European Works Councils (EWCs) are information and consultation bodies which ensure that employees are involved in decisions related to transnational issues. They concern companies with over 1,000 employees operating in at least two EU or European Economic Area countries. The current Directive 2009/38/EC sets out the procedures for establishing EWCs and informing and consulting them on transnational matters. The proposed revision aims to strengthen the role of EWCs by facilitating their creation, promoting more meaningful information and consultation, and ensuring they have the necessary capacity to carry out their work. It also seeks to improve the gender balance of EWCs.
Ongoing (updated on 02/05/2024) - Bureau decision date: 12/12/2023
An efficient intellectual property rights system is a staple of any solid industrial strategy. However, counterfeiting not only leads to losses of revenue for IP rightsholders, but also poses significant risks to consumer safety, public health and the environment. The initiative taken by the Commission with its Recommendation on measures to combat counterfeiting and enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights will aim to protect the integrity of the single market. The cross-border nature of the trade in counterfeit goods and their online dissemination means that Member States alone cannot do this. EU intervention is therefore the best course of action.
Ongoing (updated on 02/05/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
In the last years, the EU has been extending its cooperation with the Central Asian countries, with the signature of different agreements. The EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is already in the implementation phase and its article 251 contains provisions on civil society.
Ongoing (updated on 02/05/2024) - Bureau decision date: 15/02/2024
