The Belgian collective bargaining system is highly institutionalised and coordinated. Over 90% of employees are covered by a collective agreement, placing Belgium among the countries with the highest coverage in Europe. Also, the Belgian trade unions have a relatively high level of membership...

The legal basis of collective bargaining in Germany is laid down by the Collective Agreements Act, 1949. Collective agreements can be concluded between employer associations (or individual employers) and trade unions. In contrast, works councils – statutory employee representation bodies...

This study examined best practice examples of social partner involvement in greening the economy in different Member States. It analysed the role of the trade unions and employers’ associations as well as employees, their direct representatives and company management in selected projects at...

This report presents a comparison of national industrial relations systems in the EU25, exploring the differences between individual systems and their effects on the economy. The report is based on the more detailed findings of a research project entitled "Quality of industrial relations:...

The paper analyses the likely political and economic impacts of Turkish membership of the EU for the Union itself. It asks whether Turkish accession can be managed in a similar way to that of other enlargements or whether critics are right that Turkey is too big, too poor, has too dangerous...

Turkey could be the EU's biggest success in foreign affairs. Europeans should be proud that they are transforming, in a peaceful manner, the political system of a country as large and complex as Turkey. Regime change EU-style is cheap, voluntary and long-lasting. Turkey also has a lot to...

A series of longer papers evaluating government policies and offering proposals for reform.

Read these clear, concise summaries of country economic surveys and today's global policy challenges.