Europe’s existing economic model is unsustainable for the environment and for society. There will be neither social justice nor employment on a dead planet. The ETUC welcomed the UN Paris Agreement in 2015 as well as the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called on governments to live up to their commitments.

In accordance with ‘just transition’ principles, the ETUC demands a policy framework that will accelerate the shift to a green, sustainable, low-carbon economy, while keeping and creating quality jobs. The changes ahead imply concrete challenges for workers, that must be anticipated through industrial relations. Specific policy instruments, including policy planning and funding mechanisms, must secure labour transitions through training and, when needed, must strengthen the existing safety net provided by social protection systems. Action to mitigate and adapt to climate change must maximise the creation of quality jobs through investment and innovation and climate action should provide concrete answers to the concerns of workers and communities that depend on carbon-intensive activities.