MEP Christine Anderson (ESN) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing it on the delayed transposition of Directive (EU) 2023/970 on pay transparency and the administrative burden it imposes, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises. The question, dated 3 July 2026, cites concerns from the German Federal Government, which has flagged unresolved transposition issues and called for 'implementation with minimal red tape'.
Anderson asks how many Member States have not yet fully transposed the directive, which was due to be implemented by June 2026. She also challenges the Commission's assessment that the administrative burden is proportionate, given the German government's explicit concerns about red tape. The MEP further inquires whether the Commission has conducted or plans to conduct an updated impact assessment on compliance costs, noting that the final text of the directive may have deviated significantly from the original proposal during the legislative process.
The question reflects a cleavage between the EU's push for pay transparency and the desire to minimise regulatory costs for businesses, especially SMEs. If the Commission's reply confirms widespread non-transposition or acknowledges disproportionate burdens, it could signal a need for flexibility or extended deadlines. Conversely, a robust defence of the directive's benefits would reaffirm the EU's commitment to gender pay equity despite administrative challenges.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, and its answer will indicate whether it plans to ease implementation or maintain pressure on lagging Member States.