Overview
- The EU pay transparency directive, which takes effect June 7, 2026, prohibits employers from asking applicants what they earned in previous jobs.
- Companies will have to share information on wages and could face fines for violations, while workers gain clearer routes to challenge unequal pay.
- Applicants who are asked the banned question do not have to answer, though it remains unclear if giving a false answer would be lawful under the new rules.
- Job ads or pre-interview materials will need to include a starting salary or a pay range, according to current coverage, which could prevent low prior pay from anchoring new offers.
- Germany still must finalize how it will enforce the directive, and existing national law already blocks questions on pregnancy, religion, age, disability, sex, or origin during hiring.