EWC: Change could come quickly

EWC trilogue negotiations begin February 6. Quick agreement possible if Parliament drops demands. Companies should prepare for potential early 2026 implementation of revised Directive 

The Key Points: The trilogue negotiations for the European Works Council (EWC) Directive begin on February 6. An agreement is expected under the Polish presidency, potentially leading to a revised Directive becoming national law by early 2026. The Council favours a two-year transposition period, while the Commission and Parliament advocate for one year.

Why This Matters: Employers need to prepare for significant changes in EWC regulations that could impact how employee relations are managed across Europe. A shorter transposition period means companies must act swiftly to align their agreements with the new requirements.

What Might Happen Next: If negotiations conclude quickly, companies may face immediate pressure to revise existing EWC agreements. This could lead to increased scrutiny of compliance and operational adjustments.

Stay informed about the trilogue negotiations and begin assessing your current EWC agreements. Prepare for potential changes by reviewing compliance strategies and engaging with employee representatives to ensure alignment with upcoming regulations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Our April Sitges program, Managing European Employee Relations Today, will take a close look at the changes in the EWC Directive we believe are coming and what companies should be doing now to plan for them.