Forum explores converging economies, diverging societies, Dublin

Dublin, Ierland. The Spire
date November 14, 2017 - November 15, 2017
city Dublin, Ireland
location Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland Show location
attending (Simon) Coveney i et al.
organisation European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) i

The Foundation Forum is Eurofound’s flagship event, aimed at reaching high-level policymakers in the field of social, employment and work-related policies. It provides a platform for Eurofound to contribute findings of relevance to the debate and further strengthens its role and capacity as a facilitator for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences, in line with the tasks assigned to the Agency in its Founding Regulation.

The Foundation Forum 2017 will take place on 14 -15 November 2017 at Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland.

It aims to bring together up to 200 high-level participants to debate the topical issues on the EU social agenda with a view to providing policy pointers for possible future action. It will run for 1.5 days, including several plenary sessions and opportunities for parallel workshops.

Objectives

In the context of Eurofound's new multiannual work programme 2017-2020 and its strategic objectives, the Forum 2017 will aim to:

  • provide an opportunity for a well-informed debate in a neutral setting
  • strengthen links between knowledge providers and top-level social policymakers at EU and national level via debate on key socioeconomic issues, and
  • develop and foster networking amongst the participants.

Theme

The theme of the discussions will be on various perspectives of convergence in Europe. While upward economic convergence is a precondition for social convergence, the main focus will be placed upon upward convergence in living and working conditions, including employment. Convergence towards better socioeconomic outcomes should be the foundation for a more integrated and stable Europe. In this regard, fostering upward convergence of living and working conditions is a necessary condition for political and societal support for the continued construction of the European Union.

Collaboration

Eurofound has been most fortunate to secure the support of the Irish Government for each of the Forums that is has organised. The events have taken place at the prestigious Dublin Castle, often incorporating a Gala Dinner either in St Patrick’s Hall or the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. In addition, senior Government representatives have continued to play an important role in the programme during the event itself.

Key speakers

  • Simon Coveney, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Ylva Johansson, Swedish Minister for Employment
  • Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
  • Branko Milanović, one of the world’s leading economists of inequality, scholar and author
  • Frank Vandenbroucke, former Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister for Employment and Pensions

Frequency

Since its inception in 2002, the following Foundation Forums have been held:

Social media

Not attending the Foundation Forum 2017? You can still follow the debates on Twitter via #DublinForum17 or by following @eurofound.


1.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) provides independent, evidence-based advice to EU and national decision makers, thereby helping to make debates, policies and legislation on fundamental rights better informed and targeted.

What it does

FRA advises EU institutions and national governments on fundamental rights, particularly in the areas of:

  • discrimination
  • access to justice
  • racism & xenophobia
  • data protection
  • victims’ rights
  • children's rights.

2.

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