EO Days 2026
Bridging Competitiveness and Shared Prosperity through Employee Ownership
Join us for a public conference exploring how employee ownership can strengthen European competitiveness while reinforcing 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 perspectives on where the sector is heading.
Policy Roundtable on Employee Ownership (Location TBD)
A roundtable discussion on the legislative and fiscal frameworks needed to advance employee ownership at the EU level, offering an opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and experts about current developments behind the scenes and possible next steps.
- November 3–4, 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 combines 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 beginning of a new chapter for employee ownership in Europe. As the first event series devoted entirely to the subject, they will explore topics ranging from ownership models and financing mechanisms to ecosystem development and policy frameworks.
Sponsors
Want 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 buyout 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 the 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, pt. 1 @ COMET
- Coffee and registration — 8:00
- Opening keynotes — 9:00
- Panels on European Employee Ownership models, organised by: FEPS — 9:45
- Networking lunch — 12:00
This conference is organised by FEPS and IED in collaboration with FEBEA - 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, pt. 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 (LOCATION TBD)
- Registration – 8:00
- Opening keynote — 9:00
- Roundtable "Towards an EU Employee Ownership Framework" — 9:45
- Closing remarks – 11:15
This agenda is preliminary and subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot be held responsible for any costs, losses, or inconveniences arising from changes to the programme, including those affecting travel and accommodation arrangements.
This agenda is preliminary and subject to change. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot be held responsible for any costs, losses, or inconveniences arising from changes to the programme, including those affecting travel and accommodation arrangements.
Mark your calendar
9:00 — 11:00
- Main Conference Room
Opening Keynote
Sponsored by
Ime Priimek
Direktor IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to advance the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Speakers
Ime Priimek
Direktor IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to advance the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Ime Priimek
Direktor IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to advance the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Ime Priimek
Direktor IED
The European Employee Ownership Festival is a two-and-a-half-day series of individual events in Brussels designed to advance the practice and policy of employee ownership across Europe.
Made in Europe is an emerging industrial policy agenda that asks where production takes place, where value is created, where taxes are paid, and how dependent Europe is 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 (Location TBD)
- Register now & reserve your spot
Secure your spot at this landmark inaugural event
- Showcase your organisation to senior decision-makers
Sponsorship opportunity
For more information about sponsorships, contact Maša Petrovič at masa.petrovic@ied.si.
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