The Commission is set to present the Quality Jobs Roadmap at the end of 2025. This strategy will be prepared with the social partners under the umbrella of the Pact for Social Dialogue.

Ceemet, representing around 200.000 MET companies, underlines that Europe is already the most social continent in the world, with some of the highest labour standards globally. Strong national legislation, well-developed social protection systems, and collective bargaining agreements have long guaranteed quality employment. In the MET industries, millions of stable, well-paid and innovative jobs already exist, supported by numerous collective agreements that successfully adapt working conditions to the fast-evolving world of work, including the twin transition.

The forthcoming Roadmap should build on this solid foundation rather than add new regulations. Skills are key to ensuring future quality employment, and re- and up-skilling policies must be tailored to labour market needs and support companies, particularly SMEs, in remaining competitive. Social partners already play a crucial role in anticipating skills needs and organising training adapted to both companies and workers. We therefore believe that a universal right to training does not guarantee quality or relevance, but risks creating a mismatch with real labour market demand. Rather, collectively agreed solutions by the social partners at the appropriate level are more relevant.

Similarly, quality jobs cannot be rigidly defined: they depend on individual life stages and circumstances. What is needed now is better enforcement of existing rules, not more binding legislation that risks burdening companies and undermining Europe’s competitiveness.

Check out the full paper submitted as Ceemet’s written reply to the Commission consultation on the Quality Jobs Roadmap.