Desidero ringraziare la prof.ssa Madia D’Onghia e il prof. Francesco Di Noia per l’invito a discutere di questo tema nel convegno “La dimensione sociale degli appalti pubblici” , svoltosi presso l’Università di Foggia, il 13-14 marzo 2025 e per i preziosi consigli ricevuti in quell’occasione e nel corso dell’elaborazione di questo contributo, destinato ad essere pubblicato nel volume che raccoglie gli atti.

This paper examines the impact of recent investigations by the Milan Public Prosecutor into labor exploitation within supply chains on public procurement practices. Specifically, it explores how these investigations, along with the October 2023 judgments of the Italian Court of Cassation, have revived interest in Article 36 of the Italian Constitution and its potential application by contracting authorities to mitigate the risk of exploitation in public contracts. The paper also analyzes recent amendments to Italy’s public procurement regulations, focusing in particular on subcontracting and the principle of equal treatment. While these changes represent progress in safeguarding workers’ rights, the paper argues that their implementation remains ineffective.