Eurofound recently celebrated its 50th anniversary to mark half a century of dedicated research and contributions to improving living and working conditions in Europe by hosting a special event at the European Parliament Office in Dublin on 26 March.
As the first milestone in its year-long 50th anniversary campaign, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on how social and employment policy has evolved over five decades, and to discuss Europe’s future direction and policy responses to emerging challenges. It was also a chance to highlight Ireland’s role in shaping Europe ahead of its 2026 chairing of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Niamh Smyth TD, the event was attended by over 70 stakeholders, including MEPs and representatives from the government, the European Commission, trade unions, employers, and academic institutions.
They joined in a Q&A with guest speaker Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, Fearghas O’Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, and Maeve von Heynitz, EU Director General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland.
Pictured at the special launch event to mark Eurofound’s 50th anniversary in Dublin on 26 March (l-r): Eurfound’s Executive Director Ivailo Kalfin, Maeve von Heynitz, EU Director General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, Fearghas O’Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, and Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
As the only EU agency based in Ireland, for 50 years Eurofound has delivered analysis and comparative research findings across EU Member States, helping policymakers address key challenges in these areas. Since its establishment in 1975, the agency has been at the forefront of delivering evidence-based findings and analysis of work-related, social and employment policies across the EU.
Recent crises, including the financial crisis, the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, energy insecurity, and rising social inequalities have profoundly affected the quality of life for Europeans; they also pose a threat to political stability.
Giving insight into these transformations, Eurofound’s work has played a key role in informing such EU initiatives as the European Pillar of Social Rights and has supported the work of the EU level social partners, the European Commission, key European Parliament committees, other EU institutions, academia and civil society.
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A series of further events will take place this year to mark Eurofound’s 50th anniversary:
Eurofound’s Annual Lecture 2025: Living and Working in Europe – 6 May (Iveagh House, 80-81 Saint Stephen’s Green)
Eurofound Open Day – 13 June (Eurofound, Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown)
Foundation Forum 2025: Europe’s Social Model – Key to Competitive Growth – 19-20 November (The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Road)
Pictured at the special launch event to mark Eurofound’s 50th anniversary in Dublin on 26 March (l-r): Eurfound’s Executive Director Ivailo Kalfin, Maeve von Heynitz, EU Director General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, Fearghas O’Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, and Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
For a selection of photos from the launch event on 26 March visit Eurofound’s Flickr page.
