Working Group Communication of the EFOP

1.What role does the Working Group Communication play within the European Forum?

The Working Group Communication is responsible for increasing the visibility of the European Forum’s activities, projects, and achievements. Our main objective is to facilitate information exchange among member institutions and support European cooperation through modern and effective communication channels.

2. What developments have taken place in the field of communication over the past months?

Over the past months, we have implemented several important improvements. On the website, both technical and content-related enhancements have been made. For example, the previous PDF and text display issues have been resolved, access to member organisation information has been simplified, and the members’ list has been updated. In addition, we continue to work on strengthening the Forum’s digital presence and improving the overall user experience.

3. How is the European Forum’s presence on LinkedIn developing?

Our LinkedIn page currently has 204 followers, which demonstrates a growing interest in the activities of the European Forum. At the same time, we see significant potential for further growth. The Working Group agreed that LinkedIn should be used more actively in the future. Therefore, we encourage all member organisations to regularly submit articles, short texts, photos, and updates about their activities. By tagging the respective organisations, we can further increase the visibility of both the Forum and its members.

4. What future projects are planned for the website?

One of the most important upcoming developments is the creation of a restricted members’ area. The aim is to facilitate internal communication and provide members with access to additional resources and information. We are also planning to introduce a search function to make content easier to find. At the same time, we are working on a responsive web design and evaluating options for implementing accessibility features to ensure the website is accessible to all users.

5. How is the website currently being used?

The website continues to attract considerable interest. In May 2026, the site recorded 6,384 visits, while 3,268 visits were registered in June 2026. These figures demonstrate that the website serves as an important source of information for both Forum members and external stakeholders. Our goal is to continue improving the quality and relevance of content in order to maintain and increase user engagement.

6. How will the website be financed in the future?

At present, the website is financed by EUROGIP under a joint agreement with DGUV and AUVA. This agreement will expire at the end of 2026. From 2027 onwards, the website costs will be covered by the country holding the presidency. In 2027, this responsibility will once again be assumed by EUROGIP. The annual operating costs amount to approximately €2,500, which ensures the continued maintenance and development of the platform.

7. A possible renaming of the European Forum is currently under discussion. Why is this process important?

The European Forum has evolved significantly over the years, and the discussion about a potential new name aims to ensure that the organisation’s mission and scope are clearly and accurately reflected. The two remaining proposals under discussion are “European Forum on Occupational Risks” (EFOR) and “European Forum on Occupational Protection” (EFOP). The final decision will be taken by the General Assembly.

8. Another communication project is the production of an explanatory video. What is planned?

The planned explanatory video is intended to present the European Forum in a concise, modern, and engaging way. Its purpose is to explain the Forum’s objectives, activities, and added value for members and stakeholders. The project still requires approval from the General Assembly before implementation can begin. If approved, production is expected to start during the second half of 2026. The video is planned to be approximately two minutes long, with estimated production costs of around € 5.000,00.

9. What significance do the “Forum News” have for members?

The Forum News serves as one of the most important communication tools of the European Forum. They provide regular updates on current developments, projects, and activities across the various working groups. The September 2026 edition will feature interviews with all Working Group leaders, as well as reports on the Warsaw Conference. In this way, members receive a comprehensive overview of the Forum’s ongoing work and achievements.

10. What can members look forward to in the coming year?

We are particularly looking forward to the next European Forum Conference, which will take place in Paris, France, from 2 to 4 June 2027. The conference will focus on workplace accidents and the protection of vulnerable groups of workers. Special attention will be given to young workers, newcomers to the labour market, temporary workers, and senior workers, all of whom face specific occupational safety challenges.

Closing Question

What is your key message to the members of the European Forum?

The European Forum thrives on the active participation and contribution of its members. We would therefore like to encourage all organisations to submit content for LinkedIn and the Forum News, keep their country fact sheets up to date, and actively engage in communication projects. Together, we can strengthen the visibility of the Forum and further enhance European cooperation in the fields of occupational accident insurance and occupational diseases. ●