Workers onboard of a ship in the port of Genoa

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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

ILO highlights key role of cooperatives in EU external action

ILO highlights key role of cooperatives in EU external action

Closing the gender pay gap is critical to advance social justice

Irish EU Presidency marks International Equal Pay Day

Closing the gender pay gap is critical to advance social justice

News from projects funded by the EU

EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network to advance country-level action in Rwanda, Malawi and the Philippines

EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network to advance country-level action in Rwanda, Malawi and the Philippines

Civil society’s role in the world of work and freedom of association discussed in light of research findings

Civil society’s role in the world of work and freedom of association discussed in light of research findings

ILO assesses impact of climate change and water scarcity on cotton production and rural employment in Turkmenistan
People sitting around U-shaped conference table

ILO assesses impact of climate change and water scarcity on cotton production and rural employment in Turkmenistan

Projects and programmes

EU4People: Social Protection Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU4People: Social Protection Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU4PEOPLE: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EU4PEOPLE: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Publications and documents

Media workshop report: Workshop on decent work and fundamental labour rights in the press, broadcasting and journalism sector

Media workshop report: Workshop on decent work and fundamental labour rights in the press, broadcasting and journalism sector

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

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

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 (2026)

Conclusions of the high-level meeting between the ILO and the European Commission (2026)

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

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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.

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