At the concluding session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), with 63 votes in favor (none against, no abstentions), the following Opinion was adopted:

“Strengthening European values in candidate countries by supporting the public service sector and empowering social partners and civil society organizations.”

From Georgia, the project’s working group included: Maia Kobakhidze, President of the Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia (ESFTUG); David Kereselidze, representative of the Employers’ Association; and Kakha Gogolashvili, Director of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies.

During the debate, Committee members highlighted Georgia as the best example of social dialogue and social partnership, expressing their gratitude to the Georgian delegation and, as a gesture of respect, declaring: “Thank you SAQARTVELO!”

For information: the parties to social dialogue and collective bargaining are the employer and the trade union. One of the EU’s core requirements for candidate countries is the recognition of trade union rights and the obligation to institutionalize social dialogue and social partnership. As you know, the representative, multi-thousand-member organization of teachers – the Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia (ESFTUG) – is officially recognized as a social partner at the national level.

Below we present excerpts from the Opinion adopted by the EESC, which underline the importance of trade union rights and teachers’ support for European integration:

The EESC emphasizes that:

Social partners, representing both employers and employees – especially from the public sector – must be recognized as key actors of public trust, democratic institutions, and effective social dialogue.

All processes of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and the protection of minorities are underpinned by international instruments and standards, including the core Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO):

• Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association,

• Convention No. 98 on the Right to Collective Bargaining,

• Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultations.

These conventions affirm the importance of social partners and ensure structured dialogue at the national level.

The EESC calls on the European Commission and other institutions to identify and share best practices from candidate countries, including:

• how public sector employers and trade unions have constructively supported reform and institutional development processes;

• how mechanisms of social and civil dialogue have contributed to the protection of fundamental rights and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Through structured social dialogue, employers’ organizations and trade unions promote decent working conditions, inclusive governance, respect for labour rights, and the rule of law. The transition to EU fundamental values is ensured by the role of employers’ organizations and trade unions in shaping and delivering public services.

The EESC stresses that education systems are the cornerstone of democratic resilience and a vital means of promoting rule of law, fundamental rights, and inclusive citizenship – with teachers as the key actors of this process.

The EESC calls on the European Commission and national authorities, within the framework of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) programs, to prioritize teachers’ continuous professional development, particularly in the fields of civic education, democratic values, and human rights. This aligns with the specific objectives of the enlargement regulation: strengthening democratic governance, ensuring respect for fundamental rights, and promoting inclusive education and employment, especially for young people.

The EESC underlines the need to protect and strengthen teachers’ professional autonomy, including pedagogical freedom (curriculum adaptation, choice of methodology, planning innovative and creative teaching activities in the classroom, professional responsibility), and institutional independence. Autonomy is a precondition for open dialogue, critical thinking, and rights awareness in the classroom.

The EESC urges the European Commission to actively support reforms that ensure academic freedom, professional autonomy, and meaningful teacher participation in education policy-making. Teachers’ professional autonomy is essential for fostering a democratic culture and building institutional trust.

For reference: the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a consultative body of the European Union, composed of representatives of employers, employees, and civil society organizations.

Respectfully,

Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia (ESFTUG)