Friday

29th Sep 2023

Prostitutes win battle to work in EU countries

Prostitutes from Central and Eastern Europe have been granted the right to run their own businesses in the Netherlands, according to a ruling by the European Court of Justice. The judges said prostitutes could be self-employed in any EU country where selling sex is tolerated. This right is given to applicant countries in treaties associating them with the EU.

Four women from Poland and the Czech Republic took their case to court after they rented "window rooms" in Amsterdam's red-light district and declared their monthly salaries for 1,800 Dutch guilders but were refused work permission by the Dutch authorities. In the Netherlands, where brothels are legalised, only EU nationals are allowed to earn a living as self-employed sex workers.

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According to the European Court of Justice, the activity of prostitution pursued in a self-employed capacity can be regarded as a service provided for remuneration.

A prostitute profession is not contradictory with national law in at least 10 EU members: the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Prostitution is not work, it is 'violence', MEPs agree

The European Parliament adopted a report calling on the European Commission to draw up common guidelines to guarantee minimum rights for people in prostitution. MEPs also urged member states, which have the power to regulate prostitution, to review existing laws.

Poland's culture of fear after three years of abortion 'ban'

Poland in 2020 imposed a near-total ban on abortion, triggering mass protests — and today the demands for access to safe abortion continue. On International Safe Abortion Day, dozens gathered in Brussels calling for solidarity among member states.

Opinion

Time for a reset: EU regional funding needs overhauling

Vasco Alves Cordeiro, president of the European Committee of the Regions, is advocating a revamp of the EU's regional policy so that it better supports all regions in addressing major challenges such as the green and digital transitions.

Opinion

Time for a reset: EU regional funding needs overhauling

Vasco Alves Cordeiro, president of the European Committee of the Regions, is advocating a revamp of the EU's regional policy so that it better supports all regions in addressing major challenges such as the green and digital transitions.

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