Workers onboard of a ship in the port of Genoa

Region portal

European Union (EU)

Ship inspector with other crew members on a ship in the port of Genoa © Marcel Crozet / ILO

The ILO has been working with the institutions of the European Union (EU) since 1958. Historically, the EU has been at the forefront of social justice and decent work with its social model that has inspired many countries in the world.

The ILO liaises with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council of the EU and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and with the European social partners (BusinessEurope, ETUC, SGI Europe and SMEunited).

The EU actively participates in discussions and negotiations at the institutional meetings of the ILO (the International Labour Conference, and the Governing Body), notably on the adoption of Conventions, Recommendations, and other important texts.

The European Union is the largest contributor to the ILO's development cooperation programme. Thanks to a shared vision that economic and social progress should go hand in hand, the EU - ILO partnership fosters impactful initiatives globally in support of Decent Work and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Latest news and stories

Republic of Moldova enhances labour inspection capacity with ILO support

Republic of Moldova enhances labour inspection capacity with ILO support

The International Labour Organization and the European Commission set renewed strategic agenda for social justice, quality jobs and a...

17th High-level meeting between the ILO and the European Commission

The International Labour Organization and the European Commission set renewed strategic agenda for social justice, quality jobs and a...

News from projects funded by the EU

Beyond the headlines: ILO and IGAD strengthen media professionals’ skills to report on regional integration, free movement of persons and...

Labour migration and free movement

Beyond the headlines: ILO and IGAD strengthen media professionals’ skills to report on regional integration, free movement of persons and...

New tripartite Social Dialogue Forum strengthens labour governance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Kwestan Mohamad Abdulla Maarouf, Minister of Labour & Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations sign the Founding Document of the Tripartite Social Dialogue Forum. Erbil, Iraq. 1/9/26

New tripartite Social Dialogue Forum strengthens labour governance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Young workers strengthen their knowledge of labour rights and decent work in Mongolia

Trade for Decent Work Project in Mongolia - Phase 2

Young workers strengthen their knowledge of labour rights and decent work in Mongolia

Projects and programmes

EU4PEOPLE: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU4PEOPLE: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU for Haya Karima

Advancing social protection

EU for Haya Karima

Publications and documents

India-Italy Migration Corridor Analysis: Trends & Opportunities

India-Italy Migration Corridor Analysis: Trends & Opportunities

Effective enforcement of labour standards: governance, labour inspection and the protection of migrant workers

Background paper prepared by the International Labour Office

Effective enforcement of labour standards: governance, labour inspection and the protection of migrant workers

Exchange of letters between the European Commission and the ILO (2021)

Exchange of letters between the European Commission and the ILO (2021)

Conclusions of the high-level meeting between the ILO and the European Commission (2022)

Conclusions of the high-level meeting between the ILO and the European Commission (2022)

Receive news from the ILO Office for the EU and the Benelux countries

Receive news from the ILO Office for the EU and the Benelux countries

Get updates delivered to your inbox

Contact

ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries

Tel: +32 (0)472/10 44 36
Email: [email protected]

37 boulevard du Régent
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium

The ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries represents the ILO to the institutions of the European Union.

You may also be interested in

European Union - ILO Partnership
Garment employees are seen leaving a clothing plant at the end of their working day in Bangladesh.

European Union - ILO Partnership

ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries

ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries

Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
Doctor consults with a patient at a hospital

Country portal

Netherlands (Kingdom of the)

Belgium
Heart shape at Mont des Arts, Brussels

Country portal

Belgium