Light at the end of the tunnel for stronger European works councils

On 21 May 2025, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the long-awaited revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive. European Works Councils (EWCs) are bodies that ensure employees are informed and consulted on transnational decisions by companies with more than 1,000 employees and operating in more than one EU or EEA country.

Initial steps toward the revision were taken in 2023, when the European Parliament adopted a resolution asking the Commission to reopen the directive in order to strengthen workers' rights in multinational companies. Dennis Radtke (EPP) succeeded in securing a broad majority in support of the Parliament’s position. 

One of the most significant changes is the right for European Works Councils to meet twice a year with central management, ensuring more regular and meaningful dialogue. The revised directive also introduces stronger enforcement tools, including proportionate and dissuasive sanctions when companies fail to comply with EWC obligations. Another key improvement is the clarified definition of what constitutes a transnational matter, which is essential for triggering EWC involvement and avoiding legal ambiguity. 

The revision aims to make the representation of workers in large multinational companies more effective. It intends to simplify the creation of EWCs, ensure proper funding and protection, and offer better access to justice. These changes seek to make the law governing EWCs clearer, more effective, and easier to enforce.
The provisional agreement must still go through formal adoption procedures. However, after years of limited progress, this development signals real momentum for stronger and more effective European Works Councils. 

There is still a legislative path ahead, including formal adoption, but after years of stagnation, there is finally real progress—light at the end of the tunnel for European Works Councils.