Explainers

EU legislation sets minimum standards for health and safety at work, and protects workers against exposure to dangerous substances, such as asbestos.

The EU has set rules to guarantee the protection of posted workers while also preserving the freedom to provide cross-border services.

Coordination amongst EU countries ensures that EU citizens can transfer their social security rights when moving and working within Europe.

Many women in the EU still earn less than men for the same job. Increased pay transparency and stronger enforcement help close the gender pay gap.

The EU wants to strengthen the principle of equal pay for equal work between men and women through new EU rules on pay transparency.

New EU rules on work-life balance for parents and carers aim to provide more equal opportunities for women and men in the workplace and at home.

To help break the glass ceiling, the EU has adopted new rules to improve gender balance among the directors of listed companies.

The European Semester is a framework for the coordination of economic, budgetary, employment and social policies within the European Union.

The EU has developed corporate sustainability policies for businesses, with the aim of enhancing protection for the environment and human rights in the EU and beyond.

Moving freely in the EU will become easier for people with disabilities. A European disability card and a parking card will ease access to their rights and to preferential conditions in all EU countries.