Over 28 million people in the EU currently work through digital
labor platforms. By 2025, this number is expected to reach 43
million. The rise of digital labor platforms (i.e., what
is often referred to as the "gig" or "platform"
economy) has led to many court cases in recent years across the EU
in relation to the classification of the working relationship
between the worker and the digital labor platform.
The European Commission on December 9, 2021, published proposed
legislation that, if passed, would mark a fundamental change in the
way digital labor platforms operating in the EU approach their
employment law compliance.
Although the changes have gained a lot of media attention, their
immediate practical impact is minimal due to the lengthy period for
deliberation, voting and implementation before the new rules could
take effect. Even once in force, the changes will not necessarily
mean the end of self-employment in the sector as we know it:
platforms can
