Shaping the Future of Work: Parliamentary Delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia Visits Brussels

From 16–18 June, the Working Group on Labour, Health and Social Affairs (AK AGS) of the SPD parliamentary group in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament visited Brussels to learn more about the work of the FES Future of Work project and to explore European perspectives on the future of work, social policy, and healthcare.

The objective of the delegation’s trip was to gain fresh insights and ideas to strengthen their parliamentary work — with a clear focus on promoting good work and social security in a rapidly changing North Rhine-Westphalia. Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged in high-level meetings and in-depth discussions addressing the complex social, technological, and economic challenges currently shaping policy across Europe.

Highlights of the Programme

The delegation held insightful meetings with representatives from the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions. Discussions focused on the EU’s role in creating fair labour markets, safeguarding workers’ rights, and steering the digital and green transitions. Particular attention was also paid to the role of regions and local authorities in implementing European social policies and supporting health and care systems on the ground.

In addition to the institutional meetings, two interactive workshops brought together a wide range of experts from trade unions, academia, civil society, business, and public services. These sessions created space for open dialogue on both strategic and practical issues.

Key Topics of Discussion

The thematic focus of the visit revolved around current and future challenges in the fields of labour and social affairs:

• Transformation of the world of work and the protection against exploitation and precarious employment

• The structural change in industrial jobs and the need for proactive policy frameworks

• Opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence for workers, employers, and regulators alike

• Ensuring a future-proof health and care system in light of demographic and technological developments

A Forward-Looking Dialogue

The visit underscored the importance of cross-border dialogue and learning in social policymaking. European institutions and regional actors alike are facing similar pressures – and sharing experiences is key to crafting solutions that are both effective and people-centred. The SPD parliamentary group in NRW aims to integrate the insights gathered in Brussels into its ongoing legislative and policy work, ensuring that social justice, fair working conditions, and resilient healthcare systems remain at the heart of its political agenda.