EU regulation: Improving the working conditions of platform workers

ESG
20/06/2022 Interview
profile picture of Arianna Podestà

Arianna Podestà

European Commission - Commission Européenne

European Commission Coordinating Spokesperson for Economic Affairs

Arianna Podestà, European Commission Coordinating Spokesperson for Economic Affairs, tells us more about the Commission's proposals to improve conditions for self-employed workers in the platform economy.

Deliveroo, Uber ... these companies are upsetting the competition with their different economic model and creating real social problems, but despite many lawsuits, they are still there. Is the platform economy here to stay?

The digital platform economy is growing quickly. Digital labor platforms create opportunities for businesses, workers and self-employed, as well as improved access to services for consumers. 

A couple of figures: there are more than 500 digital labor platforms active in the EU. They include international companies as well as small national or local start-ups. Today, over 28 million people in the EU work through digital labor platforms. In 2025, their number is expected to reach 43 million people. Between 2016 and 2020, the revenues in the platform economy grew almost five-fold from an estimated €3 billion to around €14 billion. 

At the same time, new ways of work also come with new challenges. It becomes increasingly difficult to correctly classify the employment status of people, leading in some cases to people missing out on the labor rights and social protection they should be eligible for. In addition, the use of algorithms in platform work can raise questions of accountability and transparency. Platform companies also stand to benefit from new rules: today, digital labor platforms are faced with a patchwork of different laws and rulings across the EU, which makes it difficult for them to expand their business across borders.

This is why the Commission proposes a set of measures to improve the working conditions in platform work, to promote transparency, fairness and accountability in algorithmic management, and to support the sustainable growth of digital labor platforms in the EU.

Want to keep reading?

Create a web account to get access to more insights

Related news & insights

ESG
28/03/2024 Article

Organizational models for banks: Seven attributes of ESG success

Since every financial institution has different attributes and goals, it’s important to remember that there is no definitive answer to...

Digital Reinvention
26/03/2024 Article

Intesa Sanpaolo wins the gold award for European Innovator of the Year and announces a new initiative

Intesa Sanpaolo's recent victory at the Qorus Reinvention Awards - Europe 2024, where it secured the Gold Award for European...

SME Banking
26/03/2024 News

CaixaBank's AgroBank Hub transforms agricultural industry

AgroBank, the specialized agri-food division of CaixaBank, has launched the AgroBank Hub, a digital platform aimed at revolutionizing Spain's agricultural...

Digital Reinvention
26/03/2024 News

BNY Mellon leads financial sector in AI integration

BNY Mellon, a global financial powerhouse with a 240-year legacy, has partnered with NVIDIA to deploy advanced AI infrastructure, accelerating...

SME Banking
26/03/2024 News

Centime redefines SME banking with FNBO partnership

Centime, a Boston-based fintech serving small- to midsize-businesses (SMBs), has launched a groundbreaking banking product in partnership with FNBO (First...

Digital Reinvention
25/03/2024 Interview

Česká spořitelna recognized for financial wellness initiatives

Česká spořitelna won bronze in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) category at the Qorus Reinvention Awards – Europe. Veronika...

SME Banking
21/03/2024 Article

Recognizing excellence in SME banking: Highlights from the 4th SME Banking Awards ceremony

The fourth edition of the SME Banking Awards ceremony celebrated remarkable achievements and innovation in catering to SMEs worldwide. This...

Digital Reinvention
21/03/2024 Article

European innovation excellence in the spotlight at the Qorus Reinvention Awards in Vienna

Qorus, a global association for retail financial institutions announced the winners of its first-ever Qorus Reinvention Awards – Europe during...