Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression: Balance and Tensions in the European Civil Service
#95 – November 2025
We are proud to present this new edition of our AGORA magazine : a space for reflection, debate, and collective imagination about the future of work and representation. Lead by Urszula Mojkowska and Niels Bracke, in these pages, we bring together contributions from experienced professionals and engaged members who explore one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to navigate, renew, and strengthen our trade unions so they truly serve the people they represent.
From the Industrial Revolution to the age of artificial intelligence, the struggle for dignity, fairness, and voice has never been static. Each generation has had to redefine what solidarity means and how it can be practiced in changing social, political, and technological landscapes. This issue reminds us that unions are not relics of the past but living institutions, ones that evolve through our participation, creativity, and courage to question.
Our contributors invite readers to confront the distance that sometimes separates democratic ideals from everyday institutional realities, and to imagine new forms of engagement grounded in dialogue, transparency, and trust. As one of our contributors incisively observes, integrity and openness must begin within institutions themselves; and as you will find another contributor passionately argues, the union is what we make of it — a collective project that depends on our energy, ideas, and will to act.
We hope this edition will inspire members and allies alike to continue shaping our unions into spaces of empowerment, learning, and solidarity. The future of collective representation lies not in preserving what once was, but in daring to build what could be.
Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression
In a democratic society, freedom of expression is never a given; it must be constantly relearned, protected, and exercised with discipline.
Social Dialogue: A Democratic Imperative
The European Parliament must ensure that its internal practices mirror the values it so vocally defends on the global stage.
Improving Productivity: The Case for Employee Voice and Inclusive Workplace Practices
Evidence suggests that workplace practices that enhance the capability, efficiency, and motivation of the workforce actually improve productivity.
A very UNCOURTEOUS Courtesy Visit, But For What Purpose?
Mr. Quest does not need social dialogue, Mr. Quest speaks directly to the agents! However, talking to agents without their representatives is not dialogue: it is monologue.
AI Is Coming, But We’re Not Leaving !
Above all, AI must not replace people. It should serve staff, improve services, and reflect our shared European values.
Mental Health: A Major Challenge
This explosion in mental illness and burnout reflects rising performance expectations, a loss of meaning, and increasing pressure in the workplace.
The Union is What You Make of It
I urge you to channel your anger, comrade, to make us grow. Bring your ideas. And if the class doesn't support them, convince them. Give us your energy.