26/02/2019 (Agence Europe) – The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) voted in favour of the interinstitutional agreement on the Regulation establishing a European Labour Authority (see EUROPE 12194) with a strong majority (30 votes in favour, 3 votes against, 4 abstentions) on Tuesday 26 February. The Authority, whose name was in the end retained - the Member States having abandoned their position in favour of an Agency - will have a role in informing citizens and businesses, coordinating joint inspections (which will remain voluntary for Member States), and mediating in the event of disputes. The political agreement will be submitted to the second plenary session in April. Now that the parliamentary committee has given it the green light, the process of designating the seat should begin. (PH)