Labour law and working conditions

Summary:

The Social Europe guide is a bi-annual publication aimed at providing an interested but not necessarily specialised audience with a concise overview of specific areas of EU policy in the field of employment, social affairs and inclusion. It illustrates the key issues and challenges, explains policy actions and instruments at EU level and provides examples of best practices from EU Member States. It also presents views on the subject from the Council Presidency and the European Parliament.

Volume 6 looks at the origin and purpose of labour market rules across the EU. It highlights the importance of ensuring good and healthy working conditions and a level playing field in the Single Market. It explains the respective roles the EU institutions and Member States play in shaping the legislation on employment and working conditions: in general, EU rules help to set minimum standards and requirements to underpin national laws, aiming to ensure the realization of the values set out in the EU's founding Treaties. The guide also explains how EU labour law has been influenced by international standards and the role the EU plays in promoting decent work across the world.