Three S&D MEPs have asked the European Commission to investigate allegations of forced labour at a BYD construction site in Szeged, Hungary, where Chinese migrant workers reportedly faced seven-day weeks, 14-hour days, withheld wages, and debt bondage. The written question, submitted on 8 April 2026, cites an investigation by The World (PRX) and China Labor Watch, and follows similar findings in Brazil. The MEPs demand to know what action the Commission has taken, whether the European Labour Authority has been involved, and what measures will be taken to prevent such practices across the EU.
Question details
The parliamentary question (E-001437/2026) was submitted under Rule 144 by Raphaël Glucksmann, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Klára Dobrev. It contains three concrete asks: confirmation of Commission awareness and action, information on similar cases of coercive control by non-EU companies, and a request for measures to investigate and prevent forced labour. The question does not set numerical targets but seeks a policy response.
Policy orientation
The MEPs signal a strong concern for worker protection and enforcement of EU labour standards, particularly regarding third-country nationals. They implicitly challenge the adequacy of current monitoring and call for stronger EU-level oversight, including via the European Labour Authority.
Expected follow-up
The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it views the allegations as a serious breach requiring intervention, or as a matter for national authorities, and may signal future enforcement priorities.