Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, growing economic fragmentation and the expansion of the EU's trade and economic partnerships, participants reflected on how to ensure that stakeholder engagement remains meaningful and effective.

DAG's are a key element of the EU's Trade and Sustainable Development framework, bringing together representatives of workers, employers and civil society to monitor the implementation of trade agreements. For industriAll Europe, DAGs are an essential platform through which trade unions can bring the perspectives of workers directly into discussions on trade, sustainability, industrial policy and global supply chains.

The discussion highlighted a broader concern shared by many participants: while the EU's external economic agenda is expanding, opportunities for structured consultation and democratic scrutiny must expand alongside it. Whether through trade agreements, strategic partnerships or other forms of cooperation, workers and civil society organisations must continue to have a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect jobs, industries and communities. 

For industriAll Europe, the involvement of trade unions is particularly important. Trade policy increasingly shapes industrial development, investment flows, supply chains and the conditions under which workers are employed. Trade unions bring practical expertise on labour rights, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, skills needs and the social consequences of industrial transformation. Their contribution helps ensure that trade policy supports quality jobs and a just transition. 

“Workers experience the consequences of trade policy every day, whether through changes in supply chains, investment decisions, industrial restructuring or new employment opportunities. This is why trade unions must have a strong voice in the monitoring and implementation of trade agreements. Effective social dialogue leads to better and more sustainable outcomes.” Said Isabelle Barthes, industriAll Europe's Deputy General Secretary 

Participants also exchanged views on how to strengthen the effectiveness of DAGs and enhance their visibility and impact. Among the ideas discussed were improved transparency, more regular exchanges with EU institutions, stronger follow-up to recommendations and greater opportunities for civil society to engage in the monitoring of trade-related commitments.

The meeting reaffirmed the important role that Domestic Advisory Groups play in connecting EU policymaking with the realities faced by workers, businesses and civil society. As the EU develops new tools and partnerships to address economic, industrial and geopolitical challenges, maintaining meaningful stakeholder participation will be essential.

“Trade policy cannot be developed in isolation from workers and their representatives. As the EU's trade and economic agenda expands, meaningful engagement with trade unions and civil society must remain a priority. Domestic Advisory Groups are essential to ensuring that workers' interests, labour rights and the objective of a just transition are reflected in EU policymaking." concluded Isabelle Barthes.