European Union

Statement

International Labour Conference

113^th session 

Geneva, 2-13 June 2025

________

Committee on Application of Standards

Closing Discussion

________

Geneva, 12 June 2025

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International Labour Conference

113th session 

Geneva, 2-13 June 2025

Committee on Application of Standards

Closing Discussion

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland, Norway, members of the European Economic Area and Switzerland align themselves with this statement.

1. We would like to start by warmly thanking the Chair of the Committee on the Application of Standards for his efficient leading of the discussions and his very good time management. We also extend our warm thanks to the Vice-Chairs and the Rapporteur for their constructive spirit, contributions and efficiency. We also thank the representative of the Secretary-General, Ms Corinne Vargha, and her team for their dedicated support and guidance throughout the sittings. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Karen Curtis, Deputy Director of the NORMES Department, for her key role in this support for numerous years. This is her last CAS in this function. We would like to extend our very best wishes for fulfilment in all her future endeavours. Last but not least, we would like to thank our interpreters and translators.

2. We welcome the discussions and the Constituents’ positive approach and engagement in the process. However, we very much regret that two cases could not be examined, because the respective governments chose not to engage or participate in the Committee. We would like to stress that the participation of Government representatives in country case discussions is vital for the proper functioning of the ILO supervisory mechanism. It is not only an obligation of each Member State but also an opportunity to receive guidance and assistance for future work towards complying with ratified Conventions. We equally regret that, for a second consecutive year not all conclusions could be adopted by consensus, thus going against the long-established practice of our Committee. Nevertheless, we are pleased to have reached concrete conclusions, which will provide guidance on the way forward to effectively implement international labour standards, in law and practice.

3. We strongly believe in the fundamental importance of international labour standards, their ratification, and the effective, independent, and authoritative supervision of their implementation. We share the view that human rights, including international labour standards, are fundamental for relations between peoples and nations.

4. The Committee on the Application of Standards is a crucial pillar of the ILO supervisory system and embodies the core values of the ILO, based on social dialogue and tripartism. It enables all constituents to discuss the implementation of ILO Conventions in a constructive, respectful and tripartite manner.

5. We highly appreciate the analysis and expertise of the Committee of Experts, which provides a solid basis for the work of our Committee, the CAS. We value and put our trust in the guidance provided by the Committee of Experts, which helps to implement international labour standards. We recall our strong commitment to the independence, objectivity, and impartiality of the Committee of Experts.

6. We are pleased that the Committee of Experts continues to deepen its cooperation with the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, crucial to enhance the effective fulfilment of human rights, including labour rights. We very much welcome the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice. We note with regret that the situation we are in puts us off track to reach 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and particularly SDG No. 8, on decent work and economic growth. In this regard, we aim at new impetus of the Second World Social Summit to foster social inclusion and social justice, social dialogue on advancing universal social protection, decent jobs and green and digital skills.

7. We attached great value to the General Survey of the Committee of Experts, which presents a comprehensive overview of the vital relationship between a safe and healthy working environment and the prevention of employment injuries, enabling a reduction in the overall cost of employment injury benefits. Strengthening the culture of prevention at work, promoting the sustainability of enterprises and ensuring comprehensive and accessible social protection is urgent. We welcome the General Survey report’s recommendations for improvement. 

8. We welcome that the CAS conclusions are more action-oriented. They provide guidance to the constituents and foster the commitment of the ILO Member States. We encourage the Member States to comply with the conclusions to the greatest extent possible, where appropriate with the support of ILO’s technical assistance, which may also entail missions.

9. We will continue to fully support and reinforce the ILO’s supervisory system. We remain convinced that it is one of the most extensive and valuable elements of the multilateral rules-based order.

10. We are looking forward to a constructive engagement with the ILO Office and the tripartite constituents in the follow-up to the conclusions of the Committee.

Thank you Chair

*North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.