Brussels – In a landmark move set to reshape the landscape of work experience across Europe, the European Parliament today launched negotiations on key legislation aimed at improving working conditions for trainees. Spearheading these efforts are the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), who have vowed to fight for fair pay and full rights for all interns amidst an alarming rise in exploitative practices.
At the heart of this battle is Alicia Homs, S&D Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and rapporteur on traineeships. As she presents her draft report to the employment committee today, Homs underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues plaguing Europe’s internship culture.
“The situation is alarming,” said Homs. “Nearly half of all trainees receive no pay at all, and those who do are often only reimbursed for basic expenses like transportation. This is not how we ensure decent living conditions or promising careers for young Europeans.”
A Growing Crisis: Exploitation and Inequality
The numbers paint a stark picture. According to Eurobarometer and Eurostat data, nearly 80% of Europeans aged 18 to 35 undertake at least one traineeship during their transition from education to employment. However, almost half of them go unpaid, while many others face inadequate compensation that barely covers essential costs. With the average young European spending approximately €1,200 per month on living expenses, most trainees struggle to make ends meet.
Compounding the problem is the growing trend of multiple internships. Over half of young people complete at least two traineeships as they navigate an increasingly competitive job market. For many, financial barriers prevent access to meaningful work experience altogether. Nearly one-third of respondents cited lack of pay as a major obstacle, deepening social inequalities between those who can afford unpaid positions and those who cannot.
“Traineeships play a crucial role in helping young people transition into the labour market,” Homs emphasized. “But too often, employers exploit trainees as cheap or even free labour. This creates a vicious cycle where privilege breeds privilege, leaving behind talented individuals simply because they cannot afford to work without pay.”
The Push for EU Legislation
For years, the Socialists and Democrats group has advocated for robust EU-wide regulation to address these challenges. Their vision includes banning unpaid traineeships, protecting against discrimination, and ensuring mechanisms to prevent abuse.
In June 2023, the European Parliament adopted a progressive report calling for quality traineeships—a significant milestone in advancing this agenda. Building on this momentum, the European Commission presented its legislative proposal in March 2024. Now, both the Parliament and the Council—representing EU member states—must agree on their respective positions before entering final negotiations.
Homs’ draft report outlines Parliament’s stance, emphasizing three core principles:
- Clear Definition of Traineeships : Establishing standardized criteria to differentiate genuine learning opportunities from disguised employment.
- Non-Discrimination Principle : Ensuring equal treatment regardless of background, nationality, or socioeconomic status.
- Effective Safeguards : Introducing measures to identify and address exploitation, such as mandatory contracts and minimum wage provisions.
“Today, we kick off negotiations in the European Parliament,” Homs declared. “It will be a tough battle—too many benefit from the current ‘wild west’ of traineeships. But the principle is simple: Trainees perform real work and should be treated as workers. We owe this to young Europeans.”
Challenges Ahead
While the push for reform enjoys broad support among progressive groups, resistance looms large. Critics argue that stricter regulations could discourage businesses from offering traineeships altogether, potentially harming youth employment prospects. Others contend that national governments may resist ceding authority over labour laws to Brussels.
Despite these hurdles, advocates remain resolute. They point out that failing to act would perpetuate existing inequities and undermine trust in European institutions. Moreover, studies show that well-regulated traineeships lead to better outcomes—not just for participants but also for employers and economies at large.
What’s Next?
Parliamentary negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months, with the final position likely to be adopted by July. Once agreed upon, this position will serve as the basis for discussions with EU member states, paving the way for binding legislation.
As Europe grapples with economic uncertainty and rising living costs, the stakes could not be higher. For millions of young people striving to build brighter futures, the outcome of these talks holds profound implications.
“We must act decisively to end the era of exploitation and inequality,” concluded Homs. “Quality traineeships are not a luxury—they are a necessity. It’s time to deliver what young Europeans deserve: dignity, opportunity, and justice.”
With negotiations underway, all eyes are now on Brussels as lawmakers prepare to shape the future of work for generations to come.
