BRUSSELS. Whether it is called an internship, internship or training, it will still have to be paid. “Remuneration” is not just the watchword, it is the new rule that is wanted in Europe. The European Commission intends to break that vicious circle which too often sees young people exploited under the guise of preparation, and announces that it wants to work on a revolution in the labor market. «Internships represent an important springboard for young people into the job market», states the communication addressed to the Member States, which is criticized for the lack of compensation and announces the intention to revise, within the limits of skills, to an area which is indeed national but which sees a political-institutional alliance between the Commission and Parliament for all possible interventions of the case.
On 14 June the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for new anti-sweatshop rules across Europe. It means paid training courses everywhere, in community institutions as well as in national workplaces. “The Commission intends to follow up Parliament’s resolution with a proposal for a legislative act, in full compliance with the principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making”, reads the communication. We will therefore work to reform a system considered no longer tolerable.
It is too early to know how the community executive will move specifically. It is reasonable to expect that Member States will be left room for maneuver due to different labor markets and costs of living. Imposing a “minimum wage” for interns does not appear to be a viable option but the path is clear. If it is true that the Commission intends to follow up on Parliament’s initiative, the latter institution has already underlined how internships should be “adequately remunerated, guaranteeing at least the coverage of the cost of food, accommodation and transport”. This is the starting point for the revolution of internships, internships and training courses in the EU and its member states. What is certain is that “the Commission will update its quality framework for traineeships in 2024 to address issues such as fair remuneration and access to social protection”. A commitment that Iliana Ivanova, commissioner responsible for youth, takes on personally. “We are addressing young people’s concerns in areas that are important to them,” such as entering the world of work. “This is our commitment to building a better future for the next generation.”
The European Commission’s action intends to create a follow-up to the European Year of Youth (2022) and the European Year of Skills (2023), a two-year period focused on under 25s (in Italy European projects and initiatives have been extended to under 30s) and the improvement of their conditions.