A delegation from the Council of Europe is holding several meetings in Czechia, on 14 and 15 September 2026, on the country’s progress towards ratifying the Revised European Social Charter.

The meetings are organised within the framework of the enhanced dialogue process established as part of the 2022 reform of the European Social Charter system. It will bring together members of the European Committee of Social Rights and the Governmental Committee  of the European Social Charter and the European Code of Social Security, the Czech authorities, Parliament, civil society, the Public Defender of Rights and social partners.

Discussions will focus on the requirements for ratification of the Revised Charter,  and on provisions which we could be easily accepted including rights relating to employment, vocational guidance and training, protection of maternity, protection against harassment, equality in employment and the rights of workers with family responsibilities.

Members of the European Committee of Social Rights will exchange views with Czech authorities on the country’s legal and practical situation in relation to these provisions.

Discussions will also examine the role of civil society organisations, the Ombudsman and social partners in monitoring and implementing social rights.

The programme will include meetings with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Government representatives, representatives of the Czech Parliament and members of the Czech delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. A joint session with parliamentary committees responsible for social policy, healthcare, and science, education, youth and sport will address the Revised Charter system and the steps required for ratification.

The Council of Europe delegation includes Miriam Kullmann and Kristina Koldinská, members of the European Committee of Social Rights; Aongus Horgan, Chair of the Governmental Committee of the European Social Charter and the European Code of Social Security as well as members from the Secretariat of the Department of Social Rights at the Council of Europe.

The Revised European Social Charter, opened for signature in 1996, updates and expands protections for fundamental social and economic rights, including those related to employment, social protection, health, housing and education. The dialogue aims to support the Czech authorities in advancing the ratification process.