The focus was clear: how to more effectively prevent and combat undeclared work in the private security sector.

CoESS was represented by Eduardo Cobas, Vice-President and Social Dialogue Chairman, and Alexander Frank, Deputy Director General, together with a member delegation from France, Croatia and Romania - a clear signal that the European private security industry is committed to fighting all forms of undeclared work in the private security industry. As a sector that protects critical infrastructure, public spaces and citizens, private security carries a high responsibility. Undeclared work undermines trust, distorts competition and weakens the quality and reliability of essential services. The CoESS representatives therefore highlighted that there most be zero tolerance and action on many levels, welcoming therefore the highly valuable workshop organised by ELA after CoESS and UNI Europa had called for EU action.

Key Take-Aways from the Workshop with Member State representatives from labour inspectorates, Ministries of Interior and the Police across Europe were as follows:

1. Political Level: Fix Public Procurement

Public procurement reform is essential. Low-cost, price-only award criteria continue to fuel undeclared work and unfair competition. A system that structurally rewards the lowest bidder creates pressure that can push operators into non-compliance. Strategic, quality-based procurement is a necessary part of the solution. CoESS and UNI Europa will therefore continue to strongly engage in the revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive and called for Member State support for sectoral provisions on private security.

2. Operational Level: Smart Coordination Delivers Results

Effective coordination between authorities makes a real difference. Joint inspections involving labour inspectorates and police, as well as targeted inspection strategies - particularly in high-risk areas such as event security - have proven successful. The approach presented by German customs offered a strong example of structured and proactive enforcement.

3. Holistic Action: Prevention, Education and Enforcement

Undeclared work cannot be tackled by enforcement alone. Prevention, awareness-raising and cooperation with Social Partners are equally important. The Belgian labour inspectorate presented its “Plan for Fair Competition,” developed together with Social Partners and hence CoESS member in Belgium, ARXIA, as a good practice model combining education and enforcement.

4. Strong Sectoral Oversight

Structured oversight at sectoral level is key. The CNAPS from France demonstrated how dedicated supervisory bodies can strengthen professionalism, compliance and trust in the sector.

CoESS is grateful to the European Labour Authority for bringing together national authorities and Social Partners from across Europe. This initiative, jointly supported by CoESS and UNI Europa, marks an important step toward stronger cooperation and fair competition in the private security sector.

A study summarising the workshop discussions, alongside broader 2025 research, will be published soon. CoESS looks forward to building on this important initiative together with its members and its Social Partner UNI Europa.