RUEA President Participated in IOE Annual Regional Meeting

On 10–12 September, the annual regional meeting of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) for its members from Europe and Central Asia was held in Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting was attended by Vahagn Hambardzumyan, President of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA).

Hosted by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the meeting brought together more than 30 leaders of employers’ organisations from across Europe and Central Asia to discuss key developments in the business environment, labour markets and social dialogue, as well as common challenges and priorities facing employers’ organisations in the region.

The agenda covered a range of issues of key importance to employers and the world of work, including the ongoing reform of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the new international instrument on the platform economy, and the opportunities for IOE to further support its members in Europe and Central Asia. Participants also discussed upcoming programmes and regional initiatives of ILO and Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP).

A dedicated session focused on digitalisation and artificial intelligence and their impact on the future of work. Discussions addressed the regulatory and governance aspects of AI, the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption in business operations, and the changing needs of labour markets. Particular attention was also given to the development of quality jobs in Europe, including the expected implications of the EU Quality Jobs Act for employers and companies, policies aimed at improving job quality, and the role of business in this process.

As part of the meeting, IOE members shared updates on the economic, political and social situation in their respective countries, including developments in the business environment, employment trends, labour law reforms, social dialogue, collective bargaining, and key priorities for employers at the national level.

Vahagn Hambardzumyan presented key developments in Armenia’s business environment, current issues of concern to employers, and RUEA’s priorities. He also highlighted the importance of exchanging experience and strengthening cooperation among employers’ organisations from different countries.

RUEA joined the IOE in 2026, marking an important step in strengthening its engagement with the international employers’ community. The IOE is the global organisation representing the interests of employers, with more than 150 member organisations across over 140 countries.

RUEA’s membership in the International Organisation of Employers provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the representation of Armenian employers’ interests and priorities on international platforms, while also facilitating the exchange of experience and the introduction of international best practices into Armenia’s employers’ organisation and business development agenda.