About the Project - EAST SD

Project: Enhancing the attractiveness of the teaching profession through strengthened Social Dialogue – capacity building in Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries

Research and reviews on the ground have shown that a high number of countries in the European Union and in EU-neighbouring regions are facing shortages of teachers at different levels of education. In order to tackle teacher shortages, it is essential to increase the attractiveness of the teaching profession, which successful Social Dialogue can contribute to by addressing relevant topics, such as teachers’ working time, digitalisation and the right to disconnect, and work-related well-being.

Therefore, we believe that social dialogue in education could and should be strengthened in the EU, but also in several Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries. Supporting the development of capacities of trade unions and employers’ organisations in these regions would be an undeniable added-value to facilitate social dialogue and to contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of the teaching profession.

Based on these observations, EFEE and CSEE ADF are joining forces with national social partners in various EU and non-EU countries with the aim to investigate the situation when it comes to social dialogue in the European Union as well as in Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries and to strengthening Social Dialogue can contribute to the enhancement of the attractiveness of the teaching profession in these regions. The ultimate aim is to familiarise and attract social partners from the candidate countries to the European Sectoral Social Dialogue in Education (ESSDE).