On 19 March 2025, the Tripartite Social Summit took place in Brussels, bringing together EU leaders and social partners to address Europe’s economic and social challenges. This high-level forum, held twice a year, provides a vital platform for dialogue between the European Commission, the European Council, and representatives of employers and trade unions. This year, the summit focused on the theme: “Bringing Europe back on track in a challenging geopolitical environment as an attractive, competitive, and investment-friendly location that protects and creates quality jobs.”
In the employers’ delegation, the sectoral dimension was represented by Ceemet, the voice of Europe’s metal, engineering, and technology-based industries, and its President, José-Miguel Guerrero from Confemetal. Considering the massive transformation MET industries are currently undergoing, Ceemet aims to bring attention to the imperative of reinforcing industrial growth and competitiveness.
In dialogue with European policymakers
The summit featured contributions from high-ranking EU officials and social partners, all of whom underscored the importance of ensuring a balanced approach to economic growth, security, and social cohesion. António Costa, President of the European Council, highlighted that structured dialogue between employers and trade unions is fundamental to Europe’s economic and social model. He stressed that fostering quality jobs, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring sustainability must go hand in hand. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, reaffirming that the success of Europe’s social market economy depends on close cooperation with social partners. In the spirit of this cooperation, less than two weeks ago, Ceemet welcomed the Social Dialogue Pact signed by the Commission and the European cross-industry social partners.
Polish Minister for European Union Affairs Adam Szłapka, speaking on behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, emphasised that Europe’s long-term security must be underpinned by a competitive and resilient economy. He argued that to maintain its global standing, the EU must prioritise investment, job creation, and a favourable business environment. Meanwhile, BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson drew attention to the burdens posed by overregulation, high energy prices, and labour shortages, calling for a determined effort to reduce regulatory obstacles and improve Europe’s attractiveness for investment.
Ceemet’s priorities: Reducing red tape and strengthening industrial competitiveness
Speaking on behalf of the MET industries, Ceemet’s President, José-Miguel Guerrero, emphasised the urgent need to reinforce Europe’s industrial base to secure economic prosperity and strategic autonomy, in addition to revitalising the common defence. He warned that Europe has been slow to recognise the importance of a resilient industry in safeguarding its long-term competitiveness and freedom. Security, he argued, is no longer just about defence; it also extends to industrial autonomy, energy independence, and the ability to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure, trade, and talent development.
President Guerrero also underscored the need for investment in skills development to accompany the industrial policy, welcoming initiatives such as the Union of Skills. However, he pointed out that a skilled workforce alone is not enough—industries require the right economic conditions to create and sustain quality jobs. Regulatory burdens, he argued, continue to stifle economic growth, and without decisive action to cut red tape, businesses will struggle to compete on a global scale and win in the war for talent. Referring to the first Omnibus simplification package, he made it clear that this should only be the beginning of a broader push to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. “If we are serious about rescuing our dwindling economy, we must break free from the stranglehold of overregulation,” he stated, stressing that excessive administrative burdens drain resources that could otherwise be invested in research, development, and innovation.
The transition to a clean economy was another key issue in Ceemet’s intervention. Guerrero made clear that while moving towards a greener economy is essential, it must not come at the expense of European industrial competitiveness. He insisted that for this transition to succeed, social partners must be actively involved, and European institutions must work alongside industry leaders to strike the right balance between sustainability and economic viability.
In closing, Guerrero emphasised the importance of European solidarity and collective action in addressing the challenges ahead. Quoting EU founding father Robert Schuman, he reminded the audience that Europe has always been built through concrete achievements that foster cooperation. Despite differing perspectives within the room, he stressed that all stakeholders share a common goal: ensuring Europe’s security, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity. He reaffirmed Ceemet’s commitment to working closely with EU institutions, employers’ organisations, and trade unions, emphasising that while cooperation requires compromise, it also demands ambition and bold action.
As Europe navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, Ceemet remains committed to advocating for policies that contribute to strong and competitive industries which provide millions of jobs for Europeans and skilled third-country nationals. Guerrero made it clear that now is the time to move beyond discussion and take decisive steps to reinforce Europe’s economic foundations. As he concluded, “The time for action is now. Let’s rise to this moment, together.”