Reducing administrative burden on businesses, simplifying legislation and promoting ”Better Regulation” are among the top priorities of the EU Commission. Trade unions and civil society organisations fear a deregulation agenda at the expense of workers and the environment. A joint open letter to the EU Commission President calls on her not to question legislation that aims to protect people, nature and democracy.

In 2024, Europe was faced with both extreme floods and rising water scarcity. With the climate crisis accelerating faster than originally thought, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that everyone in Europe and beyond has access to clean and affordable drinking water and sanitation. The intention of the European Commission to introduce a European Water Resilience Strategy to strengthen water security in Europe is therefore welcome.

Civil society organisations and trade unions are calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to protect people, nature and democracy in a joint open letter. The letter was prompted by the EU Commission's announcement to increase the EU's competitiveness by simplifying legislation. This must not lead to the deregulation of key EU protection measures in the areas of social affairs, the environment, democracy and human rights as well as trade union rights, which are seen as burdensome by companies.

Europe faces enormous investment needs to meet major challenges such as tackling the climate crisis and – as constantly called for – to achieve competitiveness. While private capital is often highlighted as a key player, questions remain as to what role the Capital Markets Union can realistically play in this context. How can we mobilise sufficient public investment to cover the cost of climate change mitigation and adaptation?

While the focus at the beginning of the new EU legislative period is on competitiveness, the single market and defence, AK EUROPA is presenting a List of Demands for a bright future for the EU from the perspective of employees and consumers. Their interests must not be neglected, especially in view of the immense challenges currently facing the EU, and social balance must be at the heart of EU policy. The catalogue of 35 demands contains numerous specific policy recommendations.

Driven by massive farmers' protests, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intensified the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture announced in her 2023 State of the Union address. In January 2024, 29 organisations were invited to develop perspectives for European agriculture. The final report is now available.

Every five years, EU heads of state and government agree on the political priorities for the next legislative period in connection with the elections to the EU Parliament. The Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029 was adopted by the European Council on 27 June 2024. Key European policy concerns from a workers' perspective are given too little attention.

Opposition to the Green Deal was already growing before the EU elections. But now it is essential to develop it further with a strong social dimension. This makes it all the more important for workers' interest groups and civil society to take various initiatives in favour of a social Europe and a good life for all within the planetary boundaries.

The digital and green transition of the economy and Europe's strong position in the global economy require a revival of active industrial policy. To discuss challenges and strategies with experts and representatives from institutions and interest groups, AK EUROPA organised a roundtable in Brussels on 23 May 2024. In their opening statements, AK President Renate Anderl and Werner Raza, Head of the Austrian Foundation for Development Research, argued in favour of fair funding of the transition and social conditionalities.

Sustainable consumption and the promotion of the circular economy play an important role in the green transition. Hence, the last legislative period saw a number of legislative initiatives at EU level to combat greenwashing, promote sustainable product design and facilitate access to repairs. These initiatives are also intended to help consumers make better informed purchasing decisions. On 23 April, the EU Parliament adopted the Ecodesign Regulation and the Right to Repair Directive by a large majority.