24th September 2026
Informal Meeting of the EU Employment Committee EMCO
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD, welcomed officials from across Europe to Dublin Castle for the Informal Meeting of the EU Employment Committee (EMCO). Dillon set out Ireland’s ambition to place quality jobs at the centre of a competitive and inclusive European economy, and highlighted EMCO’s important role in supporting and informing employment policy across the European Union.
The meeting, held as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It, brought together senior officials from EU Member States, the European Commission and EEA/EFTA representatives. The discussions focused on how to shape Europe’s response to key labour market challenges and opportunities.
Quality jobs were a central focus of the discussions. Delegates examined recent developments in working conditions and evidence to support effective policymaking. Eurofound, Ireland’s only EU Agency, presented EU-wide trends in job quality, while Professor John Geary of University College Dublin presented findings from the Working in Ireland Survey. The survey brings new evidence on workplace experiences across the island of Ireland into the EU-level discussion.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment used the meeting to promote an evidence-led approach to employment policy. It also highlighted how better jobs can support, productive businesses and sustainable economic and social progress.
Today’s discussion will include the 2026 Employment Guidelines, while tomorrow delegates will hear about forthcoming EU initiatives affecting workers and employers. These include measures under the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Fair Labour Mobility Package and details from the Annual Employment Performance Report and the Employment Performance Monitor.
Minister Dillon said:
"The work of EMCO is central to the functioning of our Union. Your expertise and analysis directly support the work of the EPSCO Council, ensuring our decisions are evidence-based and focused on real outcomes for people across Europe."
Highlighting quality jobs as a key Irish Presidency priority, Minister Dillon said:
"Ireland believes that quality jobs are a fundamental pillar of sustainable competitiveness and a cornerstone of an economy that works for workers, employers and growth. Ensuring that employment provides fair pay, security, opportunities for development, safe and healthy workplaces, work-life balance, inclusion, autonomy and supporting worker voice is essential to achieving sustainable economic and social progress."
The Minister thanked delegates for their contribution and reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to working closely with European partners throughout the Presidency:
"Ireland looks forward to continuing our cooperation with Member States, the European Commission and stakeholders as we work together to support high employment levels and inclusive labour markets across Europe."
Notes for editors
EMCO is the EU’s advisory committee on employment policy. It supports cooperation between Member States on labour market issues and, monitors employment developments across the Union. It also and contributes to the European Semester process, it also provides through analysis and policy advice to the Council and the European Commission through the European Semester process.
ENDS
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