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?

Amid geopolitical tensions and growing dependence on foreign tech giants, the idea of strengthening Europe's technological autonomy is gaining more prominence. EU legislation on digital markets, digital services and AI has been passed. Yet, strong concerns remain over the economic and social influence of non-EU tech giants. What are the risks associated with the current situation, and how can the EU achieve digital sovereignty? We spoke with digital transition expert Justin Nogarede.

The EU Minimum Wage Directive was adopted in 2022 and is a milestone of social Europe. It provides a framework for the adequacy of statutory minimum wages and the promotion of collective bargaining. Denmark disagrees with the directive and brought an action for annulment before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in 2023, supported by Sweden. The ECJ is now examining the repeal of the directive. There are strong legal arguments in favour of maintaining it. Whether the ECJ takes up these arguments remains to be seen.

In view of increasing geopolitical tensions, defence is becoming a key issue on the EU’s political agenda. With its White Paper for European Defence and the ReArm Europe Plan, the EU Commission is proposing new strategies to strengthen the EU's defence capabilities. What measures are planned and what social and economic impacts will they have?

On 18 December 2024, the EU Parliament set up two special committees on the issues of the housing crisis in the EU and the European Shield for Democracy. These have the task of drawing up reports in their respective areas of responsibility within one year. This serves to address pressing challenges that are currently of particular political relevance in the EU.

On 26 March 2025, the EU Commission published the new Preparedness Union Strategy, proposing ways to better prepare for and protect EU citizens from disasters, hybrid threats and geopolitical crises. The strategy comprises 30 key measures and a detailed action plan with regard to anticipation, protection of essential societal functions, and coordination and cooperation, among other. The aim is nothing less than to develop a ‘preparedness by design culture' across all EU policies.

The EU Commission presented the so-called Omnibus I package on 26 February 2025. The proposal significantly waters down the recently adopted directives on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD). Their implementation is also to be delayed. Important achievements for workers, the environment and the climate are thus being undermined and threaten to lose their impact. The EU Commission is presenting the proposals as measures to reduce bureaucracy and promote the EU's competitiveness.