With the 7 June 2026 deadline for transposing the Pay Transparency Directive (EU) 2023/970 just passed, MEP Angelika Winzig (PPE) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing it on enforcement plans and legal certainty for businesses and workers. Winzig warns that only a tiny minority of member states have fully transposed the directive, creating a harmonisation gap across the single market.
In her written question of 10 June 2026, Winzig highlights specific delays: Germany lacks even a first draft bill, pushing entry into force to late 2026 or early 2027; France is slowed by 'gold-plating' debates; and Belgium has formally requested a six-month extension. She asks whether the Commission's stance on enforcement or a potential 'stop-the-clock' mechanism has changed given that large member states will miss the deadline. She also seeks clarity on how the Commission intends to protect companies and cross-border workers from legal uncertainty in non-compliant states.
Winzig further questions whether member states such as Austria, where sector-wide collective agreements already guarantee transparent, non-discriminatory pay structures covering the entire workforce, have substantially met transposition obligations. She asks what additional benefit the directive provides in such systems.
The question, submitted under Rule 144, expects a Commission response within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the Commission's enforcement approach and potential flexibility on deadlines.