How can the European Social Charter and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights help protect labour rights amid changing technological, climate and regulatory pressures?

This will be discussed at the next annual meeting of the COE–FRA–ENNHRI–EQUINET Collaborative Platform on Social and Economic Rights, which is taking place in Vienna on 7 October 2026. The meeting will also examine how European and national actors can strengthen the protection of labour rights in a rapidly changing policy environment.

The discussion will build on the European Committee of Social Rights’ Conclusions 2025 on labour rights, which highlighted persistent challenges in the implementation of labour rights across Europe, including collective bargaining, working conditions, equality and protection from emerging workplace risks.

Participants will also examine the possible challenges arising from the EU competitiveness and simplification agenda. The EU Inc. proposal, presented by the European Commission in March 2026, would establish an optional EU-wide corporate framework intended to facilitate cross-border business. While national employment and social laws would continue to apply, the initiative has prompted debate about how corporate regulatory reform can be reconciled with effective workers’ rights.

The forthcoming EU Quality Jobs Act will provide another important focus, including issues such as AI and algorithmic management, occupational health and safety, climate change.

Against this background, the meeting will explore how the European Social Charter, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and other relevant social and human rights instruments, along with monitoring bodies and national human rights structures can serve as effective safeguards, while strengthening monitoring, enforcement and cooperation among national institutions and stakeholders.

Date: 7 October 2026 (9.00 - 17.30 CEST)
Place: Vienna, Austria (Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof, Congress Hall A)
Concept Note and Programme
Who are the Speakers
Consult the Practical information sheet