They voted ‘no’ for many reasons, European and national, but fear of lower social standards and neo-liberal policies, of insecurity and precarious work, and of high unemployment played key parts.

The people rightly expect urgent action from Europe’s leaders. Not to act would encourage the opponents of the European project who are already seeking to weaken it.

The ETUC Executive Committee’s view, following a decision on 13-14 October 2004 in support of the European Constitutional Treaty, stresses that the introduction of social values, social objectives, social dialogue and the charter of fundamental rights are important steps in the right direction.

On the Constitutional Treaty now, the Member States have to take a decision about the future of the ratification process but they have responsibilities to find ways of proceeding both with the Constitutional Treaty and the development of Europe. The ETUC will continue to help to find the best possible solution.

So today, the ETUC Executive are calling on the European Council to recognise fully that

  there will be no chance of gaining popular support in all countries for Europe without a more successful economy and an effective social dimension, aiming to provide security in the process of change
  there is an overriding need to restore confidence in Europe by promoting Social Europe, more and better jobs, fundamental rights and growth-friendly macro-economic policies (see separate ETUC resolution)
  the EU and the social partners should draw up a new economic, employment and social pact reflecting a new measure of will to face the future together and make Europe fully ready to handle the globalisation process.

And the European Council has to show that it is able

  to come to an agreement on the financial perspective with a substantial programme for growth, investment and research on the basis of a fair contribution and distribution for all Member States and a clear commitment to social and regional cohesion and solidarity.

  to regain the trust of the European citizens in integrating the social dimension in European politics (for example the Services directive, working time, port services, industrial policy...) and by conducting a consultation exercise in which all relevant subjects of concern should be addressed frankly.

The ETUC Executive Committee asks for urgent action to respond concretely to the demands of workers with the objective to continue to support the European project and enlargement.

The Executive Committee will come back to the wider issues.