Europäische Einheitsgewerkschaft zwischen lähmender Überdehnung und umfassender Repräsentativität: EGB-Strukturen und die Herausforderung der Erweiterung

Abstract

In this article the author analyses and assesses two often neglected aspects of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and their relevance for and impact on two of its central and often paralysing dilemmas: representativeness vs. capacity to act and political independency of vs. financial dependency on EU institutions. Firstly, the article refers to the membership, the internal structure and the financial background of the ETUC. Secondly, the affiliation of new members, especially from middle and eastern European countries, are examined. The participation of new members is considered as one of the key challenges for the ETUC in the last two decades having a deep impact on the ETUC and its structures.