The European Union is supposed to support and promote the legal, economic and social protection of the family. The citizens of the EU want a social Europe which protects basic values. Sunday as the non‑working day for everyone makes a fundamental contribution to psychological and physical health and the quality of life.

1. Sunday is, above all, the only day on which all the members of many families have the opportunity to take part in leisure activities and attend church services together. In the first version of Directive 93/104/EC⁽¹⁾ of 23 November 1993, Sunday was indicated as being, fundamentally, a day of rest; however, this rule was rescinded by the European Court of Justice a few years later, as there was not sufficient indication of why Sunday should, as the weekly day of rest, be closely connected with the health and safety of workers. Studies have since shown that, as a day of rest for everyone, Sunday — more than any other day of the week — provides a basis for coping with the everyday stresses of life. What is the Commission’s view of Sunday working?

2. In terms of protecting family and social life, is it not vital that Sunday be designated a non‑working day?

(1) OJ L 307, 13.12.1993, p. 18.