European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union comprising 27 member states. It has its own legal system that aims to ensure the EU’s Single Market and its Four Freedoms:

1.       The freedom of movement of people,

2.       The freedom of movement of goods,

3.       The freedom of movement of services,

4.       The freedom of movement of capital.

Although Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are not EU member states, they are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). This means they participate in the EU's single market, ensuring the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital, and they adopt many EU regulations and directives, including those related to posted workers.

Switzerland has implemented regulations similar (not identical) to the EU Posted Workers Directives through its own Posted Workers Act (PWA). This act ensures that workers posted to Switzerland are guaranteed minimum working and pay conditions, including work and rest periods, minimum annual paid holiday, minimum pay, occupational health and safety, and equal treatment of men and women.

Note: Throughout the Navigator's content, references to the EU encompass all European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, unless stated otherwise.