MEP Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) has asked the European Commission whether the systematic use of precarious employment contracts at Italy's National Research Council (CNR) institutes in Palermo and Catania is compatible with EU research policy objectives. In a parliamentary question submitted on 13 July 2026, Antoci highlighted that precarious researchers and technologists are mobilising over the lack of permanent recruitment pathways and insufficient resources, warning that persistent precariousness undermines the ability of public research institutions to attract and retain talent and ensure continuity of scientific activities.
The question references Council Recommendation C/2023/1640 on a European framework for research careers and the European Research Area (ERA) objectives. Antoci asks three specific questions: whether prolonged use of precarious contracts in public research bodies is consistent with the Recommendation and ERA; how the Commission verifies that EU-funded entities apply the European framework for research careers, especially regarding working conditions; and whether persistent precariousness of staff working on EU-funded projects could undermine ERA objectives, and what steps the Commission intends to take.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the Commission's stance on enforcing research career principles in EU-funded projects and its oversight of national research bodies' employment practices.
The question primarily affects precarious researchers at CNR institutes, who face job insecurity and limited career progression. The CNR as an employer may face pressure to regularise contracts if the Commission signals non-compliance. EU research funding bodies could see increased scrutiny of grant recipients' employment practices. The broader European research community may benefit if the Commission reinforces standards for researcher working conditions, potentially improving talent retention across the ERA.