ETUCE Committee Discusses Key Priorities for Education Trade Unions Across Europe
The ETUCE Committee met in Brussels on 4-5 November 2026 to discuss the organisation's ongoing priorities, adopt key documents, and exchange views on major developments affecting education trade unions across Europe. During the meeting, Committee members also welcomed and introduced ETUCE's new Project Assistant, Eva Fumagallo Macias.
The Committee adopted the agenda and approved the minutes from previous ETUCE Committee, Bureau, Status of Women Committee and HERSC meetings. Members received an overview of recent ETUCE activities and developments, including the presentation of the ETUCE Checklist for Collective Bargaining.
A significant part of the discussions focused on the implementation of the EU Teachers' Agenda. Committee members exchanged views on strengthening the teaching profession, including work on basic skills, evidence-informed teaching, and long-term capacity building for education unions at European level. The Committee also considered future operational support aimed at reinforcing ETUCE's work on the teaching profession.
Members discussed ETUCE's position on the European Commission's Skills Portability Initiative, examining proposed trade union amendments related to skills portability, professional qualifications, and the recognition of qualifications obtained by third-country nationals.
The Committee was informed of several important membership developments, including improvements to the ETUCE Members' Portal and database, the admission process of a new member organisation from Armenia, updates concerning country seats in Slovakia and Switzerland, and ongoing membership outreach activities.
Financial matters also featured prominently on the agenda. Committee members reviewed the organisation's financial situation, discussed membership and dues trends, and considered different budget scenarios for 2027 to support ETUCE's future work. Several smaller group meetings were held to ensure that every member had a chance to fully express themselves in the situation.
The meeting also addressed ETUCE's engagement with the Council of Europe, including discussions on the Council's White Paper, a draft ministerial resolution, and preparations for the Ministerial Meeting in Podgorica in December. Additional exchanges focused on democratic participation, ETUCE governance, preparations for the 2028 ETUCE Conference, and the organisation's upcoming calendar of activities.
The Committee concluded with updates from regional cooperation activities and information on recent ETUCE policy and project outcomes.