On March 10–11, the meeting of the Executive Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), held remotely, marked a significant turning point in planning a new stage in the protection of workers’ rights. Although the meeting had originally been scheduled to take place in Cyprus, regional instability led to its relocation to the digital space. Nevertheless, the insights shared by the Cypriot delegation became an important element of the discussions.
Representatives from Cyprus emphasized that a successful transition to a green and digital economy is impossible without strong social dialogue. The country’s low unemployment rate of 4.3% and the significant increase in the minimum wage over the past six months were highlighted as examples of how the trade union movement can ensure stability even in the face of geopolitical challenges.
The Nicosia Declaration: an ultimatum for Europe’s “social soul”
The most important document adopted at the meeting was the Nicosia Declaration, regarded as a direct response to increasingly frequent calls in Brussels for economic “deregulation.” The ETUC’s position on this matter is categorical: Europe must not respond to today’s challenges by returning to earlier measures of weakening regulation and austerity.
Instead, ETUC calls for a European Investment and Transformation Agreement aimed at protecting and creating quality jobs, strengthening domestic demand, and preventing rising geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and energy prices from triggering a deeper cost-of-living and industrial crisis.
The declaration calls on European Union leaders not only for words but also for firm financial commitments. This includes prioritizing public investment in quality jobs and strengthening public procurement criteria: public money should not go to companies that avoid collective agreements.
The EU must respond to growing global instability with coordinated action that protects workers and supports strategic industries.
Public services and the preservation of fundamental values
The committee also adopted a resolution on public services, aimed at protecting this vital sector from budget cuts and privatization. Trade unions warn that weakening education, healthcare, and transport services undermines social cohesion and opens the door to radical political forces.
Another key strategic document is “Our Rights, Our Europe,” through which ETUC seeks to defend the European Convention on Human Rights and the institution of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Trade unions expressed concern about attempts by some governments to question the primacy of the Convention. ETUC’s position is clear: human rights and workers’ rights are inseparable, and the mechanisms of the ECHR are essential safeguards against authoritarian tendencies. Any attempt to challenge the authority of the ECHR is seen as a direct attack on the trade union movement.
This direction was reinforced by a report from General Secretary Esther Lynch, who announced a major mobilization action planned for September 30 near the European Parliament, as well as an event in Barcelona on April 17 dedicated to countering the far right.
Discussions also included strong opinions regarding the European Central Bank’s initiative on the digital euro. ETUC’s position is clear: technological progress must not become a pretext for monitoring or controlling workers. Trade unions insist that cash must remain accessible to everyone, which is particularly important for older workers or those with lower levels of digital literacy, in order to ensure financial inclusion and protect privacy.
Preparation for the ETUC Congress in Stockholm and activity priorities
Looking ahead, the outlines for the ETUC Congress to be held in Stockholm on May 3–6, 2027 have begun to take shape. The main focus will be on trade union renewal and the fight for secure employment.
Among ETUC’s priority objectives is active involvement in shaping the EU Quality Jobs Act, which should become a key instrument in combating precarious work and exploitation, ensuring fair conditions and a just transition across all sectors.
Amendments to the Youth Committee’s rules of procedure were also approved. From now on, young representatives will have stronger leverage to participate directly in ETUC processes, ensuring meaningful involvement in decision-making.
Response to geopolitical shocks
The Executive Committee unanimously adopted an urgent declaration on the escalating conflict in the Middle East and repression in Iran. While condemning unilateral military actions and attacks on civilian targets, members expressed solidarity with democratic movements.
ETUC warns that these conflicts are accelerating energy price increases and deepening the cost-of-living crisis in Europe. Therefore, in addition to pursuing peace, urgent measures are required to protect industry and preserve the purchasing power of citizens.
* Economic deregulation refers to a process in which the state reduces, simplifies, or completely removes rules, restrictions, and bureaucratic burdens governing economic activity in a specific sector or across the economy. It is part of liberalization aimed at promoting the free market.
Based on information provided by Tatjana Babrauskienė, the representative of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) on the ETUC Executive Committee.