EO Days 2026
Bridging Competitiveness and Shared Prosperity through Employee Ownership
Join us for a public conference exploring how employee ownership can boost European competitiveness whilst strengthening Europe’s social model.
Employee Ownership and the Future of Europe’s Economic Fabric
Hear directly from the people shaping employee ownership in Europe—experts, practitioners and leaders from companies that have made the transition. They will share their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and their views on the future of the sector.
Policy Roundtable on Employee Ownership (Venue to be confirmed)
A round-table discussion on the legislative and fiscal frameworks required to promote employee ownership at EU level, providing an opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and experts about current developments behind the scenes and possible next steps.
- 3–4 November 2026
- Brussels
What are the EO Days?
The EO Days are a two-day series of events in Brussels designed to advance employee ownership policy and practice across Europe. Bringing together practitioners, policymakers, advisers and business owners, the programme comprises two public conferences, a policy workshop at the European Parliament and a closed working session for leading national associations and research institutes.
The EO Days mark the start of a new chapter for employee ownership in Europe. As the first series of events devoted entirely to this subject, they will explore topics ranging from ownership models and financing mechanisms to the development of the ecosystem and policy frameworks.
Sponsors
Would you like to showcase your organisation in Brussels? Contact us at info@ied.si.
Why attend the
EO Days?
Employee ownership is gaining significant momentum across Europe. In recent years, new employee buy-out models have emerged in many European countries, often supported by favourable legislation and growing public interest.
Despite this progress, cooperation between countries remains limited, and there is currently no coordinated advocacy for employee ownership at European level.
The EO Days aim to bridge this gap by strengthening cross-border collaboration, developing a shared language around employee ownership, and creating economies of scale that can accelerate the movement’s growth.
Who should join?
The event is open to anyone interested in employee ownership and its potential to create more resilient businesses, stronger economies and broader opportunities for wealth sharing.
Policymakers
Politicians
Financial Institutions
Business Owners
Chambers of Commerce
Trade Unions
Lawyers
Consultants
NGOs working in related fields
Practitioners
Policymakers
Politicians
Financial Institutions
Business Owners
Day 1, Part 1 @ COMET
- Coffee and registration — 8.00 am
- Opening keynote speeches — 9.00 am
- Panels on European employee ownership models, organised by: FEPS — 9.45 am
- Networking lunch — 12:00
This conference is organised by FEPS and IED in collaboration with FEBEA – the European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers, Fondazione Messina, Fundación Seira and SOCODEN. This conference is produced with the financial support of the European Parliament. It does not represent the views of the European Parliament.
Day 1, Part 2 @ COMET
- Panels on Employee Ownership for Business Succession, Innovation and Retaining Talent, and Financing Employee Ownership — 14:00
- Closing remarks — 16:15
- Evening networking event (TBC) — 18:00
Day 2 (Venue to be confirmed)
- Registration – 8.00 am
- Opening keynote — 9.00 am
- Roundtable: "Towards an EU Employee Ownership Framework" — 9.45 am
- Closing remarks – 11.15
This agenda is provisional and subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot be held responsible for any costs, losses or inconvenience arising from changes to the programme, including those affecting travel and accommodation arrangements.
This agenda is provisional and subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot be held responsible for any costs, losses or inconvenience arising from changes to the programme, including those affecting travel and accommodation arrangements.
Save the date
9:00 — 11:00
- Main Conference Room
Opening Keynote
Sponsored by
First name Surname
Director of the IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to promote the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Speakers
First name Surname
Director of the IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to promote the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
First name Surname
Director of the IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to promote the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
First name Surname
Director of the IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to promote the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Made in Europe is an emerging industrial policy agenda that examines where production takes place, where value is created, where taxes are paid, and the extent to which Europe is dependent on external supply chains. It also raises broader questions about how ownership structures shape control over Europe’s productive assets, technological sovereignty and strategic dependencies.
Tej Gonza PhD, President of the Institute for Economic Democracy
Bridging Competitiveness and Shared Prosperity through Employee Ownership
Employee Ownership and the Future of Europe’s Economic Fabric
Policy Roundtable on Employee Ownership (Venue to be confirmed)
- Register now and book your place
Secure your place at this landmark inaugural event
- Showcase your organisation to senior decision-makers
Sponsorship opportunity
For further information about sponsorship, please contact Maša Petrovič at masa.petrovic@ied.si.
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