EU's competence in social policy and the impact of the Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union

Abstract

In October 2022, Directive (EU) 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union was adopted. This dissertation will analyse the legality of this Directive including its main provisions and the impact on certain Member States such as Portugal. Although the Directive does not set a specific minimum wage level, this legislative act provides measures to be implemented by Member States to strengthen collective bargaining, guarantee an adequate minimum wage, and protect workers' rights in these contexts. The dissertation highlights the importance of adequate minimum wages to protect the dignity of workers in accordance with the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and concludes that this Directive is fundamental to address the crisis and the new labour market challenges, although it may experience difficulties to be implemented due to the lack of political alignment and the economic and political circumstances of some Member States.

Date of Award	14 Sept 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Sofia Oliveira Pais (Supervisor)