The voice of 8 million European public service workers

Economic Policy

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Mar. 20, 2025

A conference room with participants seated around a U-shaped table, engaging in discussions with laptops and documents in front of them. Some attendees wear headsets, and interpreters can be seen in a glass booth in the background.

NEA Committee tackles the far right and austerity

Austerity, far right, and telework on agenda for national and federal government workers.

Mar. 13, 2025

A modern conference room with a row of empty black office chairs lined up along a sleek meeting table. A blurred black-and-white mural in the background depicts a street scene with cars and a pedestrian

EPSU EWC Network meets to discuss company policy and priorities

Omnibus Law and trade union experts in EWCs on agenda in Brussels meeting.

Mar. 12, 2025

A large group of protesters march through a city street holding a banner that reads '#ApplauseIsNotEnough' with demands for higher pay, more staff, and no commercialisation in health and care services. Participants carry trade union flags and wear warm clothing.

Five years of COVID-19: what lessons have been learned?

New EPSU op-ed reflects on how COVID exposed the flaws in Europe's health systems.

Mar. 07, 2025

International Women’s Day: Pay transparency and equality cannot be compromised

On 8 March we remember that our fight is for peace and equality and our strength is in solidarity.

Mar. 06, 2025

A modern circular conference room with a colourful geometric ceiling and matching carpet. The room has a central round table surrounded by chairs, microphones, and nameplates. A few people are standing and taking photos or reviewing documents. Two screens display a video feed.

EPSU: Security must be based on social and economic justice and democracy

Europe can have no lasting peace without social and economic justice, democracy, and human rights.

Mar. 05, 2025

A joint statement banner with bold text reading 'Europe needs an ambitious Social Fund.' Behind it, a document titled 'Time for ambition: The EU needs a strong Social Fund to live up to its commitments' is visible, featuring multiple organisational logos.

Europe needs an ambitious and independent Social Fund

The next EU budget must include a strong Social Fund to drive social cohesion.

Mar. 03, 2025

ETUC launches counter opinion on Minimum Wage Directive case

Calls to reverse Minimum Wage Directive are based on flawed interpretations of EU case law.

Feb. 26, 2025

Clean Industrial Deal neglects workers

The Commission's Deal falls short of protecting workers, people and the planet and fails to recognise the essential role of public services.

Feb. 20, 2025

The glass facade of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) building, reflecting the sky and surrounding buildings. White text on the glass displays the EESC's name in French and Dutch, along with the website URL. A blue banner with bold white text overlays the image, reading: 'HOW CAN PUBLIC SERVICES TACKLE INFLATION?'

EESC hearing on how public services can tackle inflation

Workers, employers, Commission discuss the role of quality public services in addressing high cost of living.

Feb. 18, 2025

Belgian unions mobilise against new government’s austerity plans

100,000 protested in Brussels against austerity measures threatening public services, pensions, and workers' rights.

Feb. 10, 2025

EPSU releases policy briefing on social investment

EPSU's policy briefing warns about the risks posed by the EU’s shifting priorities and outlines key proposals for fairer taxation and sustainable public funding.

Jan. 30, 2025

A protest banner with the words 'European Public' partially visible is held in the foreground, while in the background, the European Commission building in Brussels is visible with EU flags waving. Bold white text on a blue background overlays the image, reading: 'Competitiveness Compass: Not for People and Public Services.'

EU Competitiveness Compass: not for people and public services

The new European Commission's first major initiative treats public services as secondary to market competitiveness.

Jan. 13, 2025

Better regulations safeguard social and environmental protections

EU Competitiveness Compass must safeguard social and environmental protections

EPSU and 270 other civil society organisations call on Commission to prioritise people over deregulation.

Jan. 08, 2025

2025 January EPSU Collective Bargaining Newsletter No.1

Belgium: Unions marched against ‘grinch-like’ austerity plans

On 13 December 2024, Belgian trade unions staged a demonstration in Brussels against austerity measures being negotiated by the incoming government. The protest was organised by the FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV, and CGSLB/ACLVB, and supported by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Unions criticised planned cuts to public services, social protection, and pensions, as well as proposals to weaken working conditions, reduce overtime pay for night and weekend work, and raise VAT on essential goods. These measures, they argued, would exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis faced by workers

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Dec. 05, 2024

EESC Tackling the rise of cost of living November 2024

Workers’ group European Economic and Social Committee discusses Cost of Living Crisis

The increases in the cost of living have hit workers and communities hard. Many have difficulties paying their rent, food and other basic necessities.