European Labour Authority
Remuneration inspection 10.24 - webnews

Companies operating across EU borders checked for compliance with wage regulations

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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.  

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The main focuses of the inspections were cross-border cases of undeclared work and the compliance with wage regulations. The aim was to protect the rights of workers and to ensure fair competitive conditions for compliant companies. This is especially important as wage regulations applicable in an EU country apply to all workers, regardless of whether they are employed by a domestic or foreign company.   

The actions were carried out at the initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Finance together with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and were coordinated and supported by the European Labour Authority (ELA).  

Inspectors from 20 EU countries took part in the inspections organised by German Customs (Financial Control of Undeclared Work Units). German Customs officers were also deployed abroad to inspect companies operating across borders. This European cooperation between the authorities was made possible by ELA. 

EU Member States where inspections took place: Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Slovakia. 

EU Member States involved in the cross-border actions in other Member States:  Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.  

  • Number of employers checked: 1,615 
  • Number of workers interviewed: 14,122 
  • Number of suspected violations being investigated: 4,229 

“These cross-border inspections are an excellent example of cooperation between Member States working together to tackle cross-border problems, such as undeclared work, illegal employment, and wage dumping. I am proud that the European Labour Authority can fully support and coordinate these joint enforcement activities across the EU.”  

Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labour Authority, present in Germany at a cross-border inspection

"10 years of minimum wage in Germany. Considering this important anniversary, I find it great that this year's nationwide minimum wage inspections in Germany by Customs’ Financial Control of Undeclared Work Units, joined by labour inspectors from 20 other EU Member States, took place in the framework of the ELA's action week on wages. This approach not only contributes to a general Europe-wide awareness of the minimum wage issue but also promotes excellent international cooperation.”

Constanze Voß, Head of Directorate VII - Financial Control of Undeclared Work - at the Central Customs Directorate

Further evaluations and follow-up investigations are ongoing. Especially in uncovering minimum wage and other remuneration violations, the data collected on-site from employees is the basis for more in-depth examinations of business records, particularly payroll and financial accounting. 

Background information

ELA provides conceptual, logistical, and technical support as well as legal expertise, translation, and interpretation services to Member States carrying out cross-border concerted or joint inspections (CJIs). This is part of ELA’s task to facilitate and enhance cooperation between Member States in the enforcement of relevant EU rules on labour mobility and social security coordination across the Union. 

More about inspections on ELA website: Concerted and joint inspections.

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