Highlights from IOE Europe and Central Asia regional meeting 2024

About 40 representatives from employers' organisations came together with IOE for an in-depth discussion on regional challenges and opportunities.

From 19-20 September 2024, employers' representatives gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, for the IOE Europe and Central Asia Regional Meeting. Hosted by the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), the meeting focused on key issues and priorities for the region's members, providing valuable support in addressing these challenges while identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

IOE Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia, Blaise Matthey, highlighted the importance of the meeting as a safe space for sharing ideas between peers and for responding more effectively to the pressing economic and social challenges across the region. Ingrid Thijssen, President of VNO-NCW underlined the pivotal role of European businesses through employers' organisations in advocating for and in facilitating meaningful social dialogue in today’s evolving economic landscape.

The meeting delved into regional economic and social developments, bearing in mind Mario Draghi’s recent report on the future of European competitiveness. A key takeaway from the report is the urgency for Europe to boost productivity or risk falling short of its ambitions. 

An important topic discussed was the advisory proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the right to strike under ILO Convention No. 87. Under the leadership of IOE Vice President to the ILO, Renate Hornung-Draus, IOE legal counsel Michelle Butler offered a comprehensive update on the case, outlining key legal arguments and the next steps that could impact future labour rights. 

A tour de table enabled members to share insights into the evolving context of their organisations. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including changing governments and policies, the level of public spending, the employment and skills situation, new directions or reforms in  labour law, the state of national social dialogue, etc. IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos provided an overview of the organisation’s priorities for next year, such as AI disruptions and opportunities at the workplace, transitions in the context of climate change, effective migration policies, dealing with ageing population, skills shortages, calling for member collaboration to address workforce challenges and reaffirming IOE’s commitment to supporting its members. Additionally, ILO officials including ACT/EMP, presented their upcoming activities for the European and Central Asian region.

Participants also explored the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), effective from July 2024. With a transposition deadline of July 2026, businesses need to anticipate and prepare for implementation by focusing on ensuring a level playing field across the region while tackling compliance challenges.

Another significant discussion revolved around decent work in the platform economy, particularly in anticipation of the forthcoming ILO standard-setting debate. An overview of the European survey on platform work, as well as the proposed EU directive on the topic, were presented. The conversation included practical insights from businesses, with the focus on enabling companies to grow while ensuring decent work for platform workers.

With the global competition for talent intensifying, migration policies were also a key topic of discussion. Representatives explored how tailored migration policies, alongside initiatives such as upskilling and workforce mobility, can help address ongoing skills shortages in various countries. 

IOE extends its gratitude to VNO-NCW for their exceptional hosting and facilitation of the meeting, as well as to all members for their active participation. The baton for the 2025 regional meeting was passed to Confederação Empresarial de Portugal, who will host next year’s event.