An EU wide large-scale enforcement action to inspect compliance with wage rules took place in Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Slovakia. 21 EU countries in total participated, supported by the European Labour Authority. More than 3 742 labour inspectors were involved in checking 1 615 employers and 14 122 employees.  

Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal inspected river cruise ships and freight carriers in September coordinated and supported by the European Labour Authority and the waterborne law-enforcement network AQUAPOL. 78 ships and 82 companies were checked. Over 330 employees were interviewed. Breaches of minimum wage rules, expired visas or long working hours were discovered. Legal proceedings in at least 100 cases were initiated. 

The ELA awarded the exemplary practice “Transnational Cooperation supporting Bulgarian workers in the construction sector and other sectors” between Bulgaria and Germany. The recognition was presented during the ELA Conference held in Brussels, on 27 June 2024.