ILO highlights need for rights-based fair labour mobility as Danish EU Presidency commences

BRUSSELS (ILO News) - The meeting brought together EU Member State ministers and high-ranking civil servants, at the onset of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The ILO contributed to a panel discussion on free and fair labour mobility which also included Executive Vice President Roxana Mînzatu, EU Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Preparedness, and Enrico Letta, EU rapporteur on the future of the single market.

Ms Andrees noted the opportune nature of the discussions and pointed to the recently published ILO working paper on demographic trends in Europe and Central Asia.

The ILO underlined the need for robust, rights-based policy responses to address challenges linked to an ageing workforce and sectoral labour gaps. In this context, Ms Andrees underscored that fair and effective labour migration and mobility, including for third-country nationals, are vital to addressing labour shortages and demographic challenges across key EU sectors such as health, ICT, transport, and construction.

Strong labour market governance and enforcement are critical to make mobility and migration both fair and sustainable. The ILO noted that this includes ensuring that the posting of workers fully respects their rights in line with the EU legislation and international labour standards.

The ILO welcomed the recent signature of the new Pact for European Social Dialogue, which should strengthen the role of social partners in shaping labour and social policies. The ILO also reaffirmed its readiness to support the upcoming EU initiative on fair labour migration and mobility, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the ILO and the EU.