Germany moves forward on transposing the Platform Work Directive (update)

At a glance

Update: 12 October 2026

The federal council has adpoted a resolution calling for improved working conditions in platform work. While the resolution is not legally binding on the federal government, it signals that the federal council expects the implementation legislation to include a statutory direct employment requirement for food delivery workers.

6 May 2026

• The federal government has confirmed that it is currently drafting legislation to transpose the Platform Work Directive (Directive) into national law.
• The Directive aims to improve working conditions for platform workers across the European Union. EU Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national law by 2 December 2026.
• No extension of the Directive's scope beyond platform work is currently envisaged.
• The federal government is examining all available measures regarding subcontractors engaged by digital labour platforms, including the possibility of a direct employment requirement.
• The federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is engaging in ongoing exchanges with other EU Member States and participating in the European Commission's Expert Group and thematic workshops to ensure a consistent approach to transposition across the EU.