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?

On 26 February 2025, the EU Commission presented the first of several omnibus packages (Omnibus I). Key instruments of the Green Deal will be weakened, in particular the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The new Emissions Trading System ETS II will become fully operational in 2027. The financial impact of rising fuel and heating costs is to be cushioned, particularly for poorer households. However, with the deadline approaching, not a single member state has yet submitted the Climate Social Plan required to receive funding from the Social Climate Fund from 2026 onwards.

Water is the basis of all life - but also in the EU it is increasingly at risk of becoming a scarce commodity. Periods of drought, falling groundwater levels and conflicts over water resources underline the urgency of a sustainable water policy. AK is committed to a resilient water supply and calls for political measures: public investment in water infrastructure, fair distribution of resources and consistent protection of water as a public good. On 26 March 2025, AK EUROPA and EPSU hosted an event in Brussels to discuss these pressing issues.

Back in February 2023, the EU Commission presented a Green Deal Industrial Plan with the aim of strengthening European industry on the path to climate neutrality. But the geopolitical race for industrial competitiveness is getting tougher. To maximise impact, two long-announced, interrelated proposals followed on 26 February 2025: the Clean Industrial Deal and an Action Plan for Affordable Energy. Just a week later, on 5 March, the Commission presented the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector.

The European labour market is currently characterised by high demand for labour, low rates of further training participation and barriers to qualification recognition. Many students enter the world of work with poor skills in mathematics, science and reading. The lack of these skills deepens social ills and inequalities. The EU Commission views these developments primarily as obstacles to competitiveness.

The Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK EUROPA) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) jointly organised the event "Water resilience. Putting people and planet first".

Since the EU Commission presented its competitiveness compass on January 29, the whole of Brussels has been discussing how Europe can assert itself economically against the USA and China to secure long-term prosperity. The Council under the Polish Presidency is not alone in directing its attention towards industrial policy for the next six months. By hosting two events at the beginning of February, AK EUROPA also took a stand on this issue.

Public export promotion policies and so-called export credit agencies (ECAs) have the potential to leverage change. They provide government-backed loans, guarantees, and insurance for international trade. However, these financial institutions have traditionally supported carbon-intensive projects, such as those in the fossil fuel sector, and thus contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

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.