One of the goals of the European social dialogue is to influence the REACH proposal and to improve European competitiveness and employment. Moreover, the Responsible Care programme, life-long learning and vocational training are issues on the agenda.

Of the different parties involved in the dialogue, the European Chemical Employers’ Group (ECEG) is a cooperation forum for employer organizations and covers the organizations of more than 20 countries. The European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) functions as a collaborative organ for the field’s employee and clerical personnel organizations. All in all the chemical industry employs 2 million people in Europe.

The social dialogue is carried out via annual conferences and working groups, which prepare joint statements and cooperation programmes. The most recent European Chemical Industry Social Partners’ Conference was held on September 15-16 2005 in London.