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EU: Revision of European Works Councils Directive Nears Final Approval

EU: Revision of European Works Councils Directive Nears Final Approval
The European Parliament, Council, and Commission have just reached a political agreement on the long-anticipated revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive. This trilogue outcome marks a key milestone in the legislative process and paves the way for formal adoption, with only limited technical adjustments expected. The revised EWC Directive is expected to be adopted by the end of 2025 or early 2026, following a first reading in the European Parliament scheduled for September 8, 2025.

From an employer’s perspective, the upcoming changes are likely to have a tangible impact on compliance obligations and the overall framework for engaging with EWCs. Among the expected revisions are stricter enforcement mechanisms, more precise definitions, and a clearer procedural framework for establishing and consulting EWCs—all of which will be particularly relevant for multinational companies / groups with at least 1,000 employees across two or more EU/EEA Member States and at least 150 employees in each of at least two Member States.

We invite you to read our attached client alert for a deeper dive into what these developments could mean for your organisation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss what the new rules could mean for your organisation and how you may want to prepare, our team is here to help.

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