European Union

What is the EU?

The EU is a unique economic and political union of 28 Member States that together cover much of the European continent.

The EU’s governing body is the European Commission (EC) which helps to shape the EU's overall strategy, proposes new EU laws and policies, monitors their implementation and manages the EU budget. It also plays a significant role in supporting international development and delivering aid.

Why are the EU and the EC relevant to IOE members?

Partnership with the EU is relevant for the IOE and its members because it supports private sector development and seeks to strengthen the capacity of employers’ organisations, as set out in the following documents: “A stronger role of the private sector in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth in developing countries” (2014) and “The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with Civil Society in external relations” (2012). 

What is the IOE’s position on the EU?

The IOE and the EU enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship and collaborate constructively on the achievement of shared goals across a range of areas.

How does the IOE’s engagementwith the EU advance the IOE agenda?

The IOE is implementing a joint initiative with the EC Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO) entitled “Strengthening the capacity of the International Organisation of Employers as a global representative employers’ organisation and of national member organisations, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs)”.  The collaboration aims to achieve greater coherence, consistency and impact of IOE actions; improve information flow and advocacy work; improve dialogue and the involvement of IOE members in EU development issues; and strengthen cooperation with other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), thus contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 17 to “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development”.

The formal partnership agreement signed between the IOE and the EU in June 2018 means additional support for IOE efforts to enhance the capacities and services of independent and autonomous employers’ organisations to foster an enabling environment for business; to advance inclusive and sustainable development; and to promote responsible business conduct in an increasingly globalised world.

Additional joint IOE-EU activities include areas of interest endorsed by IOE members, including international labour migration, trade and employment, social dialogue and occupational safety and health.

New Appointments at the IOE Secretariat in Geneva

An announcement from the Secretary-General

IOE Secretary-General Mr Roberto Suárez Santos has today announced with great pleasure the following new appointments at the IOE Secretariat in Geneva, effective 1 January 2019:

In recognition of their expertise, dedication and professionalism, as well as their many years' experience in the organisation:

  • Mr Matthias Thorns, who is currently IOE Director of Stakeholder Engagement, will take up the post of Deputy Secretary-General.
  • Ms María Paz Anzorreguy, who is currently a Senior Adviser at the IOE, will take up the new post of Director of ILO Coordination.

Mr Suárez was also pleased to announce that the IOE Adviser for Africa position has now been filled:

  • Mr Lameck Kumbuka Jaston will also begin his new role on 1 January 2019.

The IOE Management Board and Secretariat staff join with the Secretary-General in wishing those concerned every success in their new posts.



If you are interested in a rewarding career at the International Organisation of Employers, please consult the "Join our Team" section of the IOE website for current vacancies.  If you have any IOE human resources-related questions, please contact our HR Manager, Ms Chiara Cirelli at cirelli(at)ioe-emp.com

New Appointments at the IOE Secretariat in Geneva

An announcement from the Secretary-General

IOE Secretary-General Mr Roberto Suárez Santos has today announced with great pleasure the following new appointments at the IOE Secretariat in Geneva, effective 1 January 2019:

In recognition of their expertise, dedication and professionalism, as well as their many years' experience in the organisation:

  • Mr Matthias Thorns, who is currently IOE Director of Stakeholder Engagement, will take up the post of Deputy Secretary-General.
  • Ms María Paz Anzorreguy, who is currently a Senior Adviser at the IOE, will take up the new post of Director of ILO Coordination.

Mr Suárez was also pleased to announce that the IOE Adviser for Africa position has now been filled:

  • Mr Lameck Kumbuka Jaston will also begin his new role on 1 January 2019.

The IOE Management Board and Secretariat staff join with the Secretary-General in wishing those concerned every success in their new posts.



If you are interested in a rewarding career at the International Organisation of Employers, please consult the "Join our Team" section of the IOE website for current vacancies.  If you have any IOE human resources-related questions, please contact our HR Manager, Ms Chiara Cirelli at cirelli(at)ioe-emp.com

International Investment Agreements and Human Rights

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IOE Position Paper (April 2021)

2017 IOE Forum on Diverse Forms of Work

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African Social Partners Jobs & Skills Summit - Call for Action on Employment

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Algiers - 22-23 April 2017

African Social Partners' Jobs & Skills Summit

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Algiers, 22-23 April 2017 - Summary Report

41st Annual Meeting of Employers' Organisations from East, Central & Southern Africa, Namibia

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14-15 February 2017 - Report

IOE Brief - understanding the Future of Work

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Full Publication

Launch of the Jobs for Africa Foundation

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3 Nov. 2016

Small Business, Big Impact

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IOE-GRI booklet on sustainability reporting for SMEs

The IOE and the European Commission

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IOE Fact Sheet

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