The European Union-United Kingdom Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), in force since 1 May 2021, provides for the creation of a "Civil Society Forum," whereby representatives of trade unions and employers' organizations from the two parties, alongside other civil society organizations, conduct dialogue on the implementation of Part Two of the Agreement, which relates to trade, service and investment, transport, fisheries, among other areas. The Agreement also commits Parties to consult with civil society on its implementation through this Civil Society Forum.
The Agreement also provides for Domestic Advisory Groups, which include representatives of employers' organizations and trade unions, thus establishing a space for cross-border social dialogue.
The Civil Society Forum
The Civil Society Forum meets at least once a year and can include members of Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs). According to the Agreement, DAGs "shall comprise a representation of independent civil society organizations including non-governmental organizations, business, and employers' organizations, as well as trade unions, active in economical, sustainable development, social, human rights, environmental and other matters.”
The First “EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement Civil Society Forum” took place on 4 October 2022.
The European Union Domestic Advisory Group (EU-DAG) and the joint sessions with the UK Domestic Advisory Group
The EU-DAG is, by definition, a cross-border body to the extent it is composed of civil society organizations from different Member States, including workers’ and employers’ organizations.
Given the agreement's large scope, the EU-DAG has a relatively large composition (30 seats) to harness expertise from a wide range of stakeholders (See more information on the composition and meetings).
Ahead of this first Civil Society Forum, the national DAGs of the European Union and the DAG of the United Kingdom met and released a joint statement. The statement called upon both Parties to engage closely with them to “adopt a broad and constructive approach towards inputs provided by both DAGs and give a timely follow-up to our recommendations.”
Since then, the two DAGs have met regularly to deepen their relationship. These meetings can result in joint statements.