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 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.

Explore the European Union - ILO partnership page.

Latest news and stories

Belgium ratifies the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention and the Work in Fishing Convention
Mr. David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture of Belgium, presents the instruments of ratification of Conventions Nos. 131 and 188 to the ILO Director-General, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo. 11 June 2025.

International Labour Standards

Belgium ratifies the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention and the Work in Fishing Convention

With EU/ILO support, Moldova’s National Employment Agency receives vehicles and IT equipment to enhance mobility and accessibility of...
Modern vehicles

With EU/ILO support, Moldova’s National Employment Agency receives vehicles and IT equipment to enhance mobility and accessibility of...

Events

Social justice in the digital era: AI's impact on work and society

Social justice in the digital era: AI's impact on work and society

News from projects funded by the EU

Malaysia charts next steps in widening social protection to foreign workers

Malaysia charts next steps in widening social protection to foreign workers

Progress achieved, but more needed to end child labour in Sabah’s oil palm plantations
Children in Sabah, Malaysia

Press release

Progress achieved, but more needed to end child labour in Sabah’s oil palm plantations

Angola strengthens its commitment to the ILO with the ratification of seven Conventions
Angola’s Minister of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security, Ms Teresa Rodrigues Dias, presents the instruments of ratification to the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo. Switzerland, 06/2025.

International Labour Standards

Angola strengthens its commitment to the ILO with the ratification of seven Conventions

Projects and programmes

Promoting Safe and Healthy Workplaces in the Southern Mediterranean – Phase II

EU-ILO Partnership

Promoting Safe and Healthy Workplaces in the Southern Mediterranean – Phase II

Sustainable Trade and Investment in Southern Africa

SUSTAIN

Sustainable Trade and Investment in Southern Africa

Publications

Tracking progress towards SDG 8 in Europe and Central Asia

Achieving decent work and economic growth

Tracking progress towards SDG 8 in Europe and Central Asia

Social dialogue for the governance of labour migration

Policy Brief

Social dialogue for the governance of labour migration

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

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Contact

ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries

Tel: +32 (0)2 736 59 42
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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European Union - ILO Partnership
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European Union - ILO Partnership

ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux countries
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