partner organisations representing workers (also referred to as trade union) or employers at regional, national or European level that are engaged in "social dialogue" i.e. the discussion and negotiation of wages, working conditions, training, etc. that are not included in this list, but which: (1) demonstrate that they represent several national social partners (fulfilling as well the definition above); (2) have a mandate of these organisations to engage in social dialogue at European level on their behalf; and (3) are involved in the preparation and functioning of European social dialogue at sector level.

This call will be used to finance consultations, meetings, negotiations and other actions, as outlined in the European Commission's Communication on The European social dialogue, a force for innovation and change (COM(2002)341), the Communication on Partnership for change in an enlarged Europe – Enhancing the contribution of European social dialogue (COM(2004)557) and the Commission Staff Working Document on the Functioning and potential of European sectoral social dialogue (SEC(2010)964).

European social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions involving organisations representing either side of industry (employers or workers).