The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) is a tripartite European Union Agency, whose role is to provide knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies. Eurofound was established in 1975 by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1365/75 to contribute to the planning and design of better living and working conditions in Europe. A new Founding Regulation was adopted on 20 December 2018 and took effect on 20 February 2019.
Eurofound provides information, advice and expertise on working conditions and sustainable work, industrial relations, labour market change and quality and life and public services, to support the EU Institutions and bodies, Member States and Social Partners in shaping and implementing social and employment policies, as well as promoting social dialogue on the basis of comparative information, research and analysis.
Management board
Eurofound's Management Board represents the social partners and national governments of all Member States, as well as the European Commission. It also has one independent expert appointed by the European Parliament. It is assisted by an Executive Board of eight members. The Executive Board is set up with the task of preparing the meetings of the Management Board in an appropriate manner and supporting its decision-making and monitoring processes. The Executive Board meets at least three times a year, usually in Brussels.
Eurofound is managed by an executive director who reports to a Management Board (former Governing Board). The current executive director is Ivailo Kalfin. The deputy director reports to the director. The Board is made up of representatives of the governments and the social partners (employers and trade unions) in the EU Member States, representatives of the European Commission and one independent expert appointed by the European Parliament. It provides the strategic orientation for Eurofound’s activities.
Eurofound also maintains a Brussels Liaison Office, with the dual role of strengthening the visibility and impact of Eurofound research at EU level, and monitoring developments in policymaking.
Some 100 staff members are drawn from a number of Member States and have a wide range of professional experience and background. Experts are occasionally seconded from national administrations.
Eurofound's offices are centred around the 17th century Loughlinstown House in Dublin, Ireland.
Stakeholders and partners
Eurofound’s mission is to provide knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies. While Eurofound is directed primarily at the EU level in its role and work, it is linked with the Member States in a number of ways.
Eurofound aims to support the policymaking activities of EU institutions, governments, employers, trade unions and civil society organisations.
Living and working in Europe
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