Commission and ILO renew partnership for social justice and quality jobs

European Commission-ILO shared commitment to a fair future of work

Both institutions confirmed their joint support for:

• multilateral cooperation and international labour standards
• decent work, quality jobs and strong labour market institutions
• inclusive labour markets and greater social cohesion

They underlined that social justice and fundamental rights at work are core foundations of resilient and competitive societies, not optional principles.

ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo and Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness at the European Commission, co-chaired the meeting, which brought together senior representatives from both sides.

Building on the 2021 Exchange of Letters, they looked ahead to a renewed cooperation agenda that responds to current global challenges.

Key themes from the strategic dialogue

Discussions ahead of the High-level segment were organised around three roundtables, which helped shape future EU-ILO priorities.

Quality jobs and artificial intelligence

Participants stressed that AI in the workplace must be human-centred and support the creation and protection of decent jobs. They highlighted the need for:

• International cooperation on AI governance
• Skills development to help workers adapt
• Labour market institutions able to manage technological change fairly

Trade and decent work

The meeting reaffirmed that trade that respects international labour standards can improve working conditions and support sustainable development. Participants emphasised:

• Aligning EU trade and investment tools with the ILO's standard-setting role
• Using the ILO's tripartite structure and technical expertise to strengthen labour rights in global supply chains
• Supporting effective implementation of labour commitments by partner countries

International partnerships

The third roundtable looked at how closer EU-ILO collaboration can better address global development challenges. It pointed to strong potential in combining:

• EU financial and policy instruments
• The ILO's mandate on labour standards and its tripartite approach

This would help deliver greater social benefits through decent work, social protection, skills development, just transitions and more resilient labour markets.

The meeting confirmed the central role of the EU-ILO partnership in tackling global labour market challenges and showed how multilateral cooperation can help build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies for workers and enterprises alike.

Quotes

"In an increasingly challenging multilateral context, the partnership between the European Union and the International Labour Organization matters more than ever. Social justice, decent work and fundamental rights at work are not optional principles. They are the foundation of resilient and competitive societies. With so many transformations around us, from AI to shifts in global supply chains, we must act together to make sure that change works for people, not the other way around. At its core, the twin transition must be a fair transition, with quality jobs, strong social dialogue, effective labour market institutions, and decent work for all," the Executive Vice-President of the Commission said.

Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

"The European Commission is a key partner for advancing social justice both within and outside the European Union. As the world of work undergoes profound transformation, our partnership must continue to translate shared values into concrete action that expands access to decent work, promotes just transitions, protects workers, and supports sustainable enterprises. I look forward to the next chapter of our cooperation, building on our shared commitment to inclusiveness, social dialogue, and respect for fundamental rights at work,"

Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General

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