The theme of this tripartite summit, 'Europe's global role and our social and economic strength', allowed us to have a good discussion.
And quite a timely one - because right now, global events have a direct impact on our economy, from Russia's war on Ukraine to Houthi terrorism in the Red Sea.
But the strength of our economy and social fabric also determines our capacity to respond to these events.
The first topic was about an industrial strategy complementing the Green Deal, with quality jobs at its heart.
So it is about Europe's global industrial edge, and how to keep it. We have our roadmap. It's the European Green Deal.
Back in 2019, we launched it as our new growth strategy, to give Europe a competitive advantage on the global stage – because the world is moving towards clean technologies.
And we want the clean economy of the future to be made in Europe. We are on track.
Take energy: we have ended our dependence on Russian fossil fuels, by massively investing in renewables.
For the first time ever, in 2023 we produced more electricity from wind alone than from gas.
And we are now focusing on the infrastructure for an electrified economy, with an electricity market reform that favours renewables. They bring energy prices down, and are driving our competitiveness up.
Now, the first phase of the European Green Deal was about building the legal framework of our clean transition.
Today, these foundations are complete. We have entered a new phase. Now it is all about implementation.
Every sector is now crafting its own path to climate neutrality.
A work supported by the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
We recently launched the Clean Transition Dialogues.
In the Clean Transition Dialogues, we are bringing together all stakeholders, from companies to trade unions.
And from critical sectors for the clean transition, like hydrogen or energy-intensive industries.
We asked them what they need to reach climate neutrality.
They gave us feedback and recommendations, and we will take stock next month.
We all want a strong and competitive European industry.
That is good for companies, and good for our workers.
This brings me to my second point.
We also discussed how to tackle skills and labour shortages,
Today, the Commission presented a dedicated Action Plan.
It focuses on five objectives.
First, bring more people into the job market, with more childcare options for example.
Second, step up our investment in up-skilling and reskilling.
Third, improve working conditions.Today we also presented a reinforced proposal for quality traineeships.
And fourth, make it easier to move inside the EU.
And finally, whenever necessary, attract more talent from outside the European Union. This includes Talent Partnerships and legal pathways to Europe through education.
I want to thank the social partners for your important contribution to this action plan.
This is in the spirit of Val Duchesse.
We are putting social dialogue at the heart of our future.
And we are looking forward to the La Hulpe conference in April, under the auspices of the Belgian presidency.
