On 25 March 2010, European social partners presented their framework agreement on inclusive labour markets at the Tripartite Social Summit. This framework agreement is an autonomous initiative of European social partners that has been negotiated as part of their work programmes for 2006-2008 and for 2009-2010. The framework agreement recognises that achieving inclusive labour markets is a key concern involving the shared responsibilities of employers, individuals, workers and their representatives. It aims to facilitate access, return, retention and development in the labour market and provides some examples of concrete measures that social partners can take in this respect. National social partners have three years to implement the agreement.

On 21 and 22 January, the European social partners BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC held the final conference of their joint project “Study on restructuring in the EU” which first began in 2005. The conference brought together over 100 social partner representatives from all across Europe. BUSINESSEUROPE’s Director General Philippe de Buck, speaking in the closing panel, stressed that Europe needs to embrace a more positive attitude towards economic and social integration and adapt to it instead of combating it. He added that flexicurity provides the right framework to deal with the consequences of restructuring processes.

On 15 December 2009, the European social partners BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC held a seminar in Brussels on the European Social Fund (ESF). Participants discussed how to improve the participation of social partners in the ESF and how the latter can be used more effectively to tackle the consequences of the crisis on employment. In the closing session, Director for Social Affairs Steven D’Haeseleer emphasised the importance of partnerships between authorities and social partners, the need for less bureaucracy to improve access to ESF resources and for ESF priorities to be responsive to crisis-driven needs while addressing long-term challenges.

On 25 and 26 June, the European social partners BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC held the final conference of their joint project “Participation in the European Social Dialogue... what are the social partners’ needs” which first began in 2004. The conference brought together over 100 social partner representatives from all across Europe. BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Philippe de Buck, speaking in the closing panel, stressed that the existence of a good social dialogue in a climate of confidence is key. It can limit the negative social consequences of the crisis and contribute to Europe’s recovery.