The ILO-EU Conference on labour inspection 9-11 March 2005 in Luxembourg, noted that globalization requires more creative holistic approaches and presses for economic and social reforms, which can only be successful with strong, competent and independent labour inspectorates.

ILO Convention No. 81 on Labour Inspection is one of the most ratified of the ILO's Conventions and serves as a basic instrument to promote and implement Decent Work. In its Final Conclusions, the Conference agreed on the need for strengthening labour inspection throughout the world and suggested further cooperation to implement these approaches within the framework of the EU/ILO strategic partnership, including an EU-funded programme for the reinforcement of labour inspection services in particular in developing, transition and EU accession countries. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. François Biltgen has reconfirmed Luxembourg's intention to ratify more than 20 ILO Conventions related to occupational safety and health, as a follow-up to the ILO tripartite audit. This should serve as a good example for other countries to follow.

Please see ILO feature Labour inspectors: Killings in 2004 highlight the need for new preventive measures .