From international and european obligations to national law: administrative capacity, legislative process and social actors in the implementation of ILO Convention no. 190 in Romania

Abstract

The implementation of international labour standards represents not only a normative exercise, but also a complex test of a state’s administrative capacity, institutional coordination and respect for democratic legislative procedures. As a founding member of the International Labour Organization, Romania is bound by clear international obligations, including those arising from ILO Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. At the same time, these obligations intersect with European Union labour law, particularly with directives and principles related to equality, dignity at work and occupational safety and health. This paper analyses the process of implementing ILO Convention No. 190 in Romania from an administrative and governance perspective, focusing on the interaction between international commitments, European legal frameworks and national legislative mechanisms. It examines the role of public administration in coordinating working groups, drafting legislative proposals and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements, as well as the involvement of key social actors, including social partners, civil society organisations and parliamentary committees. By assessing both formal legislative outcomes and procedural practices, the paper highlights the challenges faced in translating international and European obligations into effective national law. It argues that successful implementation depends not only on legal alignment, but also on genuine social dialogue, transparent decision-making and sustained administrative capacity. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how international labour standards are operationalised within national public administrations.