President Juncker first announced a European Labour Authority in September 2017 and a legislative proposal was presented in March 2018.
This new EU authority will support fair labour mobility within the EU, allowing citizens and businesses to seize the opportunities offered by the single market while supporting cooperation between national authorities, including in preventing and tackling social fraud and abuse.
Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen said:
“I have always said that we need clear, fair and enforceable rules on labour mobility. Today’s agreement on the European Labour Authority is the cherry on the cake of a fair European labour market. It will serve the double mission of helping national authorities fight fraud and abuse and making mobility easy for citizens.
Today’s agreement is the result of very constructive and speedy negotiations showing that Europe can decide and act swiftly to address problems. I would like to thank European Parliament rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers and the Romanian Presidency acting on behalf of the Council. This agreement should now be confirmed quickly to ensure that the European Labour Authority can start working this year and be fully operational rapidly. This is a crucial step for a more social and fair Europe.”
The agreement will be submitted to the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) for approval. Once the Member States’ Permanent Representatives confirm the agreement, it will be subject to a final vote by the plenary of the European Parliament.