EU

Impact date: Ongoing A number of workplace-related EU Directives have passed their local implementation deadline or have recently been finalized by the EU and await Member State implementation. These include Directives on adequate minimum wages, transparent and predictable working conditions, work-life balance, gender diversity in the boardroom, whistleblowing, corporate sustainability reporting, pay transparency, platform workers, corporate sustainability due diligence, together with a Regulation on forced labor. A revised European Works Council Directive has also been approved. There are also proposed Directives on fair telework and the right to disconnect, and on improving working conditions for trainees. While not a Directive, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) is a special measure designed to support workers who lose their jobs due to major structural changes. Subject to final approval, the EGF will be extended to support workers affected by imminent job displacement in enterprises undergoing restructuring. Our two briefings (see links) provide a summary of the Directives and the Regulations.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive have been revised, with the aim of reducing reporting burdens on businesses. A so-called “Omnibus” package of simplification measures entered into force on 18 March 2026.