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The Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis and the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz as well as managers of social partners' organisations participated in the opening of the Conference.
The Minister for Welfare Augulis informed the participants that during the informal meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs which will take place in April in Riga the attention will be focused on social dialogue. "We can see an extensive support to strengthening of the social dialogue at different levels and forms. European countries face long-term changes in their economies and labour markets. Such factors as technological progress, ageing, rapid development of other regions of the world and migration have become stronger in the Member States. Under such conditions many of them have concerns about the lack of true social dialogue. We can also ask whether the change of balance in discussions, sensed by the social partners, is brought about by the consequences of the economic and financial crisis or changes in labour relations," Augulis elaborated.
At the same time the Minister stressed in his speech that nobody has doubts that the issue of the capacity of social partners is extremely important if we wish to see qualitative and efficient contribution of social dialogue to the policy processes. It is vital to strengthen the capacity of social partners at national level also through activities at the European Union level at the same time keeping in mind that it is primary the responsibility and opportunity of social partners to attract members. In this respect the cooperation with social partner organisations of European level is important.
"I would like to emphasize the role of social partners in improvement of skills and training necessary for the labour market. In these issues the participation of social partners in mutual training activities among the European Union Member States has brought considerable contribution. Therefore calls to assess also other fields of policy, for instance, active ageing where the contribution of social partners could improve the implementation of policies, have their reasonable grounds," Augulis stated confidently.
The Minister believes that when thinking about strengthening the social dialogue one must remember also the civic dialogue. Of course, both have their place and role but it must be admitted that in certain fields the involvement of civic society can help achieving better results. For instance, it pertains to the support provided by non-governmental organisations to youth activity events which are important in implementing the initiative "Youth Guarantee".
At the conclusion of his speech the Minister for Welfare Augulis welcomed the wide support to strengthening and renewal of social dialogue. Currently it is important to find new fields and ways for true, effective and responsible dialogue from all parties involved.
All through the day of the conference various working groups were discussing such topics as role of social dialogue in legislation, meaning of investments in growth, strengthening of social partners' capacity at national level and other topics.
