The 4th Congress of industriAll Europe concluded today in Budapest with over 500 delegates from 35 countries pledging to resist growing forces of division and to fight for a strong, sustainable industrial base, without which there can be not future for the European project.
Leaders from 126 industrial trade unions reaffirmed their commitment to defending workers’ rights, rebuilding resilient industries, and standing up for democratic values under increasing pressure across Europe.
Choosing Budapest as the Congress venue was no coincidence. In his opening address, industriAll Europe President Michael Vassiliadis underlined the symbolism of the location. “By being here, we are showing solidarity with Hungarian trade unionists under pressure from an aggressively anti-union government,” he said.
A strategy for democracy, industrial strength and good jobs
Amid geopolitical instability and internal divisions, Vassiliadis underlined that the industriAll Europe Congress must steer a course of solidarity and economic security. Workers are bearing the brunt of industrial transitions that often lack a social dimension — fuelling uncertainty and polarisation. The solution is a clear strategy to defend democracy, protect rights, and ensure quality industrial employment in Europe.
Delegates gave overwhelming support to industriAll Europe’s new Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, structured around four core priorities.
Uniting to:
- build trade union power for strong, sustainable industrial jobs in Europe.
- for fair pay and conditions.
- for solidarity and peace.
- for a new common trade union agenda.
Honest Debate and Shared Purpose
The Congress also served as a forum for open and vigorous debate. Delegates voiced concern over widespread fears of job losses in the ongoing industrial transformation, with workers and trade unions often caught between urgent social and environmental demands. Many criticised governments and companies for failing to deliver a just transition or invest meaningfully in the green transition. “That’s where the blame lies,” one speaker said.
In a strong show of international solidarity, Congress adopted an emergency motion on Gaza, condemning ongoing violence and urging the EU and its member states to step up efforts to end the war, secure hostage releases, and work toward a just peace and two-state solution.
As Europe and the world is undergoing profound change, industriAll Europe’s message from Budapest was clear: only by standing together can workers secure a fair, democratic and strong industrial future.
Check more information about the congress here Photos on our Flickr here
