EU Working Time Directive Overview
Understanding the EU Working Time Directive and its requirements for annual leave, rest periods, and working hours across European countries.
What is the Working Time Directive?
The EU Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) sets minimum standards for working hours, rest periods, and annual leave across all EU member states. It ensures basic protections for all European workers.
Minimum Annual Leave
The Directive requires at least 4 weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year. Member states can (and often do) provide more generous entitlements.
Rest Periods
Workers are entitled to: 11 consecutive hours daily rest, 24 hours weekly rest (or 48 hours per fortnight), rest breaks if working more than 6 hours, and a maximum 48-hour average work week.
Country Variations
While the Directive sets minimums, national laws often exceed them: France (5 weeks), Sweden (25 days), Austria (5 weeks), Denmark (5 weeks). Check your country's specific laws.