ETUCE committee sets the tone for the next phase of union work – 8–9 April 2025
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The ETUCE Committee met in Brussels on 8–9 April 2025 to set its priorities for the months and years ahead. With representatives from across Europe, the discussions focused on how to strengthen the work of teachers’ unions in an increasingly unstable political and social context.
A fresh start for a new mandate
ETUCE President John MacGabhann and Director Jelmer Evers opened the meeting by calling on members to work more closely together, rethink how we organise ourselves, and keep the needs of teachers at the heart of everything we do. Jelmer Evers made it clear: this is a time to reflect, but also to act.
Four working groups tackled key issues:
- How global tensions and shifting politics are affecting education
- How ETUCE can evolve internally to work better
- How to shape the Union of Skills initiative
- What should go into the EU Teachers’ Agenda
What matters most
Using the latest resolutions from the 2024 ETUCE Conference and the 2024 EI Congress as a starting point, members looked at what really needs attention. While many goals were on the table, there was strong agreement around a few essentials: better working conditions, more respect for teachers’ autonomy, and defending democracy in schools.
The working groups also discussed how ETUCE can respond to wider changes across Europe—particularly the rise in authoritarian policies and attacks on social services, including education.
Changing how we work
A significant part of the meeting focused on how ETUCE is organised. Members looked at current bodies and projects, discussed what’s working, and raised questions about what could be done differently. These talks will continue, leading up to possible changes in the by-laws at the next Conference in 2028.
One model for future work is the Advisory Network on AI and education, which ran as a pilot in 2023–2024. It showed how smaller, flexible structures can bring members together around fast-changing topics.
Keeping finances healthy
The financial report showed a positive result for 2024 and confirmed that the 2023 deficit has been resolved. Thanks to clear work led by the Finance Coordinator, there’s now a stronger grip on planning and reporting. The Committee reminded all members to double-check that dues are paid, as this directly affects what ETUCE can deliver.
Solidarity in action
Kemal Irmak, General Secretary of Eğitim Sen, wasn’t able to attend in person due to being under house arrest in Turkey—but he addressed the Committee remotely. His message was a powerful reminder of why union solidarity is more than just a word.
The Committee also agreed to give Kosovo a country seat, in line with the EI Executive Board recommendation. The member organisation SBASHK will now take part in future meetings, starting in November 2025.
What comes next
This meeting was a moment to regroup, take stock, and start shaping the next steps together. The ideas shared over these two days will guide how ETUCE speaks up for teachers across Europe—at every level, from the classroom to European institutions.
Browse all the pictures here : https://bit.ly/4lPpLkB