The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has adopted a report proposing new EU rules aimed at improving working conditions for trainees. The report, passed with 42 votes in favor, nine against, and six abstentions, seeks to address concerns about abusive practices and ensure that traineeships are not used to disguise regular employment.
Under the proposed changes, a clear definition of a traineeship is established. Traineeships should be limited in duration and focused on entry-level work to help young people transition from education to employment. All types of traineeships would fall under these new rules except those that are mandatory as part of studies or apprenticeships.
The committee emphasized that every trainee should receive a written agreement outlining pay, tasks, learning objectives, rights and obligations, and the duration of the placement. The maximum length for a traineeship would be six months unless there is a justified reason for extension. Trainees would also gain access to social protection measures such as health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pension contributions.
MEPs identified several indicators of potentially abusive practices. These include unpaid placements contrary to national law, lack of training components or mentorship, and situations where multiple or consecutive traineeships occur with the same employer without proper justification. Companies would be required to provide data on their use of trainees upon request by national authorities.
To support enforcement of these rules, anonymous channels for reporting poor working conditions would be established. Organizations would also need to appoint an individual responsible for advising and supporting trainees who suspect malpractice.
Rapporteur Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D, ES) stated: “Today the European Parliament is sending a clear message to young people across Europe: their work matters, and their rights must be protected. After a year and a half of intense work, this directive is our response to the calls from young people during the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Year of Youth. It tackles widespread abuses and disguised employment, guarantees fair pay and social protection, and ensures that traineeships are a genuine path towards standard quality employment”.
Following this vote, the committee agreed—by 41 votes to 14—to begin negotiations with other EU institutions on finalizing the directive. If no objections arise during an upcoming plenary session mandate announcement in Parliament, talks with the Council will proceed.
The draft directive from the European Commission follows up on Parliament’s 2023 call for minimum standards regarding traineeship quality—including provisions on duration, remuneration, and access to social protection—in line with national laws.
