Changes between two versions
What changed between the draft committee report and the plenary report
From · draft committee report· 13 Feb 2024
on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2009/38/EC as regards the establishment and functioning of European Works Councils and the effective enforcement of transnational information and consultation rights
To · plenary report· 6 Dec 2024
on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2009/38/EC as regards the establishment and functioning of European Works Councils and the effective enforcement of transnational information and consultation rights
AI:What changed, in short
The directive expands the definition of transnational matters and strengthens gender balance requirements for European Works Councils.251516 It increases the frequency of plenary meetings and requires in-person annual meetings, with virtual meetings only as an exception.3143250 It strengthens enforcement by adding financial penalties, exclusion from public benefits and contracts, and provisions on judicial costs and mediation.11394041 It brings pre-existing agreements under the directive and requires negotiation of addenda to align with new requirements.12134950 The other changes are formal or wording updates, including rephrasing and corrections.1689
48 changes of substance · 1 formal · 2 of wording only
Written by AI from the two texts only · read the changes before relying on it · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
+53 added · −18 removed · 34 changed paragraphs, packaging included.
Part 4 of 4: EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
4 unchanged paragraphs
The green and digital transitions create opportunities and challenges for labour markets, employers and employees. To find sustainable solutions to labour market changes, employees, employers and citizens should be encouraged to participate in the democratic systems and decision-making processes.
European Works Councils are undoubtedly a success story and an important pillar of the European social model. Nearly three decades have passed since the adoption and transposition of Directive 94/45/EC and over a decade has passed since the adoption of Directive 2009/38/EC.
There is no longer any justification to exempt agreements signed prior to Directive 94/45/EC, or to retain that otherwise obsolete Directive for agreements signed or amended during the transposition period of Directive 2009/38/EC. Therefore, agreements exempted under Article 14 of Directive 2009/38/EC should be brought into the scope of that Directive.
Certain decisions having a potential significant direct or consequential effect on the interests of employees must be the subject of information and consultation of the employees’ appointed representatives as soon as possible. Although Directives 94/45/EC and 2009/38/EC established transnational collective labour rights on information and consultation, those rights are in practice often not respected and have proven very difficult to enforce. In many cases, employers have implemented measures with transnational issues without informing and consulting the European Works Council and European Works Councils are frequently informed and consulted only after measures with transnational issues have been implemented. Therefore, provisions enabling the effective enforcement should be established.