Brussels – The European Parliament has resumed discussions on a proposal aimed at establishing quality standards for internships, initiated by the European Commission more than a year ago.

Following four months of complex negotiations, the Culture Committee of the Parliament has approved an opinion on the directive that is crucial for its advancement.

Led by Nicola Zingaretti, a member of the Democratic Party, the committee emphasizes that ‘internships must be an opportunity for growth, not exploitation.’

Key elements within the approved text outline that internships should be governed by a written and paid contract, have a defined duration, include concrete training content, and ensure that the tasks undertaken align with the interns' educational focus.

This directive responds to a June 2023 resolution by the European Parliament, advocating for minimum quality standards for the estimated four million young Europeans who pursue internships each year, with around 60 percent of these roles currently unpaid.

The proposal, originally presented by Nicolas Schmit, the former EU Commissioner for Labour, establishes the principle that trainees should be treated equally to workers, thus entitled to remuneration, union representation, and social protection.

While the EU executive did not mandate a minimum wage for interns, it left this decision to the individual member states.

Schmit also suggested that the maximum duration for internships should be limited to six months, with extensions only permissible under exceptional circumstances.

Additionally, he called for national authorities to combat undeclared work through employer inspections.

The Culture Committee echoed the call for member states to implement concrete measures to monitor and address internship abuses, ensure equitable access for disadvantaged individuals, and guarantee social protections for interns.

Zingaretti reiterated the importance of defining a maximum acceptable duration for internships.

Benedetta Scuderi, a Green MEP and shadow rapporteur for the proposal, described the committee's vote as a ‘first positive signal’ as it moves to the Social Affairs Committee.

Scuderi underscored the imperative to eliminate unpaid internships, highlighting the Parliament's commitment to this priority goal.

Emerging issues include the maximum duration of internships, which should not exceed six months, and the stipulation regarding remuneration.

Comparing the current situation to June 2023, when the Parliament overwhelmingly supported protective measures for interns with 404 votes in favor, the current composition of the Parliament appears more right-wing, raising concerns that proposed regulations may weaken.

A significant challenge lies ahead with the Council of the European Union, which has delayed consensus on the Commission’s proposal multiple times.

Most recently, a proposed compromise from Hungary’s presidency in December was deemed unsatisfactory, risking the original aims of the Commission's initiative.

Current reports indicate ongoing technical discussions among member states to reach a negotiated position by June, paving the way for interinstitutional negotiations if the European Parliament adopts its stance in July.