Call for Proposals: Information, Consultation and Participation of Representatives of Undertakings

Deadline: 12-Nov-2026

The Social Prerogative and Specific Competencies Lines (SOCPL) call for proposals provides project grants for initiatives that strengthen employee involvement, social dialogue, and the implementation of EU labour and employment law. Projects should address European Works Councils, workforce transitions, climate neutrality, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, restructuring, and other challenges affecting workers and employers.

About the SOCPL Call for Proposals

The Social Prerogative and Specific Competencies Lines (SOCPL) call for proposals supports projects that strengthen employee involvement in undertakings through social dialogue and the effective implementation of EU law. The call is managed by the European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. A major focus is the development and effective functioning of European Works Councils (EWCs) and the ability of workers and social partners to anticipate and manage major workplace transitions. The call contributes to the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights by supporting stronger employee participation, cooperation between social partners, and practical solutions to workplace challenges. What Does the SOCPL Call Support? The call supports projects that strengthen employee involvement and social dialogue at the European level.

Priority areas include:

- European Works Councils - Employee participation and representation - Transnational social dialogue - Implementation of EU employment and labour law - Climate and energy transitions - Climate neutrality - Digital transformation - Artificial intelligence in work organisation - Workplace restructuring - Prevention and resolution of labour disputes - Knowledge and good-practice exchange - Capacity building for social partners Projects should address current and emerging challenges affecting employees, employers, and workplace representation across the European Union. European Works Councils and Employee Involvement European Works Councils (EWCs) are an important mechanism for informing and consulting employees in large multinational companies operating across Europe. The SOCPL call encourages projects that help improve the establishment and functioning of European Works Councils.

Supported actions may include:

- Strengthening EWC representatives’ capacity - Supporting transnational cooperation - Improving employee information and consultation - Sharing knowledge and good practices - Promoting effective social dialogue - Supporting gender balance in employee representation Projects should demonstrate how their activities can contribute to more effective employee participation and representation. Workforce Transitions and Digital Transformation The call recognizes that workers and employers are facing significant changes caused by climate objectives and digitalisation. Projects may therefore address how employees can anticipate and manage workplace change associated with: - Digital transformation - Artificial intelligence - Automation - Climate neutrality - Industrial transitions - Organisational restructuring - Changing workforce requirements Research, training, and social dialogue activities can help social partners identify challenges and develop practical approaches to managing these transitions. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work Artificial intelligence is increasingly affecting how work is organised and performed. The SOCPL call encourages projects that examine the implications of digitalisation and AI for workers and workplace organisation.

Relevant activities may focus on:

- AI adoption in workplaces - Changes in work organisation - Employee consultation - Worker representation - Skills and workforce adaptation - Social dialogue around technological change - Responsible management of digital transformation Eligible Activities Funded projects can include a range of activities designed to strengthen employee involvement and social partner capacity.

Examples include:

- Training activities - Outreach and awareness activities - Analysis of worker and employer representation - Social dialogue initiatives - Transnational cooperation - Exchange of knowledge and good practices - Support for European Works Councils - Research and analysis - Dissemination of project findings - Communication of project results - Activities supporting workplace transition management Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and the objectives of the SOCPL call. Inclusion, Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination The call places emphasis on inclusive participation and equal treatment.

Projects should consider:

- Gender equality - Gender balance in employee representation - Non-discrimination - Accessibility - Inclusion of persons with disabilities - Equal participation in social dialogue Applicants should ensure that project activities and outputs are accessible and inclusive wherever relevant. Funding Available The SOCPL call has a total budget of EUR 2,500,000.

Key funding details include:

- Expected grant per project: EUR 250,000 to EUR 350,000

- Total call budget: EUR 2.5 million

- EU funding rate: 90%

- Typical project duration: 18 to 24 months

Applicants should therefore plan to provide the required level of co-financing for the remaining share of eligible project costs. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must generally be legal entities established in EU Member States. The call primarily targets organisations representing workers or employers. Eligible types of organisations may include: - Trade unions - Works councils - Employers’ organisations - Other representative social partner organisations Technical or research bodies may also participate where they are mandated by eligible organisations. Organisations from Candidate Countries For roles other than project coordinator, organisations from specified Candidate Countries may also participate.

These countries include:

- Albania - Bosnia