The twin transition—the simultaneous green and digital transformation—is a defining strategic priority of the European Union. It sits at the intersection of the European Green Deal, the Digital Strategy, the Industrial Strategy, and the European Pillar of Social Rights. For the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, together with Austria, this transition presents both considerable opportunities and structural challenges due to the region’s economic composition, labour market characteristics, and varying traditions of social dialogue.

Employers’ organisations across the seven countries (Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia and Romania) recognise that the effective implementation of the twin transition requires structured cooperation among governments, employers, and trade unions. The social partners are not merely stakeholders—they are institutional co-authors of a fair, competitive, and innovation-driven transition.

Without early institutionalized social dialogue, the twin transition risks deepening regional disparities, accelerating skills mismatches, and undermining industrial investment in CEE.

This position paper outlines the current landscape, assesses the role of social partners within the twin transition, and presents concrete recommendations for strengthening their contribution on a national and regional level.

More detailes in attached document.

Project »Getting ready for twin transition – GROW« is co-funded by the European Union, GA 101145643.