EU: Commission adopts more flexible framework for the protection of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields

Scientific change.  The proposal presented this Tuesday should replace Directive 2004/40/EC which makes employers responsible for protection and prevention of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields.  In 2006, the medical community and part of the industry informed the European executive of difficulties in applying Community law.  It appeared too limited, notably as regards the use of MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  At the same time, International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the recommendations of which the EU mostly follows, reviewed its standards and published, in 2009 and 2010, new recommendations setting higher limits to exposure.  After consulting the social partners (see our dispatch No.  1100420), the European Commission decided to lower the minimum requirements included in the Directive.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

At the same time, International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the recommendations of which the EU mostly follows, reviewed its standards and published, in 2009 and 2010, new recommendations setting higher limits to exposure. After consulting the social partners (see our dispatch No. 1100420), the European Commission decided to lower the minimum requirements included in the Directive.

Flexibility. The Commission suggests differentiating exposure to fields ranging

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: Pay transparency implementation deadlines could be eased
With the 7 June 2026 transposition deadline for the EU Pay Transparency Directive fast approaching, French social partners have yet to see the draft legislation implementing it. The delay has...
16 February 2026
Estonia: minimum wage to rise by 6.8% from 1 April
On 16 February, employers and unions reached an agreement to set the gross monthly minimum wage at €946 in 2026. This represents a 6.8% increase, which should come into effect on 1 April. The...
16 February 2026
France: La Poste signs first agreement on older workers
On 28 January, La Poste signed an initial agreement with three trade unions (CFDT, CGT, FO) on senior employees, focusing in particular on quality of life at work, skills transfer, and equal...
EU: trade unions express concern over 28th legal regime for companies
The proposed “28th regime” — a single European legal framework for innovative companies — was discussed at the informal European Council on 12 February. “We all agree...
13 February 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
2026 TRENDS — Tackling skills shortages and mismatches
mind HR is analysing the trends that will shape 2026. Skills shortages have become a central challenge for businesses, reflecting deep-seated shifts in the labour market as roles evolve rapidly...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
4
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
5
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
6
France: social partners’ conference on work, employment, and retirement sets out roadmap
Until the summer, French social partners from both the private and public sectors will hold talks on labour, employment and pensions, with the aim of developing shared positions to inform public...