Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, responding on behalf of the European Commission on 23 June 2026, signalled that the proposed Italian performing arts law's use of fixed-term contracts for a new national ballet company could be compatible with EU law, provided effective penalties against abuse are in place. The answer, addressed to five MEPs led by Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), offers a cautious green light to Italy's plan while reaffirming the Commission's commitment to decent work in the cultural sector.
The Commission's assessment hinges on the final text of the law, which is still under discussion. Mînzatu noted that the proposed system limits contracts to 36 months, extendable by 24 months, which 'in principle appear suitable to prevent abusive recourse to successive fixed-term contracts' under Directive 1999/70/EC. However, she stressed that effective penalties must exist if abuse occurs in practice. The answer does not commit to specific enforcement action, stating only that the Commission 'will follow developments' and assess compatibility once the law is adopted.
The parliamentary question, submitted on 13 May 2026 by MEPs from S&D, The Left, and Verts/ALE, had warned that the new organisational model would replace stable resident troupes at 10 of Italy's 14 flagship opera houses with precarious contracts, potentially breaching EU rules on fixed-term work. The MEPs cited the European Pillar of Social Rights and a 2018 CJEU judgment (C-331/17) that found Italy's misuse of successive fixed-term contracts in opera foundations unlawful.
Mînzatu's reply avoids direct confrontation with Rome, instead framing the issue as a matter of final legislative detail. The Commission's position balances two priorities: upholding EU social acquis while respecting member state autonomy in cultural policy. The Culture Compass for Europe, referenced in the answer, underscores the EU's broader goal of improving artists' working conditions, but the Commission stops short of pre-emptively challenging the Italian proposal.
Italian performing arts workers face continued uncertainty as the law could entrench fixed-term contracts as the norm, undermining job stability. Italian opera houses may gain flexibility but risk losing permanent artistic ensembles. The Commission preserves its enforcement discretion, while the MEPs who raised the question may push for stronger monitoring. EU cultural policy signals support for decent work, but the practical impact depends on Italy's final legislative choices.