The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) closed its 607th plenary in Brussels on 16 July after adopting Opinion SOC/861, which calls for a “clear and enforceable” EU framework on posting of third-country nationals (TCNs). Roxana Mînzatu, Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights, told members that fair labour mobility is essential to Europe’s competitiveness but must not lead to social dumping. Belgian trade unions welcomed the opinion, noting that construction sites around Brussels increasingly rely on subcontractors posting workers from non-EU countries via other member states. The EESC wants unified document formats, a centralised notification portal and joint inspections to curb abuse. For Belgian employers the proposals would replace today’s patchwork of 27 different registration regimes with a single electronic certificate, simplifying compliance when sending staff to France or Germany. The opinion also urges the Commission to clarify which national rules apply to salary, overtime and housing when a TCN is posted. Deloitte Legal Brussels says the recommendations, if taken up, could influence the infringement procedure Belgium faces over disproportionate administrative demands on posting firms. A legislative proposal is expected in early 2027; HR departments should start mapping current posting flows and cost structures to anticipate the shift to an EU-wide system.
Source: EESC plenary agenda
