Pullman Hotel Brussels · 13–14 October 2026
Bringing together European-level HR, labour, and employee relations leaders, this two-day gathering will focus on the challenges to Europe’s competitiveness and what they mean for employers and the workforce. The Draghi report, debate around a proposed 28th regime, and the push to simplify EU regulation have reopened fundamental questions about how Europe competes globally while preserving its social model — with employers, trade unions, and policymakers taking sharply different views.
Over two days of peer exchange and candid debate, members will examine these questions from multiple vantage points — exploring how regulatory complexity, demographic change, and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping labor, workforce, and compliance strategies across the region. As ever, the programme will be shaped by members, for members.
Fall European Members Network Meeting
Challenges to European Competitiveness
Pullman Brussels Centre Midi, Brussels, Belgium • 13–14 October 2026
Tuesday
13 October-
2:00 p.m.
Welcome and Introduction to the Meeting Theme
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2:15 p.m.
Update on EU Employment and Social Legislation
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3:15 p.m.
The Social Omnibus: Proposals for Reducing the Social-Reporting and Due-Diligence Burden
European policymakers are considering proposals to simplify social reporting and due diligence obligations. What changes are being discussed, and what could they mean for employers operating across Europe?
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4:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion
What recent US Supreme Court developments mean for cross-border employee data transfers.
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5:30 p.m.
Adjourn
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7:00 p.m.
Reception
Aperitifs
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8:00 p.m.
Networking Dinner
Wednesday
14 October-
8:30 a.m.
Company Speaker: Experience in China
Thomas Stuhrm, JD.com -
9:30 a.m.
amfori: European Competitiveness in Global Perspective
Responsible supply chain obligations continue to expand globally. This session will examine how due diligence requirements affect competitiveness, investment decisions, and employer responsibilities. Due diligence or disadvantage?
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10:30 a.m.
Break
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10:45 a.m.
Germany and European Competitiveness
What the Volkswagen restructuring signals.
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11:45 a.m.
UK vs. Europe: Diverging Employment and Labor Policy Trends
An examination of how employment and labor policy developments in the United Kingdom compare with those emerging from the European Union, and what multinational employers should expect moving forward.
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12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Venue Information
Pullman Hotel Brussels
Place Victor Horta 11060 Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated room block is being arranged with the hotel and will be shared with registered members once available.
Speakers
Speakers and session leads will be announced as the programme is finalised. The agenda is shaped by members, for members.
Join us in Brussels
Open to all CHRO Association members