MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Infringement procedure against Italy – honorary judges’ working conditions – E-001154/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-001154/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Lupo (S&D)

On 3 October 2024, the Commission announced crucial decisions for action against Italy in its October infringements package. In particular, the Commission invited the country to comply with EU law concerning the working conditions of honorary judges. The Commission had already sent a reasoned opinion in July 2023 but Italy had not provided adequate responses or taken corrective measures.

The Commission then issued a supplementary reasoned opinion, highlighting the failure of Italian legislation to align with EU labour law. Various categories of honorary judges, considered volunteers, do not enjoy ‘worker’ status, suffering from unfavourable treatment compared to their professional counterparts regarding sickness, injury, maternity and remuneration. Despite the planned legislative changes, Italy has not presented plans to address the situation of honorary judges appointed after 15 August 2017.

The Commission initiated the infringement procedure in July 2021 and Italy now has two months to respond. This prompts the following questions:

  • 1.What does the Commission intend to do to address Italy’s failure to implement the relevant directives?
  • 2.What guarantees and tools can the Commission use to overcome the Italian Government’s inaction?

Submitted: 19.3.2025

Last updated: 26 March 2025

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