Roxana Mînzatu, College Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Social Affairs, addressed a parliamentary question from Irish MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. The query was about the European Commission’s decision to halt infringement proceedings against Italy concerning discrimination against non-national university teachers (Lettori), despite previous rulings by the Court of Justice deeming such discrimination illegal.
Ní Mhurchú’s question, submitted in December 2025, followed earlier inquiries highlighting the European Parliament’s stance that the Commission should be accountable for its actions related to infringement proceedings, which the Commission has resisted.
Regarding Italy’s compliance with EU law, the Commission did not initially address the compatibility of Italy’s prescription condition in Ministerial Decree No 688/2023. This decree seeks to resolve Lettori discrimination by implementing a Court of Justice ruling that entitles Lettori to settlements for past discrimination. However, the decree imposes a statute of limitations, limiting the settlement period and, according to Ní Mhurchú, infringing upon the Treaty rights of non-national workers.
Ní Mhurchú expressed frustration at the Commission’s evasive responses and pressed for a straightforward answer regarding the decree’s conformity with EU law. Commissioner Minzatu stated that the Italian authorities claim the decree does not impose a new statute of limitations on Lettori settlements. The Commission acknowledged a prescription period in Italian law but did not directly address its compatibility with EU law, deferring to Italy’s interpretation.
Ní Mhurchú also questioned why the Commission ignored data from a Census revealing ongoing discrimination against Lettori. The Commission, which had previously requested the Census results, eventually informed FLC CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union, that it would not review the data and instead asked the Italian authorities to respond. The Commission then closed the case, citing Italy’s assurance of corrective actions.
The Commission’s handling of the Lettori case might surprise those assuming domestic legal safeguards apply to EU infringement proceedings. It declined to examine complainant evidence and responded to parliamentary questions by citing Italy’s position.
Ireland, soon presiding over the Council of the European Union, invited submissions for priority EU issues. Asso.CEL.L, representing Lettori interests, argued that current infringement procedures fail to uphold Treaty justice against non-compliant Member States and favor violating states over EU citizens. The submission was published by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and will be expanded with further documentation, including an open letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and related coverage.
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