Juridique et Administratif

🏖️ In Vienna, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili held high-level meetings, emphasizing Austria's key role in sustainable tourism, with 6 Austrian villages part of the UN's Best Tourism Villages Program and Tyrol joining the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). Discussions with Susanne Kraus-Winkler, State Secretary for Tourism, highlighted Austria's leadership in the Committee on Statistics and its contribution to the internationally agreed Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MST), endorsed by the UN Statistical Commission earlier this year. Austria's influence was pivotal in drafting the MST, which assesses economic, social, and environmental impacts and dependencies of tourism.

🧠 Google CEO Sundar Pichai called employees to prepare for a pivotal year in 2025, highlighting AI as key for competitiveness. A December 18 strategic meeting at Google's Mountain View headquarters addressed challenges including increased competition, particularly from OpenAI's ChatGPT, and regulatory scrutiny, such as a 2023 federal ruling against Google's online search monopoly, DOJ actions, and European Commission investigations. Google's AI model Gemini aims to reach 500 million users, surpassing rivals like ChatGPT.

🏠 In Barcelona, by 2028, 10,000 short-term rental licenses will end, causing landlords to demand €4.28 billion in compensation. A political decision was made following a tragedy and complaints about noise and rental market pressure; Barcelona's rents have surged 68% in 10 years. Meanwhile, the city supports adding 15,000 hotel rooms, and 7,000 landlords have united under Apartur to challenge the decree-law 3/2023 passed by the Catalan Parliament. Barcelona's tourism contributes 14% to its GDP, with 170,000 daily tourist arrivals. Legal battles involve the Spanish Constitutional Court and a European Commission investigation.

🛠 Adhérents question the update of objective categories for provident and health care schemes. Employers' unilateral decisions (DUE) need updating for compliance with objective categories, distinguishing between executives and non-executives. The 1947 CCN and 1961 ANI have been replaced by the 2017 ANI, requiring references to articles 4 and 4 bis to change to 2.1 and 2.2 of the 2017 ANI by January 1, 2025. HCR branch provident and health care schemes do not require updates, as they do not reference old articles or assimilated executive status (Article 36). Companies without specific contracts or distinctions between executive statuses need no action; those with references must update them before the 2025 deadline.

💬 Tech talk on cybersecurity, DMA, and GDPR scheduled for January 9th from 4pm to 5pm via video conference. Interested participants can request the connection link from Amélie by emailing [email protected]. The CHAT team sends holiday greetings and looks forward to the meeting next year.

💸 On December 17, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adopted new price transparency regulation impacting short-term rentals where pricing clarity was often lacking. This rule requires all mandatory fees, such as cleaning and service charges, to be included in the total price displayed from the first page of websites or booking engines. The FTC's move aims to eliminate the "drip pricing" practice, saving consumers an estimated 53 million hours of rough calculations per year, which translates to $11 billion over the next decade. Over 70% of consumers abandon bookings due to undisclosed costs.

🏠 Paris reduces short-term rental limit from 120 to 90 days, effective January 1, to tackle fraud and housing speculation. Law passed on November 19, 2024, empowers mayors to tighten rules. Paris, with over 95,000 declared tourist furnished rentals, including 78,000 primary residences used as temporary accommodations, aims to preserve long-term housing and reduce nuisances. The decision aligns with policies affecting furnished rental owners globally, potentially prompting legal challenges. Other French cities may follow suit as housing issues intensify ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

🚨 Following the censure motion on December 4, the 2025 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) was not adopted, delaying the 2025 finance law beyond 2024. Consequently, the 2024 contribution rate for workplace accidents and occupational diseases (AT/MP) will remain until new rates are published, with no notifications sent in early January. Affected businesses will be notified of their 2025 rate after the relevant Social Security financing law is enacted.

📌 Since April 19, 2023, under decree n° 2023-275, employers can implement a presumption of resignation for voluntary job abandonment by permanent employees. The French Ministry of Labor withdrew its FAQ on the topic following legal challenges in April and May 2023. On December 18, the Council of State rejected the request to annul the decree and validated the procedure, requiring employers to inform employees in writing of the consequences of not justifying their absence or returning to work. Without this notice, an employee's resignation cannot be presumed.

⚽ Since summer 2024, DAZN holds broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 football matches. Public showings, like in restaurants and bars, require specific authorization from the rights holder. DAZN is requesting businesses interested in airing matches to subscribe to a dedicated professional package. However, compensation claims by DAZN for unauthorized broadcasts may be disputable, especially for establishments that haven't shown the matches. For legal advice, professionals are encouraged to contact GHR's legal department.