![Revision of the European Works Councils Directive: Stronger social dialogue in a multinational context [EU Legislation in Progress]](https://i0.wp.com/epthinktank.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EPRS-Briefing-760375-Revision-of-the-EWC-directive-FINAL.png?fit=1024%2C646&ssl=1)
Written by Marketa Pape (3rd edition, updated on 21.03.2025).
European Works Councils (EWCs) are bodies that should guarantee employees the right to be consulted on important issues in large multinational companies active in multiple EU countries. However, EWCs have been criticised for being ineffective, on account of unclear definitions, non-dissuasive sanctions and ineffective access to justice.
In February 2023, the European Parliament called for legislative action to address the shortcomings identified and strengthen the functioning of EWCs. In response, the European Commission consulted European social partners and put forward a proposal in January 2024 to revise the 2009 directive.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs voted its report on 3 April 2024 just ahead of the elections. The Council then adopted its general approach on 20 June 2024. On 3 December 2024, the committee decided to enter interinstituional negotiations on the basis of the report, with the mandate confirmed by plenary vote on 19 December. Trilogue negotiations have now started.
Complete version
- March 2025: ‘Revision of the European Works Councils Directive: Stronger social dialogue in a multinational context‘ (3rd edition)
| Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2009/38/EC as regards the establishment and functioning of European Works Councils and the effective enforcement of transnational information and consultation rights | ||
| Committee responsible: | Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) | COM(2024) 14 24.1.2024 |
| Rapporteur: | Dennis Radtke (EPP, Germany) | 2024/0006(COD) |
| Shadow rapporteurs: | Gabriele Bischoff (S&D, Germany) Mélanie Disdier (PfE, France) Elena Donazzan (ECR, Italy) Brigitte van den Berg (Renew, the Netherlands) Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, Germany) Rudi Kennes (The Left, Belgium) | Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) |
| Next steps expected: | Trilogue negotiations | |
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