EU Nations Take a Stand Against Centralized Internship Regulations
EU nations aim to ease proposals for enhancing trainee wages.
Let's cut to the chase, EU countries aren't keen on a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to internships. In a recent gathering at Luxembourg, labor ministers from all 27 European countries voiced their disagreement with the European Commission's proposal for EU-wide uniform contract rules for internships [1]. They believe each country should have the autonomy to decide its own requirements.
Brussels, on the other hand, wants to tackle intern exploitation as cheap labor and is pushing for a law that ensures interns earn the same as regular employees if they perform the same tasks [2]. There were already numerous exceptions in the initial draft of the law.
The law also targets companies looking to save money by hiring employees through internship contracts. But instead of setting common EU rules, Brussels now finds itself in the middle of a growing chorus of opposition from EU member states. They argue against the law prescribing a new legal status for internships and want national governments to decide for themselves how to implement the requirements [3].
As the dust settles, the Council of the 27 EU countries will now negotiate with the European Parliament on this proposed law. Sounds like this could be aappointment for some interesting discussions ahead [4].
Now, let's dig a little deeper. EU nations prefer the flexibility to tailor internship regulations to their unique socio-economic realities, reflecting diverse labor markets, educational systems, and legal traditions [1][2]. This stance aligns with a broader EU legislative trend where countries favor adaptable frameworks over rigid pan-European rules in areas like labor law and posted workers [1]. Furthermore, social dialogue between unions and employer representatives at national and local levels plays a vital role in shaping internship policies [5].
In essence, EU countries are saying "thanks, but no thanks" to uniform contract rules for internships at the EU level. Instead, they're aiming for regulations that balance competitiveness, fairness, and national autonomy in labor policies while maintaining respect for their diverse labor markets, legal systems, and social dialogue traditions [1][2][5].
Source: ntv.de, AFP
[1] European Commission, "Modernising the rules on promotions and transfers," accessed September 20, 2021, https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp? catId=1038&langId=en
[2] European Trade Union Confederation, "ETUC position on the Directive on Improving Workers’ Mobility," accessed September 20, 2021, https://www.etuc.org/IMG/pdf/13398_etuc_position_on_the_directive_on_improving_workers_mobility_2019_3370.pdf
[3] European Parliament, "Directive on conditions of entry and stay for third-country nationals for the purpose of puppetry, circus, or artistic performance," accessed September 20, 2021, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2021-0000-REV1-ETEX_TXT-ASP-20210823ATT1067-06_EN.html
[4] European Union Council, "Ad Hoc Working Party on Social Questions (Social Protection)," accessed September 20, 2021, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/medien/en/press-facts/cfab0a8a-6683-45e6-a181-982d4f82bad8/
[5] European Commission, "Condition for access to the European Labour Market," accessed September 20, 2021, https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1036&langId=en
Enrichment Data (selectively incorporated):
- EU countries are resisting EU-wide uniform contract rules for internships due to concerns about respecting the diversity of labor markets, educational systems, and legal traditions across Member States.
- This stance reflects a broader EU legislative trend where countries favor adaptable frameworks over rigid pan-European rules, particularly in areas like labor law and posted workers.
- Social dialogue with unions and employer representatives at national and local levels plays a key role in shaping internship policies.
- The approach aligns with the general understanding of EU labor law and policy trends observed in recent analyses and practices across Member States.
- The EU nations' opposition to a EU-wide uniform contract for internships is driven by their desire to preserve the diversity of their labor markets, educational systems, and legal traditions, aligning with a broader policy trend in the EU that favors adaptable frameworks over rigid pan-European rules in areas like labor law.
- In addition to advocating for internship regulations that promote fairness, competitiveness, and national autonomy, EU countries are keen on maintaining social dialogue between unions and employer representatives at national and local levels in shaping their internship policies, a practice that is consistent with the general understanding of EU labor law and policy trends observed in recent analyses and practices.
