On 14 December 2023, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament agreed on a text for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
It requires formal approval by the Legal Affairs Committee and the European Parliament as a whole, as well as by the Council (EU governments) to enter into force.
It aims to enhance the protection of the environment and human rights in the EU and globally.
The Commission proposal was introduced on 23 February 2022, and the Council adopted its general approach on 1 December 2022.
On 29 November 2023, the ILO presented its new Approach to Good Governance and Decent Work in Uzbekistan's Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Sectors.
The ILO approach aims to achieve important objectives, such as respecting fundamental principles and labour rights in the cotton supply chain, developing inclusive and sustainable enterprises, and strengthening the capacity of employers' and workers' organisations to promote decent work.
It amends the Regulation for the Constitution, Organization, and Operation of the Bipartite OHS Committees of 2017, aiming to adapt companies to new technological realities, strengthen the prevention of occupational risks, and promote a safe environment.
On 30 November 2023, Eurofound published a new research report on the right to disconnect.
The report is based on a survey of employees and HR managers in Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. It examines how the right to disconnect is implemented at the company level.
On 30 October 2023, President Biden issued an executive order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to set out general standards governing the use and development of AI across industries.
It stresses the importance of using AI safely and responsibly and advancing a coordinated, Federal Government-wide approach.
On 12 December 2023, ILO presented its first global report on public employment services (PES) and active labour market policies (ALMPs), published on 14 July 2023.
ILO presented its main findings during an online launch event, with the participation of the World Employment Confederation (WEC), the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), and the World Bank (WB).
The report's findings will be used to provide technical advisory services for ILO Member States.
On 8 December 2023, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act.
The Act aims to ensure that AI systems in the EU respect fundamental rights and values, while stimulating innovation and investment in AI in Europe.
Both Parliament and Council must formally adopt the agreed text for it to become EU law.
The AI Act should apply two years after it enters into force.
A technical meeting on decent and sustainable work in the inland waterways sector was held in Geneva from 20 to 24 November 2023 to discuss opportunities, challenges, and future actions.
Representatives from governments, workers, and employers adopted a set of conclusions and recommendations to guide ILO and its Member States, encouraging a strict collaboration with river and regional economic commissions.