but also economic growth, productivity and competitiveness in the EU. When necessary, the ETUC pursues its vision of Social Europe through direct action, such as Euro-demonstrations and campaigns, and works with civil society partners to achieve social justice and progress for workers and their families across Europe. The ETUC is recognised by the European Union, by the Council of Europe and by the European Free Trade Association as the only representative cross-sectoral trade union organisation at the European level. Future challenges At its Congress in Paris, the ETUC launched a broad discussion on the role and future of trade unionism in Europe, in the face of globalisation and austerity policies affecting society in Europe and the rest of the world. The discussion has been widened to address the future of the EU, facing challenges like the refugee emergency, Brexit, rising populism and xenophobia, and widespread discontent among citizens and workers about their economic and social conditions. The ETUC is launching campaigns and actions, including on a fairer, sustainable economic model, quality job creation, just transition and fair trade, higher pay and wage convergence for European workers, better protection for disadvantaged, precarious and self-employed workers, and more democracy at work, in the economy and in EU institutions. Affiliates General Secretaries and Presidents See also Confederation of European Business EU labour law French labour law German labour law UK labour law Unió Sindical d'Andorra References External links European Social Model European Social Partners European Petition for high-quality public services, accessible to all Solidarity in the Economic Crisis. Challenges and Expectations for European Trade Unions (Publication by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for the ETUC Congress in Athens 2011) Christophe Degryse (with Pierre Tilly), 1973–2013 : 40 years of history of the European Trade Union Confederation, European Trade Union Institute, 2013, Labor relations Trade unions established in 1973 1973 establishments in Europe