Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2133(INI)
Addressing subcontracting chains and the role of intermediaries in order to protect workers’ rights
Own-initiative report (INI): Parliament’s own position on a topic. It is not binding. · First reading
Parliament sets out its own position on a topic. The resolution is not binding but signals what Parliament wants.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 12 February 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Referred to committee(done) 10 July 2025
- Committee work(done) Report adopted 3 December 2025
- Tabled for plenary(done) 9 December 2025
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 12 February 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
12 February 2026 · decision 6
Jobs, social affairs & equality, Resolution
Addressing subcontracting chains and the role of intermediaries in order to protect workers’ rights
Adopted 332 for · 209 against · 33 abstained by a clear majority
AI summary:The text calls for measures to prevent labour exploitation, improve enforcement, and ensure accountability in subcontracting and labour intermediation.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
AI summary:Drops calls for a framework directive and a framework to limit subcontracting chains, and removes the reference to joint liability. Removes the call for proposals in the quality jobs act and the call for a minimum EU framework for intermediaries. Adds details on registers, fees, and sanctions for labour intermediaries, and deletes two recitals on exploitative models.
Committee draft → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The report broadens its scope to include competitiveness and SMEs, adding references to the Pillar of Social Rights and fair mobility package. It strengthens calls for EU action on subcontracting chains, including joint liability, direct employment, and sector-specific measures. It expands enforcement provisions, urging stronger ELA mandate, more labour inspectors, and better data collection. It adds measures on mutual recognition of trading prohibitions, proportionate sanctions, and addressing strategic bankruptcies.
Who works on it
- Lead committee
- Employment and Social Affairs
- The MEP who drafts the report and negotiates it on behalf of the committee.
- Johan Danielsson (S&D)
- An MEP who follows a report on behalf of their own group when another group holds the rapporteur.
- Henrik Dahl (EPP), Nikola Bartůšek (Patriots), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Jana Toom (Renew), Benedetta Scuderi (Greens), Leila Chaibi (The Left)
- Committees giving an opinion
- Internal Market and Consumer Protection· rapporteurJosé Cepeda (S&D)
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 12 Feb 2026
AI summary:Parliament's resolution calls for an EU strategy to combat labour exploitation, abusive subcontracting and fraudulent labour intermediation, with stronger enforcement and transparency.
Tabled for plenary· 9 Dec 2025
AI summary:The resolution addresses labour exploitation in subcontracting chains and by labour intermediaries, calling for an EU strategy, clearer rules, and stronger enforcement.
Committee draft· 17 Jul 2025
AI summary:This draft report addresses subcontracting chains and labour intermediaries to protect workers' rights. It calls for a European strategy against labour exploitation, limits on subcontracting, regulation of intermediaries, stronger enforcement, and sanctions.
Committee opinions: Draft opinion (IMCO), Opinion (IMCO)
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 4 steps
12 February 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 12 Feb 2026 Report A10-0256/2025Adopted text TA10-0050/2026
11 February 2026
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
4 February 2026
3 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
9 December 2025
Report tabled for plenary
This is the text all MEPs vote on. Political groups can still table amendments to it.
Committee stage 6 steps
3 December 2025
Committee vote: report adopted
EMPL (Employment and Social Affairs) voted on the amendments and adopted the report that goes to plenary.
11 November 2025
IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) adopted its opinion
The opinion is attached to the report for the lead committee to consider.
15 September 2025
Amendments tabled in committee
Members of EMPL (Employment and Social Affairs) proposed changes to the draft.
9 September 2025
Draft opinion from IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection)
An associated committee gives its view to the lead committee.
17 July 2025
Draft report published
The rapporteur’s first text in EMPL (Employment and Social Affairs). Members can table amendments before the committee votes.
10 July 2025
Referred to the EMPL (Employment and Social Affairs) committee
The lead committee prepares the report; IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) gives an opinion.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2133(INI)