The ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries represents the International Labour Organization on the one hand to the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and on the other hand to the institutions of the European Union, in particular the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Council of Ministers and the European Council. Furthermore it maintains relationships and dialogue with other EU institutions and agencies, with social partners and with a number of important actors in civil society. It also participates in the work of the United Nations towards the EU.

Our Mandate

The International Labour Organization brings together governments, workers and employers to create peace by promoting social justice and human rights at work. Created in 1919, the ILO is part of the United Nations system since 1946. It aims at promoting decent work for all and reinforcing the social dimension of globalization. The ILO has 187 member states. The ILO works equally closely with other international organizations (with a mandate in the field of commerce, finance, economy, human rights and development) as with regional organizations (such as the EU) to promote an integrated and coherent approach to decent work and fair globalization.

“The stability of our societies, the sustainability of the global system which binds them ever more closely, and ultimately peace itself depend on the realization of the ILO's mandate. The global crisis that broke in 2008 was a sharp reminder of that. It has left millions in the world of work in situations of acute hardship, swelling the ranks of those already suffering the indignity of poverty, unemployment and increasing employment insecurity. The ILO must lead in beating the global jobs crisis, with priority for youth whose social exclusion constitutes a time bomb of enormous destructive potential." Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General