A group of six EU member states, led by Belgium, Hungary and Italy, has submitted a note to the EPSCO Council calling for the establishment of a European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers, to be observed annually on 8 August. The initiative, supported by Germany, Malta, Romania and Spain, will be discussed at the Council meeting on 29 June 2026.
The proposed date commemorates the Bois du Cazier mine disaster in Marcinelle, Belgium, on 8 August 1956, which killed 262 miners of various European nationalities. The day aims to honour victims of workplace accidents and occupational diseases, raise awareness on prevention and decent working conditions, and strengthen commitment to the "Vision Zero" objective of eliminating work-related deaths, accidents and diseases. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 21 May 2026 with 395 votes in favour, 12 against and 41 abstentions, proposing this Day. The initiative is intended to complement the ILO's World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28 April) from a European perspective, and comes ahead of the seventieth anniversary of the Marcinelle event.
If adopted, the Day would have a moderate impact on EU institutions and member states, requiring annual observance activities and awareness campaigns. For employers and workers' organisations, the Day could reinforce prevention efforts and safety culture, though it imposes no new regulatory obligations. The initiative is expected to receive broad support given the cross-party backing in the European Parliament and the involvement of multiple member states.