Strasbourg — The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging the European Commission to introduce binding EU-wide rules to tackle work-related stress, burnout, and other psychosocial risks. The move comes as data shows that nearly one in three European workers experiences mental health problems linked to their jobs, a figure that rises among younger employees.
The resolution, spearheaded by Belgian Socialist MEP Estelle Ceulemans, calls for the recognition of burnout and similar conditions as occupational diseases. “Illnesses linked to psychosocial risks, such as burnout, must be recognised as occupational diseases,” Ceulemans told reporters after the vote.
According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), 29% of EU workers reported stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by their work in 2025. Among workers aged 25 to 39, the share climbs to 32%, reflecting the intense use of digital tools and the often precarious nature of early-career jobs.
Why EU-wide rules are needed
Current protections vary significantly across the 27 member states. While some countries, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, have robust frameworks for psychosocial risk assessment, others lag behind, leaving workers with little recourse. The Parliament’s resolution argues that a common European approach is essential to ensure a level playing field and to protect all workers equally.
The text calls for binding obligations on employers to prevent and manage psychosocial risks, including harassment, excessive workloads, and unpredictable working hours. It also urges stronger labour inspections and the introduction of a right to disconnect outside working hours, a measure already implemented in countries like France and Italy but absent in many others.
One of the most contentious proposals is the reversal of the burden of proof in occupational disease cases. Under the proposed rules, if a worker can establish a plausible link between their health condition and exposure to work-related risks, the employer would have to demonstrate that the condition was not work-related. This would mark a significant shift from current practice in most member states.
The resolution also addresses telework, calling for it to be voluntary. While remote work can enhance flexibility and work-life balance, MEPs warn that it can blur the boundaries between professional and private life, especially when imposed unilaterally by employers. The Parliament’s stance reflects growing concerns about the “always-on” culture exacerbated by digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Far-right groups, including Patriots for Europe (PfE), voted against the resolution. Spanish MEP Margarita de la Pisa Carrión argued that the proposals go too far. “We must strike a balance between decent working conditions and the right of employers to manage and organise their business,” she wrote in a note on the resolution.
Despite the opposition, the resolution passed with a clear majority, reflecting broad cross-party support for stronger worker protections. The next step lies with the European Commission, which has been asked to draft legislation on psychosocial risks, stress, and mental health at work. In the past, the Commission has been cautious in this area, but the Parliament’s strong signal may prompt action.
The issue is particularly pressing as Europe faces a mental health crisis, with burnout and related conditions costing billions in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. The Parliament’s call aligns with broader efforts to improve working conditions, such as the housing security measures being debated in several member states, which also affect workers’ well-being.
If the Commission follows through, the new rules could transform workplace mental health protections across the EU, setting a precedent for other regions. For now, the ball is in Brussels’ court, and workers across the continent will be watching closely.
