Participants highlighted the combined impact of rapid technological transformation, energy insecurity, intensifying global competition and the slowdown of the European economy pressures that are particularly acute in economies closely tied to Europe’s industrial core.

The meeting resulted in a joint declaration setting out clear priorities for governments in the Czech, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian, Slovenian and Ukrainian. Trade unions are calling for decisive action to implement an active industrial policy, strengthen resilient and responsible social dialogue, ensure stable and affordable energy supply, and boost investment in research, development and innovation. They also stress the need for a just industrial transformation, alongside reinforced supply chains and economic security, as essential conditions to protect and create quality industrial jobs.

“After the powerful regional mobilisation in Ostrava on 5 February, which demonstrated trade unions’ determination to unite to defend industrial jobs, today’s declaration sends another clear message: Eastern Europe is a strategic pillar of Europe’s industrial future. Stronger regional cooperation is key to harnessing shared strengths, boosting resilience and delivering quality jobs. industriAll Europe is standing alongside its members to turn these ambitions into concrete outcomes.” Said Isabelle Barthès, industriAll Europe’s deputy general secretary.

Occupational safety and health (OSH) also featured prominently in the discussions. Trade unions reaffirmed that ensuring safe and healthy working conditions remains a top priority, particularly as industrial and technological changes introduce new and emerging risks. Preventing these risks must go hand in hand with managing transformation, ensuring that innovation and industrial and technological change does not come at the expense of workers’ wellbeing.