The first “structured dialogue” between EU institutions and European and national associations of local communities on flexibility and security on the labour market was held at the seat of the Committee of the Regions in Brussels on 28 September, at the request of the European Commission. Over a hundred representatives of European organizations participated in the debate. They included exponents of the Assembly of the Regions of Europe, the Trades Unions Confederation, the Union of Communes, the European association for the promotion of equal opportunities and the Network of Cities and Regions for the social economy. Many representatives of the Regions also took part in the debate. The concept of ‘flexicurity’ – combining the “flexibility of contractual terms with security of employment” – is aimed at introducing into EU and national legislation new provisions to the benefit not only of firms but also of workers. The European Commission has adopted flexicurity as a key element in European social dialogue for the improvement of working conditions.
