The Commission and the International Labour Organisation set out a renewed strategic agenda for social justice, quality jobs and a people-centred future of work

The European Commission and the ILO share a commitment to building a fair future for work.

Both institutions confirmed their joint support for:

• multilateral cooperation and international labour standards
• decent work, quality jobs and robust labour market institutions
• inclusive labour markets and greater social cohesion

They emphasised that social justice and fundamental rights in the workplace are essential pillars of resilient and competitive societies, not optional principles.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparation at the European Commission, co-chaired the meeting, which brought together senior representatives from both sides. 

Building on the 2021 exchange of letters, they looked to the future with a renewed cooperation agenda that addresses current global challenges.

Key topics of the strategic dialogue

The discussions leading up to the high-level segment were organised around three round-table sessions, which helped to define the future priorities of the EU and the ILO.

Quality jobs and artificial intelligence

Participants emphasised that AI in the workplace must be people-centred and support the creation and protection of decent jobs. They highlighted the need to:

• International cooperation on AI governance
• Skills development to help workers adapt
• Labour market institutions capable of managing technological change fairly.

Trade and decent work

The meeting reaffirmed that trade that respects international labour standards can improve working conditions and support sustainable development. Participants highlighted:

• Aligning the EU’s trade and investment instruments with the ILO’s standard-setting role.
• Using the ILO’s tripartite structure and technical expertise to strengthen labour rights in global supply chains.
• Supporting the effective implementation of labour commitments by partner countries.

International partnerships

The third round table examined how closer collaboration between the EU and the ILO can better address global development challenges. It highlighted the great potential that exists in combining:

• EU financial and policy instruments
• The ILO’s mandate on labour standards and its tripartite approach.

This would help to deliver greater social benefits through decent work, social protection, skills development, just transitions and more resilient labour markets.

The meeting reaffirmed the central role of the EU–ILO partnership in addressing global labour market challenges and demonstrated how multilateral cooperation can help build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies for both workers and businesses.

More information: European Commission.