Social dialogue in the EU candidate countries

Enhancing Social Dialogue through Workers' Organizations Support

In the journey towards EU accession, the role of workers' organizations is vital. Trade unions play a crucial part in shaping the society, politics, and economy of European nations, particularly through social dialogue. Acknowledging this, EZA is dedicated to empowering workers' organizations in EU candidate countries, ensuring they are prepared to engage effectively in the accession process.

Since 2011, our efforts have been directed towards the Western Balkans, collaborating with partners from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. We welcome the opportunity to expand our project to Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, reflecting their new status as EU candidate countries.

Challenges and Opportunities

Candidate countries face unique challenges, including prolonged economic and political transitions, widespread corruption, and entrenched societal structures. Despite these obstacles, the foundation for social dialogue exists. However, the effectiveness of such dialogues is often hampered by a lack of consideration for workers' organizations' views, limiting their impact on policy and societal development.

Our Mission

EZA aims to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive support to workers' organisations. Through education, training, and access to our networking forum, we strive to enhance their capacity for meaningful participation in social dialogue. Our initiative is not just about support; it's about empowering these organizations to actively contribute to their countries' EU accession journey, ensuring that workers' rights and interests are represented.

This initiative is a testament to our dedication to strengthening the foundations of social dialogue in Europe, ensuring that the voices of workers' organisations are not just heard but are influential in shaping the future.

29.10.2025 - 31.10.2025

Workers voice for decent jobs in the EU candidate countries – trade unions policies in transformative times

Sofia / BG

12.02.2027 - 14.02.2026

EU-Erweiterung und junge Arbeitnehmer:innen im Westbalkan

Banja Luka / BA

Workers' organisations and social dialogue in the Western Balkans on the road to Europe

Social dialogue in the region of Western Balkans is characterised by profound upheavals – societal, political, economic and social, taking place against the backdrop of rapid and far-reaching historical developments. The social partners moreover find themselves continually challenged in their role and self-image, leading to a redefinition of it. The countries in the focus of this research report have for several years now been poised to accede to the EU – at varying degrees of intensity and speed – and this too poses major challenges for workers’ organizations and social dialogue. With the help of authentic experiences and insights from the region, and expertise both academic and practical, this paper sheds light on the numerous facets of social dialogue, reflects on the manifold transformations and provides comprehensive insights into the challenges faced by workers’ organizations in the Western Balkans, past and future. However, it also reflects on the findings from the EZA Special Project in place since 2012 for workers' organizations in the Western Balkans entitled Strengthening Social Dialogue – Shaping European Integration. In addition, the study provides a wealth of suggestions, tips and recommendations for action for workers’ organizations.

Keywords: Social dialogue; Trade unions; Western Balkans