• 20.06.2022 Document

    ETUC statement on minimum taxation delay

    The ETUC expresses its concern at the lack of progress on the adoption of a minimum level of taxation, which is another illustration of the need to get rid of the unanimity requirement in Council. The ETUC has welcomed the EU proposal as a timid but important first step in reducing the most damaging corporate tax practices in the EU. In addition to depleted public budgets, we underline the disastrous impact of corporate tax avoidance on employment. Hiding corporate profits in tax havens stands in the way of fair wages and sustainable business.
  • 16.06.2022 Document

    Letter to Deputy Permanent Representatives to the EU on the Women on Boards Directive

    Brussels, 16 June 2022 Dear Ambassador, I am contacting you in relation to the Women on Boards Directive following the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 16 June 2022. The ETUC welcomes the progress made on the Women On Boards Directive, after ten years of non-action and blockage. The adoption of the agreement will hopefully clear the path for many women into key decision-making positions throughout the European Union.  
  • 19.05.2022 Document

    ETUC welcomes REPower EU and asks for more measures to shield workers and citizens from rising energy prices

    In reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences on energy markets, the European Commission adopted today its REPower EU Plan. ETUC welcomes the overall objectives of this proposal and strongly supports the willingness of the Commission to reduce EU’s energy dependency towards Russia. Reducing our energy imports is of primary importance if we want to increase pressure on Putin’s autocratic regime to put an end to its illegal war.
  • 12.05.2022 Document

    For a worker-centred trade policy – ETUC concept paper

    A renewed transatlantic cooperation on trade has to deliver for working people. This concept paper outlines key features we would want to form the framework of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The Biden-Harris Administration put on high priority a worker-centred trade policy in the US and the ETUC believes this is now also an opportunity to change the trade paradigm in Europe.
  • 21.04.2022 Document

    Letter to Commissioner Borrell on arrests in Belarus

    Dear High Representative, The situation for independent trade unions in Belarus has seriously deteriorated. On 19 April 2022, the leadership of the Belarusian Congress of Trade Unions (BKDP) - the President of BKDP Aliaksandr Yarashuk, BKDP Vice-President Siarhei Antusevich, President of Free Trade Union of Metal Workers (SPM) Aliaksandr Bukhvostau, President of Free Trade Union of Belarus (SPB) Mikalaj Sharakh - were arrested.
  • 01.04.2022 Document

    ETUC calls on MEPs to vote in favour of the European Parliament’s mandate to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on the Gender Pay Transparency Directive

    ETUC calls on MEPs to vote in favour of the European Parliament’s mandate to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on the Gender Pay Transparency Directive Brussels, 1 April 2022            To: Members of the European Parliament Dear Member of the European Parliament, I am contacting you to urge you to vote in favour of the European Parliament’s mandate to enter into trilogue negotiations.
  • 25.02.2022 Document

    Statement of the EU cross-industry social partners on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

    ETUC, Business Europe, sme united, SGI Europe
    In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and in support of the conclusions of the special meeting of the European Council of 24 February 2022, we, the European cross-industry social partners, state that: • We strongly deplore and condemn the unprovoked attack on the territorial integrity of Ukraine currently underway. This attack is an obvious violation of international law and represents a clear threat to European peace and security.
  • 07.02.2022 Document

    ETUC letter to EU leaders on the 30th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty

    Dear Presidents, Today is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. The ETUC joins many others in saluting the creation of the European Union with its social policy commitments alongside ambitious economic goals. It remains a milestone in the history of Europe and European integration. For all its faults, the European Union is a model of regional cooperation without parallel in the world. But while we should celebrate the Union, we should not overlook its failings. The house that is the EU is much needed - all the more reason to keep it in good repair.
  • 17.12.2021 Document

    Letter to Commission on TRIPS waiver for COVID vaccines

    Dear Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis, Dear Valdis, It has been nearly two years since the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Workers have stepped up, putting themselves at risk to safeguard people’s lives, livelihoods, and the global economy, and driven outstanding advances in science and medicine with the rapid development of Covid-19 tests, treatments, drugs, medical devices, personal protective equipment and, most importantly, vaccines.