In the U.S. -- absolutely not. If you worked (as a regular employee) you are entitled to every penny of your compensation, with no preconditions. I don't know

In the U.S. -- absolutely not. If you worked (as a regular employee) you are entitled to every penny of your compensation, with no preconditions. I don't know European standards directly, but I'd be very surprised if they were any different in regard to such matters. Anything I can do? Get a respectable lawyer, pay for a consult. This is a routine matter for them, and they should be able to give you a solid answer instantly. Shouldn't be more than 300-400 EUR (if that) which is a huge bargain, both for the learning experience -- and for innoculating yourself against further insults of this kind.