The European Commission published today its first circular economy package that aims at making sustainable products the norm in the EU, boosting circular business models and empowering consumers for the green transition.

We are civil society organisations, think tanks, trade unions and employers supported by academics from across the European Union. We have come together to call for fundamental reform of the EU’s fiscal rules.

Statement of the ETUC Women’s Committee on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Adopted at the Extraordinary Women's Committee meeting on 9 March 2022 On 9 March 2022, the ETUC Women’s Committee met with representatives of the Ukrainian trade union’s Women’s Committee.

In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and in support of the conclusions of the special meeting of the European Council of 24 February 2022, we, the European cross-industry social partners, state that: • We strongly deplore and condemn the unprovoked attack on the territorial integrity of Ukraine currently underway. This attack is an obvious violation of international law and represents a clear threat to European peace and security.

The ITUC and the ETUC call for an immediate end to hostilities and conflict in eastern Ukraine, and good-faith negotiations to resolve the crisis in the interests of people.

Dear Presidents, Today is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. The ETUC joins many others in saluting the creation of the European Union with its social policy commitments alongside ambitious economic goals. It remains a milestone in the history of Europe and European integration.

Dear Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis, Dear Valdis, It has been nearly two years since the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Workers have stepped up, putting themselves at risk to safeguard people’s lives, livelihoods, and the global economy, and driven outstanding advances in science and medicine with the rapid development of Covid-19 tests, treatments, drugs, medical devices, personal protective equipment and, most importantly, vaccines.

Updated version adopted by the Executive Committee of 8-9 December The European trade union movement is extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis at the border of Poland and Belarus and calls for immediate EU action to ensure migrants’ fundamental rights are respected and their humanitarian needs are met.

Approved by the Executive Committee meeting on 8 December 2021

ETUC statement on Afghanistan Adopted by the ETUC Executive Committee on 9 September 2021 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is alarmed with the situation in Afghanistan and concerned about the security of the Afghan people, both those that remain in the country and those seeking protection. The fall of the Afghan government has demonstrated the failure of the NATO and has shown the need for a relaunch of global multilateralism, based on democracy and peace, solidarity and respect for human rights.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) have followed closely the collective bargaining rounds in the Turkish public sector, informed throughout by our affiliates.

The ETUC sent a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, Charles Michel, President of the European Council to raise the need for the EU institutions to take immediate action and ensure that all EU Member States work together for the safe passage out of Afghanistan and asylum for anyone in danger.

The ETUC offers sincere condolences to all the people, families and communities hit by the flooding in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. Today, on the Belgian national day of mourning for the victims of the floods, the ETUC expresses its horror at the scale of devastation, solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones, and thanks emergency service workers and all workers and volunteers involved in helping to deal with the impacts of the floods.