Germany: ‘active retirement’ law adopted to encourage seniors to remain in the workforce National legislation As the social partners were unable to agree on the maximum margin of the wage cost evolution for the years 2025-2026, the Belgian government has set the so-called ‘wage norm’…
Réglementaire Switzerland: National Council relaxes remote work rules and introduces right to disconnect National legislation Swiss federal lawmakers have voted by a wide margin to extend the framework governing remote working, aiming to "better reflect the opportunities offered by digitalisation" and promote a healthier work–life balance. However, socialist and green MPs, who form a small minority, warned that the move could allow employers to exert greater influence over workers’ personal lives.
Italy: EU’s first law on artificial intelligence adopted in application of AI Act National legislation The Italian delegation law on artificial intelligence, in force since 10 October, is the first legislative framework in the EU on the development,…
Réglementaire EU: social partners once again divided on telework initiative European legislation Europe’s main social partners have published their contribution to the second phase of consultation on teleworking and the right to disconnect. In its response, the European Trade Union Confederation reiterates its commitment to a legally binding instrument to “protect workers”.…
France: austerity measures proposed in social security financing bill for 2026 National legislation Limits on sick leave, the end of social security exemptions for apprentices, and the introduction of additional birth leave: the 2026 social security financing bill, presented to parliament on 14 October, includes several HR-related measures. Overall, these provisions aim to curb social spending.
France: government proposes suspending pension reform National legislation French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu, reappointed on 10 October after resigning four days earlier, delivered his general policy speech to the National Assembly on 14 October. He announced the suspension of the 2023 pension reform — which raised the legal retirement age from 62 to 64 — and proposed reopening discussions on the future of the pension system amid the threat of a no-confidence vote. He also pledged to strengthen codetermination and step up efforts to combat social fraud.
Réglementaire Austria: Social Affairs Committee green-lights improved redundancy conditions for self-employed workers National legislation On 8 October 2025, the Social Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council, the country’s lower house of parliament, approved new redundancy rules for self-employed workers,…
EU: Omnibus Directive clears key milestone in European Parliament European legislation On 13 October, the European Parliament’s position on the Omnibus Directive was approved by its Committee on Legal Affairs by 17 votes to six. Regarding due diligence rules,…
Réglementaire Ireland: minimum wage to rise by nearly 5% on 1 January 2026 National legislation In its 2026 budget, presented on 7 October, the Irish government accepted the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission report on the minimum wage.…
Réglementaire EU: Parliament finally adopts revision of European Works Council Directive European legislation By 414 votes to 139, MEPs approved the revision of the European Works Council Directive presented by the European Commission in early 2024. “This is the culmination of a process that has taken nearly 16 years,…
