Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, in a written answer on 2 July 2026, defended the EU's labour framework while pointing to ongoing initiatives to improve job quality, responding to a parliamentary question from Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI) about contract workers at Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE). The answer rejects calls for EU intervention in specific company disputes, stating the Commission has no power to interfere with management decisions on work organisation or contractual relations. Mînzatu also pushes back on the claim that EU directives, particularly Directive 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions, have dismantled permanent employment, noting the directive sets minimum requirements and allows Member States to apply more favourable provisions.
Instead, she highlights the Quality Jobs Roadmap presented on 4 December 2025 and the ongoing consultation on a Quality Jobs Act, which includes protection of workers' rights in subcontracting chains. The European Labour Authority is also examining the use of labour intermediaries, with a report expected in 2027. The answer offers no concrete new measures for the striking workers at ELPE, instead reiterating existing EU initiatives and the limits of Commission competence.