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European Commission - Press release Main messages from the Tripartite Social Summit Brussels, 15 October 2026 EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, a twice-yearly forum for dialogue that brings together the leaders of the EU institutions and the European social partners . Yesterday's discussion focused on ‘Driving Europe Forward' . In particular, the following topics were ad...
European Commission - Press release Main messages from the Tripartite Social Summit Brussels, 15 October 2026 EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, a twice-yearly forum for dialogue that brings together the leaders of the EU institutions and the European social partners . Yesterday's discussion focused on ‘Driving Europe Forward' . In particular, the following topics were addressed: A new Multiannual Financial Framework reinforcing a competitive business location supporting quality jobs A Single Market which delivers for workers and enterprises The President of the European Commission , Ursula von der Leyen , said: "Europe's competitiveness goes hand in hand with social fairness. It means good jobs, decent livelihoods and thriving businesses. To get there, our priorities are clear: affordable energy, a strong Single Market that protects workers' rights, quality jobs fit for the future, and a long-term EU budget that preserves Europe's social DNA. And of course, dialogue with social partners is essential to deliver. " The President of the European Council , António Costa, said: "Competitiveness is not an end in itself. Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives and well-being of European citizens, by creating quality jobs, building strong and successful European companies, and ensuring lasting prosperity and resilience. To achieve this, we must continue delivering on our ‘One Europe, One Market' agenda and completing the single market. Social partners have a vital role to play in ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for people, workers and businesses alike. A strong economy and a fair society must go hand in hand. This has been one of our Union's founding ambitions, and our next long-term budget must help turn it into reality." On behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, the Taoiseach of Ireland , Micheál Martin, said: "Europe is at its strongest when it is united and pulling in the same direction on the important issues. At today's meeting we discussed how we can work together to build a more competitive Europe, with quality jobs and high skills, underpinned by a budget that can support our ambition for what we want to achieve together. These are topics of great importance for our citizens and, as Presidency of the Council, Ireland is working to make progress on them. We are advancing work on the ‘One Europe, One Market' roadmap – the set of urgent actions the EU's institutions have agreed to make Europe more competitive and more economically resilient. We have made our compromise proposal for the Union's future budget – the MFF – and we will work closely with partners to secure agreement in the negotiations by the end of the year. We know that social and economic progress is a team effort. I reland has long understood the value of social dialogue as a way of maximising common understanding and engagement between all sectors of society. It is vital to progress, and it is an essential part of the European social model. At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating technological change it remains more important than ever." The President of BusinessEurope , Maciej Witucki, representing employers, (BusinessEurope, SGI Europe, SMEunited), said: "Translating Europe's economic ambitions into tangible improvements is more urgent than ever. It is clear that regulation is weighing too heavy on enterprises and authorities. Europe now needs to improve investment conditions so that quality jobs can flourish. We call on European leaders to intensify their efforts to simplify regulation, deepen the Single Market, and preserve competitiveness-enhancing expenditure, including investment in skills and essential infrastructure, in the next Multiannual Financial Framework." General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Esther Lynch said: "There is real anger on the streets. Working people are suffering from wages that don't keep up with sky-high housing, energy and food costs. Europe needs a policy that workers can feel in their pocket. But the discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) seem to be going in the wrong direction, with less and less for investment for tackling the growing jobs crisis. We reject proposed cuts to the MFF. Europe needs to have the courage to raise own resources, including through a European digital tax. The next EU budget must keep a strong, separate European Social Fund with more money. Every euro of public money must come with binding conditions that create quality jobs and respect collective agreements. Europe must play its part in tackling the cost-of-living crisis and driving more quality jobs for all. The Quality Jobs Act must bring in binding rules to end precarious work and exploitation." The views cited in this text are those of the individual / organisation concerned and do not collectively constitute the point of view of the European Commission. Visit the meeting page IP/26/2165 <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Louise BOGEY (+32 2 296 97 76) Eirini ZARKADOULA (+32 2 295 70 65) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
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