The textile sector produces immense amounts of waste. In order to reduce the environmental impact of the sector as a whole, this waste must also be disposed of correctly. It has already been planned that all EU Member States would have to introduce the separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. In the summer, the EU Commission specified the implementation of this plan in a further proposal for a directive. This is the subject of a current AK EUROPA position paper.

A recent draft directive by the European Commission aims to put more extra-long and extra-heavy lorries (“Gigaliners”) on the road. The reasons given for revising the existing rules range from a shortage of drivers to improving road safety and environmental protection; the proposal is part of a legislative package on green freight transport presented in early July.

A current draft directive by the EU Commission aims to put more extra-long and extra-heavy lorries on the road in the EU. The consequence would probably be a further shift of freight transport from rail to road. This would not only run counter to the goals of the Green Deal, but also jeopardise road safety. At the same time, the investment needed to adapt and repair the infrastructure would be enormous. Gigaliners also represent a deterioration from the workers' perspective, as they would further increase the pressure on drivers.

Water is a vital resource. However, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to the climate crisis. Not only humans and nature, but also sectors such as agriculture, energy and the textile industry need large quantities. To find solutions to the major challenges we face, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is calling for a Blue Deal for the EU. Modelled on the EU Green Deal, the intention is to create a European strategy to ensure good management of the "blue gold" for people, the economy and our planet.

18 September 2023 marks the eighth anniversary of the diesel scandal, one of the biggest environmental scandals of recent decades. Despite the far-reaching consequences, even after eight years, "Dieselgate" has not been fully dealt with, neither in all Member States nor in the institutions of the European Union. As a recent study by the Chamber of Labour shows, Austria is even more affected than originally assumed. Where does the processing of the scandal stand after eight years in the EU and the Member States?

The Brussels Office of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB European Office), the Brussels Office of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (AK EUROPA) and the Daseinsgewerkschaft (Younion) are pleased to cordially invite you to our event "EU Blue Deal — a plan for the future of our water".

Heavy-duty vehicles – lorries and buses – are responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions from road transport and account for 6% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the climate targets, the Commission therefore also wants to tighten the existing CO2 standards for manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 and extend them to almost all heavy-duty vehicle segments.

The European Semester Spring Package was presented on 25 May 2023, which, according to the European Commission, shall secure the EU's long-term prosperity, competitiveness, equity and resilience. There are good approaches, such as the promotion of women and disadvantaged groups in the labour market. However, a fair transition in which no one is left behind is still far from becoming a reality.

Around 6% of total EU GHG emissions, more than 25% of emissions from road transport and huge dependence on imported fossil fuels: The climate footprint of heavy-duty vehicles highlights the need for action. The proposal to tighten CO2 standards for new heavy-duty vehicles is not only the EU Commission's response to the almost steady increase in transport emissions since 2014; it is also intended to strengthen competitiveness of European manufactures and reduce energy dependency. However, successful decarbonisation needs a more comprehensive approach.

After the controversial inclusion of gas and nuclear energy as sustainable economic activities under the Taxonomy Regulation last year, the concretisation of the regulation is picking up speed again. Currently, the EU Commission is discussing the further development and expansion of environmentally sustainable aspects of the classification system. Social sustainability is still not an issue.