Eurofound: Shaping Europe's Social and Employment Landscape for Five Decades

Eurofound's Mission: Building a Socially Just Economy

Eurofound's unwavering commitment to fostering social dialogue and improving the lives of Europeans has been instrumental in shaping EU policies for half a century.

As President von der Leyen emphasized, "We reaffirm Europe's values as a social market economy and put social dialogue at the heart of future competitiveness."

Eurofound's Journey: Adapting to Evolving Realities

Founded in the midst of post-war Europe's economic and social complexities, Eurofound's focus has always been on understanding and improving the living and working conditions of EU citizens.

Through economic crises, technological advancements, and societal changes, Eurofound has consistently provided policymakers with knowledge and research to inform their decisions.

New Challenges, New Era

Eurofound's work continues to be indispensable as Europe faces emerging challenges such as preserving peace, enhancing competitiveness, managing demographic change, and combating climate change.

With its unique expertise, Eurofound remains committed to serving its stakeholders with timely and reliable information, fostering collaboration, and driving positive policy outcomes.

Early Foundations: Addressing Post-War Challenges

Eurofound's establishment in the 1970s was driven by the need to understand the impact of economic integration on society and to address issues such as rising inflation and unemployment.

Inspired by the first Irish Commissioner, Patrick Hillery, Eurofound was designed as a tripartite agency, involving governments, employers, and trade unions in its governance.

Mandate for Change: Evolving Role and Focus

Over the decades, Eurofound's mandate has expanded, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of Europe.

From early studies on wage systems and industrial relations to the establishment of the European Working Conditions Survey, Eurofound has continuously innovated to stay at the forefront of research and policy support.

New Realities: Adapting to the 21st Century

Eurofound has consistently embraced emerging trends and societal shifts.

Its research on remote work, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the integration of Ukrainian refugees, and the implications of technological advancements has provided critical insights for policymakers.

Eurofound's Legacy and Future Vision

"Eurofound's work is seen in thousands of scientific citations, hundreds of media mentions, and dozens of key EU policy references on a yearly basis," emphasizes its Executive Director, Ivailo Kalfin.

With a unwavering focus on evidence-based research and innovative communication, Eurofound continues to play a vital role in shaping Europe's social and employment policies, ensuring a better future for all Europeans.