CETUN co-hosted panel discussion in Vienna on EU enlargement

With much focus in the EU enlargement debate on geopolitics lately, the event recalled the true European promise: a more social union that improves people’s living and working conditions.
Trade unions and social dialogue are essential to pave the way for a successful integration of new member states and realize a single market that upholds strong and reliable labour rights.

After introductory remarks by Helene Schuberth (Federal Managing Director, ÖGB) and Valentin Wedl (AK Wien, Department for EU and International Affairs), CETUN Project Coordinator Stefan Belabed provided input for the discussion. Following an outline of the history, current developments and procedures of EU enlargement, he honed in on the status of Montenegro and Albania in their membership negotiations as well as the implications of their accession for the labour market in Austria.

The panel discussion further explored the current challenges of the two countries in terms of employment and social dialogue. Particular attention was paid to the importance of democracy, worker participation and economic development in ensuring a successful and socially balanced enlargement process.

Panellists:

• Ivana Mihajlovic (Deputy Secretary General of the Union of Free Trade Unions Montenegro)
• Manuel Aigner (Attaché for Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro)
• Bernhard Müller (Honorary Consul of the Republic of Albania in Lower Austria) and
• Wolfgang Greif (President, Central European Democracy Forum),

Moderator: Sarah Bruckner (AK Wien)