During the last parliamentary term, the EU committed itself, through a series of laws, to contributing to the protection of people and the environment within supply chains. These include the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Methane, Battery and Deforestation Regulations, and the EU Forced Labour Regulation. However, shortly after these laws were passed, voices began to call for the weakening of certain provisions.

Humanoid robotics is becoming a strategic technology for the coming decades. China is pursuing a systemic approach that combines industrial scale-up, government coordination, open innovation platforms and international standard-setting. Humanoid robots are seen not simply as industrial tools, but as future infrastructure for manufacturing, care, logistics and public services. The strategic importance of humanoid robotics lies in the development of complete industrial ecosystems with humanoid robotics becoming a hub for future technologies.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) brings the interests of employers, workers and civil society into EU policymaking. For 2025–2030, the Workers’ Group has set out a broad programme covering social, economic and climate policy as well as digitalisation. This article provides an overview of the programme, highlighting some of its key priorities and proposals.

‘Fix or Sink EU Inc.!’ was the rallying cry of European trade unions demonstrating outside the European Commission on 24 September against the proposed EU-wide company form. Employees raised major concerns about the proposed EU-wide company form, echoed at an event organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

The European Commission intends to revise the mandate of the European Labour Authority, introduce an EU-wide social security pass and accelerate the cross-border recognition of professional qualifications. To this end, it presented the Fair Labour Mobility package on 15 September 2026, comprising a communication and six legislative proposals.

The European Commission is revising its guidelines on the assessment of business combinations for the first time in around two decades. The aim is to ensure that far-reaching economic changes brought about by digitalisation, decarbonisation, global value chains and geopolitical challenges are given greater consideration in European merger control. From the AK’s perspective, this update is, in principle, to be welcomed.

On Wednesday, September 16, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union address. Economic strength and independence were highlighted as goals in the speech, with a continued focus on reducing the administrative burden. Motivated by a changing, increasingly hostile world, von der Leyen also emphasized strategic partnerships, expansion efforts, and defence capabilities. She identified AI and climate change as the key challenges for the future.

On 9 September, Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the EU Commission, and Dan Jørgensen, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, presented the Affordable Housing Act proposal. Shortly afterwards, Jørgensen joined an initial discussion in the EU Parliament’s relevant special committee. Through this package of measures, the EU Commission seeks to make housing more affordable and available while giving local authorities legal certainty if they choose to restrict short-term rentals.

Postal services are an important and indispensable part of the infrastructure. Even though demand and needs have changed significantly - particularly as a result of digitalization - the physical transport of mail and a reliable supply of postal services remain of great importance. AK is therefore committed to a high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable supply of postal services and supports measures to empower consumers and promote fair competition with good working conditions.

In mid-July, alongside the expected revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the European Commission presented an action plan to electrify industry, space heating and transport. Both initiatives aim to advance the green transition, reduce Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy.