European Trade Union Committee for Education

ETUCE has evolved over time, as the organisation has broadened its geographical coverage and gained more member organisations. Europe's history during this period is of significant change, with the enlargement of the European Union to the East as a key example.

From its inception, ETUCE has been the voice of its member organisations, advocating for quality education and decent working conditions in the education sector at the European level.

As we reflect on this extensive journey, we must reaffirm our collective understanding of ETUCE’s purpose and prepare for future challenges. This shared vision will also guide us as we take concrete measures to ensure that the organisation is aligned with the available financial and human resources.

ETUCE member organisations recognise:

1.The purpose, aims and objectives of ETUCE as stated in the ETUCE By-Laws and EI Constitution

2.That the representativeness of ETUCE´s governing bodies underpins democracy and strengthens its influence both internally and externally;

3.The representativeness of the ETUCE governing bodies is crucial to member organisations' confidence in their decision-making and capacity for leadership.

4.That the current structure of the Committee, Bureau, and administrative practices and procedures were established for a geographically smaller region with fewer member organisations;

5.That the level of activities in ETUCE has increased considerably, placing greater demands on the member organisations, ETUCE’s governing bodies, secretariat and their financial resources;

The ETUCE Conference mandates the ETUCE Committee to:

6.Undertake an assessment and provide recommendations related to a renewed collective understanding of how to operationalise the purpose, aims and objectives of ETUCE, aligned with the available financial and human resources;

7.To define and appoint a suitable forum to discuss and make recommendationson possible ways to enhance the balance and representativeness of the European governing structures, ensuring they reflect the entire membership of EI’s European region in the long term.

8.The assessment process shall include:

a)An analysis of how ETUCE and its member organizations can strengthen their political impact as a European social partner and, based on the analysis, provide recommendations for the priorities, purpose and organization of ETUCE;

b)A formal review of:

-The size, structure, role and competences of the governing bodies of ETUCE;

-The composition, size, role and competences of other bodies within ETUCE;

-The role, terms of office and functions of the President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer;

-The structural and political dialogue within the organisation;

c)If necessary, preparation of proposals for amendments to the ETUCE By-Laws in accordance with the EI Constitution and By-Laws, including an analysis of any cost implications;

d)Recurring reports back to the ETUCE Committee making final recommendations to the ETUCE Committee at its second meeting in 2026, with a view to ensuring that concrete proposals, where necessary, are made by the Committee to the next ordinary ETUCE Conference in 2028.