European Labour Authority develops common system for concerted and joint inspections across the EU

ELA i adopted a set of tools for carrying out concerted and joint inspections in a transparent and timely manner. These templates and workflows make it easier for EU i countries to coordinate cross-border inspections on the ground together with ELA, and for social partners to bring cases to the attention of the Authority.

The European Labour Authority (ELA) is now officially ready to coordinate and support the organisation of concerted and joint inspections by providing conceptual, logistical and technical support, as well as legal expertise. This key development for cross-border labour inspections was possible after ELA’s Management Board formally approved a set of standard procedures that national authorities and social partners can use.

ELA’s procedures guide EU countries in planning cross-border concerted and joint inspections and requesting the Authority to coordinate and support them. They also help social partner organisations at national level to bring cases to the attention of ELA.

These tools were developed in collaboration with experts from the European Commission i, Member States, social partners, and the European Parliament i. Some of the documents have already been tested successfully during pilot inspections. While EU countries had resorted to cross-border labour inspections to deter and sanction abuses via ad-hoc agreements, ELA's initiative simplifies the process significantly by providing a predefined, standard approach.

The Guidelines for concerted and joint inspections provide a comprehensive overview, explain the purpose of various tools and procedures, and guide national enforcement bodies and other relevant stakeholders in preparing, implementing, and following up on cross-border labour inspections. The Guidelines also include a mapping of the national legislations applicable to cross-border inspections.

The Case description template helps to structure information necessary for inspections, while the Model agreement and the Inspection Plan set terms and conditions for carrying out a cross-border inspection, including practical and detailed arrangements.

Post-inspection reports will provide information and main findings, including on the progress towards achieving the agreed objectives. A set of quantitative and qualitative Key Performance Indicators will support ELA in improving its tools and procedures, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of inspections.

Finally, a dedicated workflow guidance and a template will facilitate reporting suspected irregularities in the application of Union law.