In May 2019 Europeans will vote in the European Parliamentary elections. It will be a different Europe, where Brexit will be completed, and the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union. Scepticism towards the EU has been on the rise in recent years. Eurocadres has always been a strong believer in the European project. We think that the increase in hostility and populistic, nationalistic and xenophobic propaganda is deeply disturbing and calls to action.

By emphasising the added value of European cooperation and a fair common single market, we can steer the ship towards a strong EU. The EU is built on democratic values including social rights, equality and freedom of speech. The EU has to stand up for democracy and the rule of law. Investment in people and their skills will create a European Union, which is good and safe to live in. Education is the best investment against poverty and social exclusion.

Mobility across borders is one of the best solutions for cultural understanding and cooperation. By supporting research and innovations we can create a successful global market with more jobs. We encourage the EU to step up the European Pillar of Social Rights and update it to the next level. Citizens must benefit from the EU, and it is easier with a common labour market with common rules. Social dialogue at EU and national level should therefore be respected and promoted. Europe should lead the way in creating sustainable economic growth and promoting green economies. Strong investments in environmental solutions will encourage innovations and create jobs.

Eurocadres is in favour of a knowledge leap. More investments in education, research and innovations will make Europe a leading knowledge hub. We will need to upskill our citizens, both our low-skilled and high-skilled population to increase competitiveness and employment rates. When new forms of employment are constantly arising, workers need to be better equipped for future skills needs and be offered support mechanisms for just transition. Maximum activity allows us to hold on to our social models.

As a fundamental goal, the EU needs to support those who dare to speak up about wrongdoings. Not only from a money-saving perspective does the EU need strong horizontal whistleblower protection, but also for health, safety and environmental perspectives. Eurocadres will make sure that developing whistleblower protection legislation remains on the agenda, even if the directive proposal of 2018 would go through.

Naturally, Eurocadres will work for more equal work-life balance. Not only are the participation of more women on the labour market and equal pay on our agenda, but also ensuring that psychosocial health risks are taken seriously. The blurred borders between work and private life, especially for professionals and managers, have led to a need for better psychosocial risk management. More than half of all lost working days in the EU is due to work-related stress. A considerable proportion of our lives is spent at work and therefore, the workplace should not make us ill. It is time to end stress in the EU. The framework directive on occupational safety and health is not specific enough. We believe that the best way forward is a dedicated directive on psychosocial health risks.