Parliamentary question - E-001241/2024(ASW)Parliamentary question
E-001241/2024(ASW)
European Parliament

Answer given by Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission

1.7.2024

Written question

The Commission does not currently have plans to consider adopting EU legislation to facilitate the presence of pets at the workplace. It is also not aware of any specific legislation regarding pets in the workplace at the Member State level.

Employers could set their own policies regarding pets at work, in dialogue with workers and their representatives, provided that they are in line with other applicable EU and national legislation.

In effect social dialogue and collective bargaining play a central role in adapting working conditions to meet new and emerging needs.

The Commission is supporting social dialogue through various actions, including through the recent Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue[1] and in the context of the European Semester.

Under EU legislation[2], employers have a duty to assess occupational health and safety risks and to put in place the resulting preventive and protective measures.

Moreover, when implementing possible changes to working conditions, employers would also need to safeguard health and safety of workers, considering the specific characteristics of their tasks and their workplace. Additionally, the EU and national rules related to animal welfare may apply.

The Commission is also mindful of the importance of mental health, including at the workplace. In June 2023, the Commission adopted a communication for a comprehensive approach on mental health[3] featuring several actions to address psychosocial risks at the workplace, and including a peer review on legislative and enforcement approaches in the Member States.

Last updated: 1 July 2024
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