The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission (Commission) have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation to help ensure that major global transitions lead to more and better jobs, stronger labour market institutions and greater social cohesion.
Meeting at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, demographic shifts, climate change and rapid technological transformation, the ILO and the Commission reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, international labour standards and decent work. They also identified a set of strategic priorities to guide the next phase of the EU-ILO partnership.
The 17th High-level meeting was co-chaired by Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, and Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness at the European Commission. It brought together senior representatives from both institutions.
Building on the 2021 Exchange of Letters between the European Commission and the ILO, the meeting looked ahead to a renewed cooperation agenda capable of responding to today's global challenges.
"The European Commission is a key partner for advancing social justice both within and outside the European Union. As the world of work undergoes profound transformation, our partnership must continue to translate shared values into concrete action that expands access to decent work, promotes just transitions, protects workers, and supports sustainable enterprises. I look forward to the next chapter of our cooperation, building on our shared commitment to inclusiveness, social dialogue, and respect for fundamental rights at work," the ILO Director-General said.
"In an increasingly challenging multilateral context, the partnership between the European Union and the International Labour Organization matters more than ever. Social justice, decent work and fundamental rights at work are not optional principles. They are the foundation of resilient and competitive societies. With so many transformations around us, from AI to shifts in global supply chains, we must act together to make sure that change works for people, not the other way around. At its core, the twin transition must be a fair transition, with quality jobs, strong social dialogue, effective labour market institutions, and decent work for all," the Executive Vice-President of the Commission said.
The strategic dialogue drew on the conclusions of three roundtables held ahead of the High-level segment, which identified concrete priorities for future EU-ILO cooperation.
The roundtable on quality jobs and AI emphasized that AI governance in the world of work must be human-centred and support the preservation and creation of decent jobs. The discussions highlighted the importance of international cooperation on AI governance, skills development, and labour market institutions capable of managing technological change fairly.
On trade and decent work, participants reaffirmed that trade that upholds international labour standards can contribute to better working conditions and sustainable economic development. They underlined the value of aligning the European Union's trade and investment instruments with the ILO's normative authority, and reiterated the relevance of its tripartite structure and technical expertise to strengthen labour rights in supply chains and support effective implementation by partner countries.
The third roundtable, on international partnerships, discussed the comparative advantage of closer EU-ILO cooperation in addressing global development challenges. Participants noted the potential to better combine the EU's financial and policy instruments with the ILO's normative mandate and tripartite approach to deliver greater social dividends through decent work, social protection, skills, just transitions and resilient labour markets.
The meeting confirmed the enduring importance of the EU-ILO partnership in addressing global labour market challenges. It also reaffirmed the partners' shared conviction that multilateral cooperation remains essential for building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economies.
