Following the European Centre’s 50th anniversary in 2024, 2025 marked a return to our core mission: delivering social policy expertise through applied research and cooperation across the UNECE region. Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, funding constraints, and scepticism towards multilateral institutions, social policy remains a critical tool to address inequality, exclusion, and insecurity. In this context, major global developments such as the Summit of the Future, the World Social Report 2024, and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development have highlighted the urgent need for renewed international cooperation, especially in strengthening social protection and sustainable development. The European Centre continues to engage with these efforts by supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Throughout 2025, we contributed to EU-wide research and policy initiatives, including work on disability rights, labour mobility, social dialogue, ageing, informal care, and anti-poverty strategies. We launched new Horizon Europe projects focused on social dialogue in green and digital transitions (E-GRUiEN) and youth employment challenges (NEXT-UP). Our teams supported European Commission services, the European Labour Authority, and international partners including the WHO, UNDP, and the World Bank. Beyond project delivery, our experts produced impactful publications, hosted events, and participated in nearly 50 external conferences and workshops. With a stable team and strong administrative backbone, the European Centre continues to punch above its weight despite limited resources and rising operational pressures.
This Annual Report offers a snapshot of our work, achievements, and partnerships – and underscores our ongoing commitment to knowledge-based, inclusive social development.
