Commission decides to refer Greece to the Court of Justice over discriminatory employment conditions for teachers in public schools

Today, the European Commission decided to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failing to bring its national legislation fully in line with the Directive on fixed-term work (Council Directive 1999/70/EC), which prohibits discrimination against fixed-term workers.

Greek law provides for less favourable employment conditions for fixed-term teachers working in public schools compared to permanent teachers, for instance regarding maternity leave and sick leave.

The Commission launched this infringement procedure in July 2024 by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece. The explanations provided by Greece in its reply to justify the differences in treatment were unsatisfactory. In May 2025, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Greece. The Commission considers that the explanations provided by Greece do not dispel the Commission's concerns and is therefore referring Greece to the CJEU.

Background

The Directive on fixed-term work (Directive 1999/70/EC) establishes a common EU framework to prevent the misuse of successive fixed-term employment contracts and ensure equal treatment between fixed-term workers and permanent workers. It prohibits less favourable treatment of fixed-term employees unless objectively justified. Member States must ensure the non-discrimination principle through national legislation, collective agreements, or established workplace practices.

More information

EU infringement procedure

Infringement decisions database and infringements map and graphs 

July 2026 infringement package

Infringement procedure Greece (INFR(2024)4013)