The CNEL is an advisory Body of the Government, the Parliament and the Regions which - upon their own request - are provided with opinions on economic and social subjects
The CNEL was established in January 1957 under Article 99 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic
Its activity and its composition are regulated by the law n.936/1986 and by the law n.383/2000
Plays a consultancy role to the Parliament, State Government and Regional Governments on the most important political/economic and social planning acts (also with reference to EU policies)
Realizes (on its own initiative or at the request of Chambers or Government) opinions, surveys, evaluations, proposals and reports on:
- general, sectoral and local developments in the labour market
- regulatory and remuneration structures expressed by collective bargaining
- economic situation
- economic and social planning acts
Maintains and updates the National Archive of Collective Labour Agreements, both at central and local levels, and in the private and public sectors
Monitors the levels and quality of central and local public services provided to businesses and citizens and produces an annual report to Parliament and the Government
The CNEL is composed of
• representatives of Social Forces
• representatives of non-profit associations
• and experts on economic and social subjects
The President of the CNEL is appointed by the President of the Republic
The current composition includes 64 Members:
• 10 experts
8 appointed by the President of the Republic
2 appointed by the Prime Minister
• 48 representatives of the production categories
22 representing workers
17 representing employers
9 representing self-employment
• 6 representatives of non-profit associations
The Council carries out its duties on the basis of an annual program approved by the Assembly on the proposal of the President
The Commissions that carry out the activities entrusted by the program and report to the Assembly are:
Commission for Economic Policies
Commission for Social Policies and Sustainable
Development
Commission for EU Policies and international cooperation
Commission for Information and Labour
After approval, the adopted documents,
which may be documents of
• “Observations and Proposals”,
• “Opinions”,
• “Recommendations”
• “Reports”
• “Bills of law”
are forwarded to the Government together with an explanatory document. Subsequently, they are transmitted to the Parliament by the Prime Minister