The regional context

All European and Central Asian countries are increasingly confronted with the challenges arising out of globalization. Their responses must focus on improving economic efficiency and social inclusion. For countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the establishment or consolidation of a functional market economy with a strong social component remains a key priority.

In May 2004, ten countries became EU Members, joined by Bulgaria and Romania in January 2007. Other countries from South Eastern Europe are seeking to become members of the European Union, aiming at more and better employment and social justice in the enlargement process. An ILO priority is to help these countries bring their national law and practice into conformity with ILO principles and European standards. With regard to the countries of the former Soviet Union, the success achieved in strengthening their democracies will be crucial for the consolidation of political, economic and social reforms in the subregion.

Priorities in Europe in the 2010-11 biennium are being shaped by the 2008 ILO Declaration and the conclusions of the 8th European Regional Meeting in Lisbon (February 2009). However, the unfolding financial and economic crisis is expected to have significant negative impacts on the labour market and social situation in Europe and hit particularly Central and Eastern European and Central Asian countries with high current account deficits and those with low incomes. The ILO will help these countries to mitigate the employment, labour and social impacts of the crisis through policy advice and technical assistance, taking into account its gender dimensions. While discussing the response to the economic and jobs crisis in a diverse and complex region: creating job-rich growth, promoting quality jobs through social dialogue, tackling youth unemployment and demographic challenges, promoting labour standards and policy coherence, the 9th European Regional Meeting in Oslo, Norway in April 2013 will shape Europe's new priorities.

Collaboration with the UN and regional organizations will remain a high priority, with a focus on ensuring tripartite involvement. Work with the European Union will lead to enhanced promotion of decent work for all and fair globalization through EU's internal and external policies. Increased cooperation with the European Commission and, in particular, countries holding the EU Presidency, will also be priorities.

In addition, South East European and the CIS countries still have a formidable task to create the conditions for independent and competent social partners to engage in meaningful social dialogue.

Employment creation has up until now also remained unsatisfactory and many new jobs are poorly paid, of low OSH standards and uncovered by social security schemes, in particular in the informal economy. Low wages, unemployment and under-employment, informal employment, insufficient social security coverage with low level of benefits, and poverty are widespread phenomena. The economic crisis will deprive many workers of their jobs, impede the creation of new jobs and will aggravate the social situation of redundant workers and their families as well as the poor in general.

A practical, flexible approach is necessary to respond to changing political climates and emerging needs. Work in the coming years will be guided by conclusions of the Eighth European Regional Meeting and Decent Work Country Programmes with the aim of supporting economic and social developments in priority countries.