La EU Commission has initiated a infringement procedure towards theItaly and 9 other countries for not having fully implemented the directive community on seasonal workers. The purpose of the directive is to ensure fair and transparent rules for the admission of third-country seasonal workers to the Union in order to ensure decent living and working conditions, equal rights and sufficient protection from exploitation.
“Ensure full compliance with the directive is an important prerequisite for to attract in the EU the manpower required for seasonal work and possibly also to help reduce irregular migration” underlined Brussels. The Italian government has two months to respond to the arguments of the Commission. The other states involved in the procedure are Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.
Italy in the EU's sights for fixed-term contracts in the PA
Italy is at the center of attention of the European Union also for discriminatory working conditions in public administration andabuse of fixed-term contracts. Brussels has sent a reasoned opinion, the second step of the procedure launched in July 2019, highlighting that "the Italian legislation it neither prevents nor sanctions sufficiently the abusive use of a succession of fixed-term contracts for various categories of public sector workers". Some of these, explains the Commission, "also have less favorable working conditions than permanent workers, which constitutes discrimination and is contrary to EU law". Two months to fix to the deficiencies found or the EU Commission may decide to refer it to the EU Court of Justice.
Infringement procedure also on anti-money laundering regulations
Brussels has opened a infringement procedure against Italy also for the lack of correct transposition of the EU anti-money laundering directive. Infringement also reported in Latvia and Portugal.
The Commission has identified several cases of "non-compliance on aspects considered fundamental" of Community rules despite the fact that the three countries had notified their full transposition. In the case of Italy, the discrepancy in the "licensing or regulation of service providers" was identified. Letter of formal notice sent to national authorities.
“Anti-money laundering rules are an important tool in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The legislative gaps of a Member State yes affect the EU as a whole”explains Brussels in a note. The three countries are urged to "implement the rules in a controlled and efficient way to fight crime and protect the financial system". Again, you have two months to respond and take the necessary action.
