European Parliament Approves New Rules to Strengthen Intern Rights
Parliament's Employment Committee advances regulations for better working conditions, pay, and protections for interns across the EU
The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has backed stronger protections for interns with a vote to advance new rules improving trainees’ working conditions across the European Union. The proposal, which builds on recommendations introduced last year by the European Commission, passed by a significant margin, with 42 members in favor, 9 against, and 6 abstentions. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of clear limits on internship length and the need for internships to serve as a bridge between education and employment.
Under the new rules, nearly all internships—except those that are mandatory for school credit or classified as apprenticeships—would be covered. Every intern would need to sign a written agreement clearly stating pay, duties, learning objectives, rights, and responsibilities. Internships would be limited to six months, unless a valid reason justifies an extension, and interns will receive social protection including health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pension contributions.
To prevent companies from replacing regular jobs with interns, the legislation sets specific criteria around repeating internships and mandates transparency in job advertisements. Employers may also be required to report relevant details about the number, duration, and conditions of internships to national authorities upon request. The committee’s report is scheduled for a plenary vote in October, and difficult negotiations with EU member states are expected. Alicia Homs, the rapporteur, criticized countries’ current stances, calling them unacceptable for the European Parliament.
