The European social partners stressed the need for the active involvement of social partners in the implementation of national reform plans and in EU governance as a whole in the Tripartite Social Summit held in Brussels on 18th October ahead of the autumn European Council.

The Tripartite Social Summit held in Brussels on 18th October brought together the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias – for the Presidency of the EU's Council of Ministers – and László Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, with representatives of European workers and employers (including ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME). The summit is an important opportunity for an exchange of views between the social partners, the Commission and the heads of government of the current and subsequent Council Presidencies. In March 2011, the Summit focused on impact of budget constraints on jobs and growth.

During the Summit, the European social partners presented a progress report on implementing their joint work programme for 2012-2014 including joint work on youth employment, lifelong learning and the economic and social governance of the EU. They stressed the need for the active involvement of social partners in the implementation of national reform plans and in EU governance as a whole.

President Barroso on the other hand highlighted the need for Europe to accelerate the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs. The fiscal consolidation efforts must be balanced with structural reforms and competitiveness and growth-enhancing measures including targeted public investment. He also called on Member States to engage in a constructive discussion on the next steps for a genuine Economic and Monetary Union.