The European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) committee on 23 June 2026 debated two files: boosting vocational education and training (VET) and the proposed 28th regime corporate framework 'EU Inc.', with members diverging on scope and safeguards. On VET, rapporteur Brigitte Van Den Berg (Renew) stressed equal recognition, mobility, and funding gaps, noting that Erasmus+ covers only half of eligible applications, according to Commission representative Anna Bansik. Romana Tomc (EPP) and Romana Tomc (EPP, speaking for ECR) backed dual systems and a European VET diploma, while Romana Jerković (S&D) and Li Andersson (The Left) linked VET to decent work, social inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Margarita De La Pisa Carrión (PfE) highlighted under-prioritised sectors like care and construction. On EU Inc., rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D) warned of fraud, letterbox companies, and worker-participation risks, proposing to limit the framework to startups and exclude high-risk sectors. Romana Tomc (EPP) and Romana Tomc (EPP, for ECR) supported optional simplification but insisted on labour-law safeguards. Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA) and Özlem Demirel (The Left) pushed for longer registration times and stronger anti-abuse measures.
João Oliveira (The Left) outright rejected the proposal. Commission official Dan Dionisi defended the framework as startup-friendly and within national legal orders. Danielsson signalled willingness to negotiate but warned of possible rejection. Next steps: EMPL coordinators to continue discussions, with a committee vote planned for 10 September. Affected stakeholders include VET learners, SMEs, startups, workers, and national authorities.