26th November 2026, Strasbourg

Organized by the Euro-Institut, the Franco-German Forum (with simultaneous translation) will take place at the Grand Est regional headquarters (1 Place Adrien Zeller, Strasbourg) on the 26th November 2026. Participation is free, and online registration is required by the 16th November.

Background

Demographic change is affecting much of Europe. In 2024, Germany had the highest proportion of older workers -those aged 15 to under 65- among European Union member states (what about France?). The number of workers nearing retirement is steadily increasing, while the number of young people entering the labor market remains limited. In this context, it is essential to ensure that young workers are integrated into the workforce in a way that is both safe and appropriate, to promote the transfer of knowledge and experience, and to familiarize them with new work situations.

However, a paradox emerges: according to the French National Health Insurance Fund, young people under 25 are 2.5 times more likely to suffer workplace accidents than others. Similar trends are observed in Germany. Furthermore, new entrants often have a limited understanding of occupational risks. Special attention must therefore be given to these groups when it comes to occupational health and safety. Health and safety training is an essential tool for prevention. It is the employer’s responsibility to place particular emphasis on such training.

A study by the INRS also shows that young people who received safety training during their schooling are half as likely to have accidents. This raises several questions: What specific regulations exist? How can we successfully integrate young people and newcomers? What tools can be used to encourage safe behavior? These issues will be at the heart of the forum, which aims to promote the exchange of best practices among countries.

Objectives of the forum:

• Understand the specific legal aspects of occupational health and safety for young people and to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
• Identify and promote best practices and prevention tools that raise young people’s awareness of occupational health and safety issues.
• Foster the development of a culture of occupational risk prevention, from the school environment to the workplace.
• Facilitate Franco-German exchanges of perspectives.

Target audience:

• Representatives of companies of all sizes (executives, human resources staff, mentors, and apprenticeship supervisors; CSE (1), CSSCT (2), etc.).
• Young workers.
• Representatives of employer and employee organizations.
• Labor inspectors.
• Safety inspectors and consulting engineers.
• Occupational risk prevention specialists.
• Occupational physicians and multidisciplinary teams.
• Training organizations (training for in-company mentors).
• Teachers and students at vocational training centers (CFA), vocational high schools, engineering schools, and other vocational schools.
• Any other interested individuals.

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