Abstract
The globalisation of the economy and the building of Community Europe place economic power and political power in a relationship of conflict linked to the differences in the territories in which they take their decisions.
This situation of independence and interdependence of the two spheres of power has consequences for the social dialogue: the political powers have to defend security for workers and flexibility for companies. Companies can play upon competitive relocation. However, enterprises of general economic interest are the natural partners of social cohesion. Similarly, the progress made in terms of the Community collective bargaining area promotes harmonisation between the two powers at European level.
The brief historical analysis of the European social dialogue and the critical presentation of the guidelines for employment put forward by the Commission demonstrate the strategic role of a "fifth pillar" supported by the territory and the synergy among local players in the development of European inter-regional co-operation. This is the objective of the project entitled Excellence Territoriale.
This is the context in which the involvement of the European social partners, genuine intermediaries between the Europe of the institutions and that of the citizens, can be defined.
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