Debate on the future of the European social model
Eurofound, an EU agency dealing with surviving and working conditions, is celebrating this year's 50th anniversary of its activities in Dublin during the Jubilee Forum European Social Model – Key to Competitive Growth. The event brought together representatives of governments, EU institutions, the technological community and the social partners, including the Leviathan Confederation, Dr Andrzej Rudka. The discussions were embedded in the context of the challenges of technological, demographic and climate transformation and their impact on the improvement of the European social model.
The talks included: Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin, Minister for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana MînzatuMember of the European Parliament Li Andersson, Director-General of Eurofound Ivailo Kalfin and economist and author of best sellers Daniel Susskind.
The speeches focused on how to keep the competitiveness of the economy while preserving the European social model, especially in the context of the fast improvement of artificial intelligence, green transformation and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Panels and sessions were accompanied by discussions on quality of work, employment conditions, access to public services and the function of social partners in responding to economical and technological change.
Daniel Susskind
Micheál Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland
Decisions of the Eurofound Governing Board
At the yearly Governing Board meeting, held in parallel with the agency's 50th anniversary, an ambitious Eurofound programme for the period 2026–2027 was accepted. It shall include projects concerning:
- improving working conditions and social dialogue;
- monitoring changes in the labour market,
- minimum wage,
- the effects of digital transformation,
- the quality of life of citizens in EU countries.
Another edition will besides be published in 2026 European Working Conditions survey (EWCS) – 1 of the key studies to compare working conditions in all EU countries.
The Council besides adopted a advice to extend the word of office of manager Ivailo Kalfin for another 5 years (the final decision belongs to the European Commission) and to choice a fresh bureau:
- Jerzy Ciechanski – president (government group),
- Stefania Rossi – Vice-President (Employer Group),
- Salvatore Marra – Vice-President (worker group),
- Jeroen Jutte – a typical of the European Commission.
Polish contribution to Eurofound’s work
Eurofound was set up in 1975 as the first of the presently around 50 EU agencies to support the common interests of the Union and its citizens. Since Poland's entry into the EU, representatives of the Lewiatan Confederation have been participating in the Management Board of the Agency, representing Polish employers. Dr. Andrzej Rudka presently serves this function.
About Eurofound
Eurofound is an EU agency based in Dublin. It provides information, analyses and expertise on working conditions and sustainable work, industrial relations, changes in the labour market, quality of life and public services. All data and publications are available free of charge on the Agency’s website.
