UfM strengthens cooperation on labour mobility and tackling undeclared work during European Labour Authority study visit
29 January 2026, Bratislava. The members of the UfM Regional Platform on Employment and Labour took part in a study visit to the European Labour Authority (ELA) in Bratislava, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), to strengthen cooperation on fair labour mobility and tackling undeclared work.
The visit gathered representatives from 12 UfM Member States, social partners and ELA experts to exchange good practices and explore operational tools that support effective labour inspections and cross-border cooperation. Discussions recalled the mandate adopted by UfM Ministers of Employment and Labour at their 2022 Ministerial Meeting in Marrakech, calling for strengthened efforts to support the transition from informal to formal employment, particularly for women and vulnerable workers.
ELA Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu highlighted shared regional challenges, including fair working conditions, labour mobility and addressing undeclared work through trust and cooperation. DG EMPL Team Leader Emmanuelle Roure reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to inclusive and resilient economies in the Mediterranean and noted preparations for a new regional programme focused on policy dialogue, peer learning, tailored support and pilot actions to advance formalisation.
The UfM was represented by Marwa Farghali, who shared follow-up insights from the UfM Workshop on Informal Economy held in Istanbul in September 2025, underscoring the need for inclusive social dialogue and holistic approaches. ELA experts presented tools including joint and concerted inspections, mediation, analytical work, capacity building and information campaigns, as well as the work of the European Platform tackling undeclared work.
Takeaways from the visit will inform the upcoming UfM Regional Platform on Employment and Labour meeting on 23–24 March 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
