There is no doubt that the EU has a massive need for investment – and financing – to achieve, amongst others, the objectives of the Green Deal. However, in order to finance investments via the private sector, the return must be high enough. This gives rise to a number of questions that are currently subject of extensive debates: What can the Capital Markets Union achieve? How high can and should the public contribution be? How can it be raised in a fair way, so that small and medium income earners are not further burdened?

The Brussels offices of the Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK EUROPA) and the Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB Europabüro) cordially invite you to the online event  Socio-political standards at risk? - The EU Commission's policy on "bureaucracy and administrative burdens“.

Debates at EU level are currently focussing heavily on economic policy. And rightly so, as the crises have raised many new questions and there is a considerable need for action. Enrico Letta´s report "Much more than a market" offers a series of proposals for reorganising the European single market, but primarily from a business perspective. In its position paper, AK has not only taken a comprehensive stance, but also made recommendations for a socio-ecologically sustainable and long-term stable EU economy.

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.

The EU faces major financing needs, inter alia due to the green and digital transitions. Future investments in particular are often associated with increased risk. The deepening of the Capital Markets Union and the creation of a Savings and Investment Union are supposded to remedy this situation. But how should it be designed so that it meets the expectations and benefits everyone? What are the limits and risks? This was discussed at an event hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee.

The report presented by Enrico Letta covers a wide range of topics related to the internal market.

Cohesion policy is not only important for economically disadvantaged regions, but also for the economic and social development of the EU as a whole. In its 9th Cohesion Report, the EU-Commission presents an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union while pointing out its achievements. The European Economic and Social Committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring its future funding.

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.

Finance Watch has developed a financial reform agenda, calling for the reinforcement of EU financial regulation. Financial market stability must be ensured, and the financial system should serve people and the planet. Additionally, economic governance must be shaped so that investments in our future can be unlocked.

The Austrian Chamber of Labour has always in a number of ways advocated a trade policy in the interests of workers. Fair supply chains, high and enforceable social and environmental standards, the exemption of public services and the rejection of questionable trade agreements such as those between the EU and Mercosur or the EU and Chile - all of these are and have been important issues in recent years. Now the candidates for the EU Parliament can be asked to make an election pledge in favour of a fair EU trade policy. We invite you to take part.