European Union

The directive to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms has been published. In addition, a resolution of the European Parliament addressing very diverse aspects relating to disability, forming part of the European Union Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030.

The European Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation that aims to promote the transparency and predictability of licensing of standard essential patents (SEPs) and that will promote the development, among other areas, of the Internet of Things (IoT).

On February 2, 2023 the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) partially annulled Commission Decision of 17 July 2013 which declared that the Spanish tax lease system was a state aid scheme and ordered it to be recovered from the investors only.

The Opinion of the Advocate General of the CJEU regarding an urban development project in the historical center of Vienna could create a new line of European case law that provides greater protection for historical, cultural or archaeological heritage.

The new EU rules, which will have to be transposed into national law, promote more balanced representation on the boards of listed companies in all Member States.

Member States will take these guidelines into account in determining their employment policies and reform programs, in line with other initiatives to foster sustainability.

The directive lays down that at least 40% of directors of listed companies should be members of the underrepresented sex.

The European Court has issued a sentence of special relevance for the operation and effectiveness of the “pre-pack” insolvency procedures. Specifically, it clarifies the requirements that must be met to respect the rights of workers in the event of business transfers.