How can Europe keep pace with the rapid development of AI without losing sight of workers? At an event organised by the Brussels Office of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and AK EUROPA on 7 September 2026  - following a keynote speech by Sandra Steiner (GPA) - Barbara Teiber (GPA), Gabriele Bischoff (S&D), Andy Watt (ETUI) and Fridolin Wenny (AK Vienna) discussed algorithmic management, workplace co-determination and the impact of AI on the workplace and the labour market, as well as where regulation is still falling short.

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.

The EU has adopted a forced labour product ban which will apply from 14 December 2027. AK has welcomed its adoption and calls for its effective application.

On 22 July 2026, the Commission presented its long-awaited communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). Now in its tenth year, the EPSR is reviewed in terms of progress to date, with future measures also outlined. The Commission considers the full implementation of the EPSR not only necessary for the EU, but also a strategic advantage that can strengthen its competitiveness.

Launched in 2011, the European Semester has been continuously developed and is now a multifaceted tool for coordinating EU Member States’ economic, employment, social and environmental policies. Plans are underway to further strengthen it by linking it to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. Tying country-specific recommendations to payments from the EU budget should be viewed with great scepticism. Overall, strengthening its social dimension and democratic foundations is long overdue.

Public services refer to the state’s responsibility to provide fundamental, essential services and infrastructure for everyone. They are essential for social cohesion, social security, participation and quality of life. To mark the tenth International Day of Services of General Interest on 23 June 2026, AK EUROPA organised an evening event on 24 June 2026 dedicated to this topic.

While the European Union and Member States are strengthening their defence capabilities, concerns are growing over the social implications of increased security spending. This should not come at the expense of social expenditure, emphasized Claes-Mikael Ståhl in an AK EUROPA interview. Instead, security spending should be tied to social conditionalities, trade unions should be involved in decision-making, and a broad understanding of security should be developed.

For over half of Europe’s population, the rising cost of living is their main concern in everyday life. High rents, job insecurity and growing social exclusion are driving more and more people into poverty. To counter this trend, the European Commission presented its new Anti-Poverty Strategy on 6 May 2026. Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu emphasised at the press conference that, in light of the current economic and social crisis, the initiative is more important than ever.

The climate crisis and the associated global warming are having a serious impact on workers. Higher daytime temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are leading to an increase in accidents and injuries at work and can trigger chronic illnesses. In the worst cases, they can be fatal. This topic was the focus of a conference organized by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) on April 28, 2026, to mark International Workers‘ Memorial Day.