Article

Social dialogue conference held in electricity sector

Published: 7 November 2002

The European-level social partners in the electricity sector – Eurelectric for employers and the European Mine, Chemicals and Energy Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) for employees – held a joint conference in Budapest on 19-20 September 2002. The theme of the conference was the social implications of electricity sector restructuring in the candidate countries (those applying to join the European Union). Held within the framework of the European-level social dialogue process in which Eurelectric, EMCEF and EPSU participate (EU9902151F [1]), the conference was attended by around 90 delegates in total, representing employers, employees and the governments of the candidate countries.[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/undefined-business/social-partners-assess-implications-of-internal-electricity-market

A two-day European-level electricity sector social dialogue conference was held in September 2002. Participants discussed a range of issues relating to social dialogue and liberalisation in the industry, in both the EU and the candidate countries.

The European-level social partners in the electricity sector – Eurelectric for employers and the European Mine, Chemicals and Energy Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) for employees – held a joint conference in Budapest on 19-20 September 2002. The theme of the conference was the social implications of electricity sector restructuring in the candidate countries (those applying to join the European Union). Held within the framework of the European-level social dialogue process in which Eurelectric, EMCEF and EPSU participate (EU9902151F), the conference was attended by around 90 delegates in total, representing employers, employees and the governments of the candidate countries.

During the first day of the conference, speakers detailed recent liberalisation developments in EU Member States (EU0101289N), with European Commission officials, consultants and industry representatives outlining their own experiences in this area.

The second day was devoted to the experience of the candidate countries. Speakers noted that, while the social dialogue process was relatively well-developed in the EU Member States, it has to date been more difficult for the process to gain a foothold in the candidate countries (TN0207102F). It was generally agreed that, in order for the social dialogue to be developed to a greater extent in these countries, priority must be given to the recognition of the social partners and the establishment of social dialogue processes. It was also emphasised by many speakers that the 'acquis communautaire' (the body of all EU law, which must be implemented by candidate countries before they can accede to the EU) in the social field should be adhered to.

Finally, the delegates agreed that EU enlargement is a major issue for both the candidate countries and the present EU Member States. Within this context, the social dialogue process itself can provide a basis for addressing a range of issues which are pertinent to this sector. It was therefore agreed that the European Commission should assist the candidate countries in learning about the sectoral social dialogue before they formally join the EU.

Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.

Eurofound (2002), Social dialogue conference held in electricity sector, article.

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