EU: Unions want businesses “locked down” to stop cross-border moves

Unions seek new measures to prevent companies from relocating operations within or outside the EU, aiming to limit the "free movement of capital".

Why it matters: Restricting relocations could reduce European competitiveness and deter investments from both European and non-European businesses. The ETUI has published a book arguing the case.

Between the lines: The European Trade Union Institute's book discusses the need for unions to support the Green Deal and digital transitions by controlling company locations. Silvia Borelli an Italian academic and editor of the ETUI book, argues that trade unions can help manage relocations to ensure just transitions.

The bottom line: While the goal is to rejuvenate the European trade union movement, limiting relocations may hinder competitiveness and investment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ETUI book: Relocations: an old problem in search of new answers. 

Silvia Borelli article - Borelli concludes he article, saying:

Relocations thus highlight a fundamental contradiction in the process of European integration. Member states and the EU as a whole must take the lead on the Green Deal and the digital and just transitions—and thus control where companies decide to locate their activities. In this, trade unions and worker representatives can be useful allies.