A new study by the European Labour Authority (ELA) highlights the precarious conditions faced by the 7.7 million workers in the cultural and creative industries in the EU, accounting for 3.8% of the total workforce.
Reliance on self-employment and temporary contracts leaves many without essential protection like health insurance and pensions. Widespread undeclared work, compounded by cash payments and unregistered events, further erodes stability in the sector.
The study reports that undeclared work in the cultural and creative sector is significantly understudied and lacks sufficient data, both within Member States and across borders. Available data indicates high levels of undeclared work, especially in some specific subsectors and occupations, with varying levels of compliance across Member States.
The rise of digital platforms adds complexity, with professionals relying on crowdfunding and online platforms often operating outside tax and labour laws.
Cross-border mobility creates additional challenges, as performers frequently travel across the EU for short-term gigs. Problems such as double taxation, worker misclassification, and non-compliance with national rules are prevalent, alongside with reports of undeclared work involving non-EU nationals without permits.
Countries are stepping up efforts to address these challenges. France has introduced regional agreements targeting undeclared work in the performing arts, while Belgium implemented new regulations for cultural workers in 2024. Other nations are introducing registration systems and awareness campaigns to curb informal practices and improve compliance.
A workshop on undeclared work in cultural sectors was held in May 2024 in Brussels at the EU level, bringing together labour inspectorates, social partners, and EU institutions. The discussions, summarized in a Learning resource paper, highlighted key causes and types of undeclared work while proposing measures to prevent and address these issues.
More information: European Labour Authority .
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