Fundamental rights should never stop at the gates of a barracks. Yet across Europe, military personnel still face restrictions on freedoms that are taken for granted by other workers.

The Collective Complaints Procedure of the Council of Europe’s Revised European Social Charter offers organisations like EUROMIL the possibility to challenge such systemic violations. It is not about individual grievances, but about ensuring that national laws and practices live up to Europe’s shared values of democracy, dignity, and social justice.

EUROMIL has not hesitated to use this tool in the past. We brought forward complaints against Ireland and Portugal, and in both cases the European Committee of Social Rights confirmed that soldiers are entitled to enjoy the same fundamental labour rights as other workers. Our complaint against Spain, raising similar concerns, is still under examination.

Now, in Complaint No. 252/2025, EUROMIL has turned to the Committee once again—this time to address the situation in Italy.

We allege violations of Article 5 (the right to organise) and Article 6 (the right to bargain collectively) of the Charter. In practice, this means:

• Professional military associations are prevented from engaging in trade union activity.
• Collective bargaining and joint consultations are blocked.
• Effective mechanisms to resolve disputes are lacking.
• The right to strike is outright denied.

Such restrictions are not only legal shortcomings—they are an affront to the dignity of those who serve. Men and women in uniform commit themselves to the security of society. They too deserve a voice, a seat at the table, and the means to defend their social and professional interests.

By filing this complaint against Italy, EUROMIL reaffirms its mission: to ensure that military personnel are recognised as citizens in uniform, with the same labour and social rights as all other European workers.

This is not just about one country. It is about the principle that defending Europe should never come at the price of sacrificing basic rights.

🔗 Read more on the Council of Europe website