The conference, entitled ‘More Democracy at Work – Mobilising Trade Union Power for Ambitious Transposition’, brings together EWC coordinators, members and experts from across Europe to discuss the implementation of the new rules.

The revised EWC Directive (EU) 2025/2450 marks a major victory for workers and trade unions. By closing long-standing legal loopholes, it strengthens workers' rights to information and consultation and gives EWCs greater power to influence decisions affecting their working lives.

During a panel discussion on strengthening EWC capacity, industriAll Europe joins the other European Trade Union Federations (ETUFs) to present practical guidance and tools to help EWCs make the most of their new rights.

Close cooperation between the ETUFs has resulted in joint recommendations and a practical checklist to help EWCs assess their existing agreements against the new legal requirements. This common approach ensures that EWCs across different sectors can benefit from coordinated trade union guidance and support.

The key message to EWCs is clear: prepare carefully, act strategically and work closely with trade unions.

There is no need to rush into negotiations with management. With Member States required to transpose the Directive into national law by 1 January 2028, EWCs should use this time to review their agreements, identify gaps and agree on clear priorities before approaching employers.

Crucially, EWCs should not act alone. EWC coordinators, experts and European Trade Union Federations are there to provide support and ensure that workers can make full use of their strengthened rights.

The conference also features interactive workshops on the practical implications of the revised Directive, including minimum requirements for EWC agreements, confidentiality rules and the removal of exemptions for older agreements.

IndustriAll Europe will continue working with its sister federations and the ETUC to support EWCs in preparing for and applying the new rules.