“The European single market has the potential to be a driver of economic growth and a vehicle for social justice”
Bernadette Ségol is the Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), but her support for Europe is not unqualified. Her role is to work on behalf of trade unions to improve the social protection element of Europe’s single market – a consideration that she fears is often overlooked in favour of unfettered competition and liberalisation of markets.
Hailing from a village in rural France, she was brought up by parents who believed wholeheartedly in European integration, largely as a result of their personal experiences during the Second World War. But she recognises that few in her birthplace truly appreciate what the EU has brought – although she tries to address that issue through her work.
She has little time for serious hobbies, but spends her time cultivating her “intellectual independence” through listening to classical music or keeping her photo albums up to date.
Peace, Solidarity, Employment. Europe is our future. It’s up to all of us!