Agreement between the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development and the International Labour Organisation

Whereas the purpose of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the Bank) is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in the Central and Eastern European countries committed to and applying the principles of multiparty democracy, pluralism and market economics;

And whereas the aim of the International Labour Organisation (the ILO) is to achieve social justice through the improvement of conditions of labour and the protection of workers,

the promotion of full employment, the organisation of vocational and management training, the recognition of the principle of freedom of association, tripartite dialogue and other measures designed to protect various fundamental human rights as laid down in International Labour Standards;

Now therefore, the two organisations, being desirous of cooperating with each other within the framework of the Agreement Establishing the Bank and the Constitution of the ILO, have agreed as follows:

I. Exchange of information and documents

1.1 Each organisation will keep the other appropriately informed of developments in its work which may be of mutual interest.

1.2 The Bank and the ILO will agree on the exchange of non-confidential information and documents concerning matters of mutual interest, including their annual reports and other published documents on specific matters.

II. Mutual consultation

2.1 Whenever necessary, consultations will take place between representatives of the two organisations concerning any specific questions of mutual interest.

2.2 Meetings between senior officials of the Bank and the ILO may be arranged as required to examine questions of mutual interest in specific fields, to exchange information on each other's programmes and to review the status of cooperation on any projects of mutual interest.

III. Attendance at meetings

3.1 The ILO may invite the Bank to attend annual meetings of the General Conference. The ILO may also, whenever appropriate and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon, invite representatives of the Bank to participate in meetings organised by the ILO in which the Bank has expressed an interest.

3.2 The Bank may invite the ILO as a guest to annual meetings of the Board of Governors. The Bank may also, whenever appropriate and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon, invite representatives of the ILO to participate in the work of any committees of experts or advisory groups established by the Bank that may be of mutual interest.

IV. Technical cooperation

4.1 In order to achieve effective cooperation and liaison between officials of the two organisations working in fields of mutual interest, each organisation will designate a senior official to follow the progress of cooperation and to act as a point of contact.

4.2 The Bank and the ILO may agree to convene under their auspices, according to arrangements to be made in each particular case, joint meetings of technical experts concerning matters of mutual interest.

4.3 Each organisation may ask the other for its assistance in the technical study of matters of mutual interest. Any such request will be examined by the other organisation which, within the framework of its policies, programmes and rules, will make every effort to give appropriate assistance in such a manner and along such lines as may be agreed upon by the two organisations.

V. Implementation

5.1 The Bank and the ILO may make any other appropriate administrative arrangements necessary to ensure effective cooperation and liaison between the two organisations.

5.2 The organisations may make such supplementary arrangements for the implementation of this Agreement as may appear desirable in the light of experience.

VI. Entry into force and duration

6.1 This Agreement, having previously been approved by both the Board of Governors of the Bank and the Governing Body of the ILO, shall enter into force as of the date on which it is signed by the authorised representatives of the Bank and the ILO.

6.2 Either organisation may terminate the Agreement by giving six months' notice in writing to the other organisation.

Signed at Geneva this 18th day of November 1992

For the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(Signed) Bart LE BLANC
Secretary General

For the International Labour Organisation
(Signed) Heribert MAIER
Deputy Director-General,
International Labour Office

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Published in: Official Bulletin of the ILO, Vol. LXXV, 1992, Series A, No. 3