From 2nd to 4th February 2026, the Concluding Perspective Seminar of the EZA Special project for workers' organisations in candidate countries was held in Königswinter, Germany. It was organised by the Confederation of Labour PODKREPA, in cooperation with EZA and funded by the European Union. 30 representatives of workers’ organisations from North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Moldova and Bulgaria participated in the seminar.
The seminar’s objective
To exchange experiences between EU member states and candidate countries on improving social dialogue at various levels;
To identify capacity-building needs of workers’ organisations for developing viable social dialogue structures and practices;
To convey knowledge on European values and the European social model;
To strengthen awareness of behavioural approaches for improving social partnership in the EU candidate countries.
Description of the seminar
On the first day, three thematic workshops were organised, focusing on:
Mapping the situation: challenges and strengths of workers’ organisations in candidate countries;
Identifying capacity-building programmes and training needs;
Defining how EZA can support workers’ organisations, moving from needs to concrete proposals.
With the support of a professional facilitator, participants jointly identified six key topics reflecting their most pressing capacity-building needs. These include:
how to support organisations in navigating digital technologies and AI;
addressing mobbing and strengthening integrity;
increasing trade union membership;
improving the public image of trade unions;
engaging young people;
strengthening negotiation capacities.
These topics will serve as a basis for the further development and design of the Special Project for workers’ organisations in the EU candidate countries.
On the second day, two panels addressed key topics:
The state of play of EU integration and Chapter 19 in candidate countries;
The new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and its implications for workers and trade unions.
Key ideas
The EU Candidate Countries (CCs) face structural challenges related to political instability, corruption, and difficulties in aligning with EU acquis and values. These challenges directly affect labour markets, working conditions, and the ability of trade unions to operate effectively.
Trade unions in CCs are confronted with declining membership, limited bargaining power, communication issues and insufficient resources. These issues are further intensified by rapid transformations in the labour market driven by digitalisation and the green transition. As a result, social dialogue and collective bargaining, particularly at sectoral level, often remain weak or purely formal.
Organisational reform is necessary, as traditional union structures are no longer fully adapted to modern and flexible forms of work. Trade unions need to develop new organising models, introduce innovative approaches, and strengthen engagement with young and digital workers.
Collective bargaining remains a key tool for ensuring quality jobs and fair wages. However, new challenges such as ecological and technological transitions require improved analytical capacities and negotiation strategies.
Public perception of trade unions is mixed and often negative, limiting their influence. Improving communication strategies, including the use of digital tools and social media, is essential for strengthening visibility and rebuilding trust.
Conclusions and recommendations
Civil society in the EU CCs remains fragmented, with low levels of civic engagement and trust. In this context, trade unions face difficulties in promoting EU values and acting as effective social partners.
Trade unions must become more flexible, communicative and better connected through networks. Strengthening organisational capacity and adopting modern communication strategies are key priorities.
Strategic organising is essential to address declining membership and ensure long-term sustainability. This includes structured engagement with workers, improved campaigning capacities, and the development of clear and targeted messages.
Capacity-building efforts should focus on:
improving organising and recruitment strategies;
strengthening collective bargaining skills;
enhancing digital transformation within trade unions.
Communication plays a central role in shaping public perception and attracting new members, particularly young workers. Therefore, investment in communication skills, tools, and training is crucial for the future development of trade unions in EU candidate countries.