Forum unions: ‘Europe must not become synonymous with sanctions’

The confederation of unions Forum has condemned attempts by the European Council at securing agreement on entrenching balance budgets in national laws,

As broad agreement appears to have been reached on negotations over a new EU Treaty for March, The new treaty insists on balanced budgets, with the prospect of taking non-compliant member states to court and the application of sanctions.

"As full members of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Forum condemns the EU's  objective to impose even stricter austerity measures without offering any prospects for growth," secretary-general Paul Pace said in a statement.

"Fiscal discipline alone, in the absence of recovery and investment measures, is dragging countries into crisis. Employment and social justice are the top priority today for millions of Europeans. Fiscal policies must go hand in hand with a social contract for Europe."

All 83 European union confederations affiliated to ETUC have insisted that priority must be given to   investments that promote a sustainable economy, quality jobs and social justice.

"Europe must not become synonymous with sanctions and rigid fiscal policies. It must be identified with prosperity and must offer prospects for the future. Austerity, on its own, does not work," Pace said.