Commission refers Spain to CJEU for failure to comply with labor standards

The European Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose the Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive 2019/1152) into national law. EU rules require, for example, that workers receive timely and complete information on key aspects of their employment, such as working time and pay. According to the measures notified to the Commission, Spain does not have such rules.

The Commission opened infringement proceedings by sending a letter of formal notice to the Spanish authorities in September 2022, followed by a reasoned opinion in June 2023. In February 2025, Spain notified the Commission of national measures transposing some, but not all, of the Directive’s provisions into national law. The Commission considers that the authorities’ efforts to date have been insufficient and is therefore referring Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union and requesting that financial penalties be imposed.

Background

The Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions [Directive (EU) 2019/1152] provides comprehensive and up-to-date employment rights and protection for the almost 200 million workers in the EU. With these rules, workers are, for example, entitled to greater predictability in relation to assignments and working time. They also have the right to receive more complete information in a timely manner on essential aspects of their work, such as working time and remuneration.

EU rules also ensure that workers enjoy minimum working conditions, such as limiting the probationary period to a maximum of six months. In particular, these rules benefit between two and three million workers in precarious forms of employment.

More information: European Commission