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.

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.

ETUC updated answers to the renewed public consultation on the Economic Governance Review Adopted at the virtual Executive Committee Meeting of 8-9 December 2021 1. How can the framework be improved to ensure sustainable public finances in all Member States and to help eliminate existing macroeconomic imbalances and avoid new ones arising?

ETUC Guidelines to provide inputs in the Public debate for the EU Economic Governance Review Adopted at the virtual Executive Committee Meeting of 8-9 December 2021 The European Commission has relaunched the consultation on “economic governance”: the rules that govern economic policymaking across EU countries. Our aim is to move away from austerity and create conditions that bring about the permanent mobilisation of resources for investments and the financing of the European social policies.

ETUC ASSESSMENT OF AUTUMN PACKAGE AND ETUC PRIORITIES FOR THE EUROPEAN SEMESTER 2022 Endorsed at the virtual Executive Committee Meeting of 8-9 December 2021

Updated version adopted by the Executive Committee of 8-9 December The European trade union movement is extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis at the border of Poland and Belarus and calls for immediate EU action to ensure migrants’ fundamental rights are respected and their humanitarian needs are met.

Approved by the Executive Committee meeting on 8 December 2021

ETUC position on the creation of a second ETS on road transport and building and of a new Social Climate Fund Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 8-9 December 2021 Background On 14 July 2021, the European Commission published its Fit for 55 Package. This package consists in 13 legislative proposals that aim at aligning EU climate and energy policies with the new climate targets set by the recently adopted Climate Law – a GHG emission reduction of 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and climate neutrality by 2050.

ETUC position for A Just Transition Legal Framework to complement the Fit for 55 package Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 8-9 December 2021 Background On 14 July 2021, the European Commission released its Fit for 55 Package. This package consists of 13 legislative proposals that aim at aligning EU climate and energy policies with the new climate targets set by the recently adopted Climate Law – a GHG emission reduction of at least 55% by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels, and climate neutrality by 2050.

ETUC Position on the Implementation of the Employers Sanctions’ Directive Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 5-6 October 2021 Background

ETUC position on the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027  Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of date 5-6 October 2021

ETUC position on the Energy Charter Treaty Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 5-6 October 2021 Background

ETUC statement on Afghanistan Adopted by the ETUC Executive Committee on 9 September 2021 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is alarmed with the situation in Afghanistan and concerned about the security of the Afghan people, both those that remain in the country and those seeking protection. The fall of the Afghan government has demonstrated the failure of the NATO and has shown the need for a relaunch of global multilateralism, based on democracy and peace, solidarity and respect for human rights.