Spain and Romania strengthen cooperation on protection of Romanian workers

Spain and Romania, with support from the European Labour Authority, have agreed on a new cooperation framework aimed at improving the protection of Romanian workers in Spain and reinforcing enforcement of EU labour rules.

The action plan focuses on better access to information, improved reporting and inspection mechanisms, and closer coordination between Spanish and Romanian authorities.

It targets two main groups: Romanian workers living and working in Spain under EU free movement rules, and Romanian workers temporarily sent to Spain by their employers to provide services (posted workers).

Measures include: 

• provision of information in Romanian on labour rights and obligations
• improved access to labour inspection and reporting tools
• enhanced cooperation to address fraud, including letterbox companies
• joint inspections in sectors with a high presence of Romanian workers
• operational support from ELA, including coordination, translation and information activities

The initiative is expected to improve access to enforcement mechanisms and strengthen cooperation between national authorities in line with EU rules on labour mobility. Additionally, it seeks to provide workers with important information about their rights prior to their departure for employment abroad.