In a recent dossier published by Social Europe, a group of industrial policy and innovation scholars analyse the current challenges facing EU industrial policy. They highlight the conceptual and practical shortcomings of the current approach to industrial policy and set out their vision for an EU industrial policy that is based on social inclusion and effective governance. To mark the publication of the dossier, AK EUROPA, in cooperation with the Austrian Foundation for Development Research (ÖFSE), organised a large public event in Brussels on 15 September 2025.

While the focus at the beginning of the new EU legislative period is on competitiveness and defence, AK EUROPA presents a List of Demands for a better future for the EU from the perspective of workers and consumers. Their interests must not be neglected, especially in view of the current challenges, and attention must be paid to social justice right now.

On 10 September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered the annual State of the European Union speech, whereby she focused on the topics of security, defence and competitiveness. Both, the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Gaza were given extensive attention. Social policy issues such as the inflation crisis, the quality of jobs and strategies for combating poverty were mentioned, but relatively brief and without providing much detail.

With the Omnibus IV package, which was presented on 21 May 2025, the Commission aims to introduce a definition regarding small mid-cap companies. This is justified by the need to reduce the administrative burden on businesses. However, in concrete terms the proposals would, among others, result in massive erosion of data protection. Over the summer, the Commission conducted a consultation on the Omnibus IV Package, in which AK also participated.

At the beginning of July 2025, Denmark took over the EU Council Presidency from Poland. Since joining the EU in 1973, Denmark has now assumed this important role for the eighth time. In view of the ongoing crises, the tasks ahead are immense. Denmark is tackling them with the motto ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’. The strength of the EU lies not only in European unity and a solid economy, but also in stable democracies and socially balanced societies.

Today, we experience individualisation and personal optimisation, both at home and in the world of work. This has psychological and social consequences for us all. For example, many people in the EU are affected by loneliness. On 9 July 2025, an AK EUROPA event was held in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg with AK President Renate Anderl and MEP Evelyn Regner, during which challenges and possible solutions were discussed.

The European Commission's proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028 to 2034 has been met with much criticism, partly for conflicting reasons. Although many questions remain unanswered, an increase in funding for competitiveness, defence, research and innovation should be assured. From a trade union perspective, it has to be criticised that social objectives are no longer treated as a separate category; hence, they are likely to face conflict with other areas. It is feared that this will undermine the important social sector.

On Wednesday, the EU Commission presented its long-awaited draft legislation for the 2040 climate target. As had already become apparent in recent weeks, maintaining the planned target – a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels – was achieved by allowing more flexibility in how the target is met. According to the EU Commission's proposal, the last three percentage points should also be achieved through emission credits in third countries. But will that be enough to manage the necessary transformation?

At a conference widely supported by European trade union federations and civil society organisations, which took place in Brussels on 10 June under the title ‘Rules to Protect – The Real-Life Consequences of Deregulation’, warnings were issued about the major risks posed by the current deregulation agenda. However, in addition to trade unions and NGOs, criticism of the so-called Omnibus proposals is also growing from other sides. Recently, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights also warned of the consequences of deregulation.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has permanently changed the geopolitical situation and the EU's energy supply. In recent years, numerous measures have been taken to end the dependence on Russian energy imports. The final phase-out is now set to succeed with the new REPowerEU Roadmap. What does this new roadmap include and what is the situation in Austria?