The Czech presidency circulated a new compromise text on the platform workers’ directive, hoping it would become the EU Council’s negotiating position. Still, uncertainty remains about whether the text will receive the support of the majority.
The text, dated Friday (18 November) and seen by EURACTIV, shows minor changes from a previous draft compromise released in late October.
A new article was added to make it possible for collective agreements to stray from the provisions of the directive on issues about data protection, algorithmic management and transparency of platform work.
The new document gives little satisfaction to those countries opposing the Presidency’s allegedly pro-business approach, as they penned in a letter reported by EURACTIV in October.
The eight signatory countries, which are a little shy of a blocking minority, are set to vote against the text, following a “better no deal than a bad deal” approach. However, the allegiance of Italy might be in doubt following the rise to power of a conservative government in Rome.
Another critical question remains on whether Germany will abstain, having taken no clear side in the past weeks due to internal disputes between the coalition parties. An abstention would likely see the directive be voted down.
For the presidency’s text to be adopted by the ministers at the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting on 8 December, it will first need clearance by EU ambassadors this week.
During August 2026, a series of misleading, fabricated and falsely contextualised claims circulated across social media platforms and media accounts in Bharat. The claims covered electoral rolls, ...