Press release -
Can Europe’s social model drive competitiveness? Leaders debate in Dublin as Eurofound marks 50 years
Is Europe’s traditional social model the key to its competitiveness? This question will take centre stage in Dublin on 19-20 November as political leaders, policymakers, social partners and civil society gather for Eurofound’s 8th Foundation Forum, marking its 50th anniversary.
Five decades on from Ireland’s first EU Presidency, and the founding of Eurofound - the only EU agency based in Ireland - Dublin will once again host a European-level debate on how to reconcile social progress with competitive growth. The Forum comes as Europe faces accelerated technological, demographic and climate change amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Among those leading the discussions will be Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, and economist and best-selling author Daniel Susskind. They will be joined by senior policymakers, social partners, academics, and civil society leaders.
Beyond marking five decades of research supporting better policies for a stronger Europe, the event will look forward, exploring how Europe can maintain its social model and remain competitive in a world defined by AI, the green transition and rising geopolitical tensions.
Speaking in preparation for Forum 2025, Ivailo Kalfin said ‘Forum 2025 promises to be a significant event on the European agenda. Participants gathering in Dublin will discuss the role of the European social model at a time of profound change in Europe, as new technologies and a rapidly developing geopolitical context necessitate clear and comprehensive responses from EU decisionmakers.’
The two-day Forum will feature high-level panels, interactive sessions, and policy discussions focused on future-proofing work, AI and future of employment, the future of social investment in Europe and the role of social partners in reclaiming the European social model. The plenary sessions of Forum 2025 will be livestreamed on Eurofound’s website, YouTube channel and on LinkedIn.
Confirmed speakers include
- Micheál Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland)
- Daniel Susskind, Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University
- Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
- Li Andersson, Chair of European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee
- Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary, INMO
- Lucinda Creighton, CEO of Vulcan Consulting and former Minister for European Affairs
- Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute
- Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence
- Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director Eurofound
Media information and contact
- A limited number of media places are available for in-person attendance.
- To register or for further information, please contact: james.higgins@eurofound.europa.eu
- Please note that Eurofound is unable to cover travel or other expenses associated with attending the event.
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Eurofound is an EU agency, based in Dublin. Eurofound provides information, advice and expertise on working conditions and sustainable work, industrial relations, labour market change and quality and life and public services. For more information about Eurofound and its work, and free access to all our data and findings, visit our website and follow us on these social media channels: X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky.
