ELA five-year review of performance and impact on EU labour mobility
The European Labour Authority (ELA), established in July 2019 under Regulation (EU) 2019/1149, has supported fair labour mobility and enforced EU labour and social security rules over its first five years by conducting 168 cross-border inspections that examined over 13,500 workers in high-risk sectors. A 2024 Commission evaluation, detailed in report COM(2025) 256 final, has confirmed these contributions and highlighted areas for improvement. The evaluation identified the need to enhance joint inspection practices, better address issues concerning third country nationals, improve personal data processing, and simplify access to mediation procedures. It also points to operational challenges in staffing, budget management, and the set-up process. In response, Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu stated that the Commission will propose measures to reinforce ELA, including a potential review of its mandate, as part of a broader Fair Labour Mobility package planned for early 2026.