Politics and Analysis
The Confederation of Danish Employers´ vision for the future of the EU
7. May 2019
Article
Most countries want an EU that is capable of tackling challenges that require collective solutions and that cannot be managed by each country on its own. Danish employers are in complete agreement with this standpoint. We want a balanced EU that thinks and acts in a visionary way, displays leadership and ensures unity in areas in which solutions at national level are not viable. The Confederation of Danish Employers would like to take an active part in this discussion.
The EU plays a major role for Denmark, the Danish population and Danish business. Denmark also enjoys the economic benefits associated with being part of the European single market. It is therefore vital for Denmark that Europe, as a whole, is capable of generating growth and prosperity so that EU Member States become even stronger in a competitive global environment and ready to embrace technological developments.
One basic idea with the EU is that Member States should be able to draw inspiration from each other. The Confederation of Danish Employers believes that the Danish labour market has something to offer to other member states: An active labour market policy, flexibility combined with a wide social safety net and an emphasis on life-long learning have resulted in a well-functioning labour market with high job turnover rates and few long-term unemployed.
The free movement of labour is of great importance to Denmark and the Danish people. In order to protect and strengthen the free movement of labour, we also need to address the concerns that free movement generates. That is why we need to create a more responsible framework for the free movement of labour. Moreover, we see a great potential in directing our collective attention towards labour market reforms in Europe where the EU helps to chart the course.
At the same time, it should be crystal clear that the EU should leave decisions to its Member States in those areas in which solutions and legislation are best handled nationally. Member States must therefore largely take on responsibility for creating more well-functioning labour markets.
Below there is further information of how the Confederation of Danish Employers envisages of how the right balance between national and joint European solutions can be achieved.
The Confederation of Danish Employer's vision for the future of the EU