SoDi – Supporting the Implementation of the European Industrial Deal with Strengthened Social Dialogue in European Metal Sector

About the project

SoDi – Supporting the European Industrial Deal through Stronger Social Dialogue in the Metal Sector
The SoDi project aims to reinforce social dialogue within the European metal sector as a key driver for implementing the European Industrial Deal. In the context of the EU’s twin green and digital transitions, the metal industry faces significant challenges that require coordinated, forward-looking responses. SoDi focuses on empowering social partners—such as trade unions and employer associations—to engage more effectively in structured dialogue, negotiate fair and future-ready working conditions, and contribute to shaping resilient industrial strategies. By operating at both national and EU levels, and involving major European social partners like CEEMET and industriAll, the project ensures that its outcomes feed directly into relevant policy frameworks and social dialogue committees. Ultimately, SoDi supports a just transition for workers and enterprises alike, aligning the metal sector with Europe’s ambitions for sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness.

Main Objective
The main objective of the project is to strengthen social dialogue within the metal sector to promote sustainable industrial practices and improve the resilience of the sector in meeting EU policy objectives. The project aims to foster consensus-building among stakeholders and promote long-term cooperation and strategic alignment within the sector, ensuring that quality employment remains a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial future.

Specific Objectives

  • Analyse capacity-building needs in national and European-level social dialogue and provide recommendations to enhance the involvement of social partners in European social dialogue. This will be achieved through research across partner countries, with final publication between May 2025 and October 2025.
  • Build the capacity of social partners and ensure their active participation in national and European social dialogue, with a particular focus on the metal sector through dedicated dialogue sessions.
  • Raise awareness and strengthen the capacities of social partners, promoting the project’s outcomes and fostering a better understanding of social dialogue at both national and European levels. This includes integrating the project findings into the work of social dialogue committees, with the involvement of EU-level social partners such as CEEMET and IndustriALL.
  • Promote strengthened social dialogue at national and EU levels, to support the metal sector’s adaptation to sustainability and digitalization goals, ensuring a just transition for all workers and enterprises involved.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.