The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the European Public Sector Unions (EPSU) would like to invite you to their jointly organized conference Austerity, economic governance reforms and social policies in Europe which will take place on the 22nd-23rd February 2011 in Brussels. The purpose of this conference is to debate how the fiscal austerity measures and economic governance reforms currently undertaken and planned in the EU in the aftermath of the financial crisis are likely to change European societies, especially with regard to social policies and institutions and the size of the state. The conference will take stock of the current economic governance reform proposals and critically discuss the assumptions they rest on and their implications, particularly with regard to the quality of public finances; examine the implications that fiscal austerity packages have had so far and are likely to have in the future for sustainable growth, social policies and public spending in the member states; and debate whether they are compatible with different visions about the future of European societies and social policies and if not, what alternative policy options we should be considering.Confirmed speakers include László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, MEP, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), John Monks, General Secretary ETUC. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided. Please find the agenda, the session briefings and the registration form in attachment. The filled in registration forms should be returned to Kristel Vergeylen (kvergeyl{at]etui.org) before 7 February. A list of hotels with special rates for the conference participants can also be obtained by Kristel Vergeylen . There will also be some funding opportunities for participants with limited resources, please contact Kristel Vergeylen .