The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) is a tripartite European Union Agency that was established in 1975 to contribute to the planning and design of better living and working conditions. It carries out its role in partnership with governments, employers, trade unions and the European Union institutions.

Eurofound is managed by a director and deputy director, who report in turn to a Governing Board. The current director is Juan Menéndez-Valdés - who took up his post on 1 December 2010 - and the deputy director is Erika Mezger. The directors are appointed by the European Commission from a list provided by the Governing Board. The Board, made up of representatives of the governments and the social partners (the employers and trade unions), is responsible for the development of the work programme.

Eurofound also maintains a Brussels Liaison Office, with the dual role of strengthening the visibility and impact of Eurofound research EU level, and monitoring developments in policymaking.