24/3/2017
Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the meeting with the European Social Partners in Rome
Today, President Jean-Claude Juncker will speak on behalf of the EU Institutions.
But let me just say a few words. First of all, I would like to thank you very warmly, you, I mean social partners, for our great cooperation. And let me also compliment you on your engagement and efficiency. In my life I have been a trade union activist, for many years illegal, pursued by the Communist Secret Services, a businessman, of course, legal, an ordinary construction worker for 8 years, a civil servant, and a journalist.
This time has taught me that dialogue is always better than monologue, cooperation better than confrontation, and of course respect better than disrespect. This is why I attach such great importance to our meetings and common initiatives. And this is also why I really understand all parties of the Social partnership. And I hope that the years ahead will be even better than now