EU: the European Commission invites the Member States to assess the adequacy of their national employment rules in light of labor patterns in the collaborative economy

How best to react? On the one hand the collaborative economy presents ‘considerable potential for competitiveness and growth’ not forgetting jobs. On the other hand, this economy raises several critical questions surrounding responsibility over protecting users, how to apply fiscal rules, and of course the status of workers. The European Commission doesn’t want to set rules that are so restrictive that they squeeze the collaborative economy outside of the EU. So at this stage additional regulations are out of the question but the European executive intends, via its ‘European agenda for the collaborative economy’ that was published on 02 June, to clarify the manner in which to apply current European rules, notably as regards qualifying the notion of the ‘worker’.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

According to estimates gross revenue in the EU from collaborative platforms and providers was estimated to be €28 billion in 2015 and this could rise to an estimated €572 billion. In its 02 June press release called ‘A European agenda for the collaborative economy’ the EC is trying to encourage the development of this economy and in order to do so is looking to “address concerns over the uncertainty about rights and obligations of those taking part in the collaborative economy.” For Brussels, t

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
Vincent Lecerf (Orange): “Equality and diversity are competitive advantages for us”
Following the signing of a new agreement on professional equality and diversity in December, the chief HR officer of French multinational telecommunications corporation Orange Group, Vincent...
13 January 2026
United Kingdom: government urged to legislate against forced labour
After consulting victims, businesses and NGOs, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) has published a report showing that the UK is lagging behind in the fight against forced labour. The...
13 January 2026
Poland: reform introduces possibility of working for another employer while on sick leave
On 7 January, the President of Poland promulgated an amendment to the country’s social insurance act. The reform aims to clarify the activities permitted during sick leave, so that...
France: social partner talks extend far beyond contractual terminations
After a false start on 3 December, French social partners resumed talks on 7 January 2026 on potential changes to the unemployment insurance agreement, including the rules governing compensation...
12 January 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
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
2
France: minimum wage to rise by 1.18% on 1 January
On 12 December, the French government announced a 1.18% increase in the minimum wage, taking effect on 1 January 2026. The pay level will rise from €1,802 to €1,823 gross per month (for...
16 December 2025
3
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
4
Argentina: government unveils labour reform
Argentina's ultra-liberal president Javier Milei wants to "modernise labour" with a new reform that has been greeted with opposition from trade unions. Submitted to the Senate on 11 December, the...
6 January 2026
5
Poland: reform introduces possibility of working for another employer while on sick leave
On 7 January, the President of Poland promulgated an amendment to the country’s social insurance act. The reform aims to clarify the activities permitted during sick leave, so that...
6
Spain: government wants 3.1% minimum wage hike
Spain's ministry of labour has informed the social partners of its intention to raise the minimum wage to €1,221 gross per month. This increase is expected to be approved by the Council of...
8 January 2026