The European Commission (EC) proposed on 18 April 2012 a new employment package identifying concrete measures to boost jobs. The ILO Office welcomes this renewed focus on a stronger employment and social dimension and the involvement of employers' and workers' representatives in setting and implementing EU priorities.

The new package is in line with the ILO’s plea for a comprehensive EU strategy with jobs at its core, as formulated in the World of Work report 2012. Along the same lines, the EU social partners’ joint work programme for 2012-2014 addresses EU labour markets with a view to contribute to growth, employment and social cohesion. It includes also initiatives aiming at strengthening the role and capacities of social partners and social dialogue, both within the EU and in the EU neighbourhood such as in North Africa and the Middle East.