By simplifying legislation, the EU Commission wants to increase the EU's competitiveness and ease the burden on companies. In this spirit, the so-called Omnibus Packages I and II were presented on 26 February 2025. While these proposals are presented as measures to reduce bureaucracy they actually undermine important achievements for workers, the environment and climate. Recently adopted laws for more sustainability run the risk of losing their effect.

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.

There are around 3 million trainees in the EU. About half of them are not being paid. In March 2024, the EU Commission presented a proposal for a Traineeships directive and a proposal for a Council recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for traineeships. However, from AK’s point of view, it is doubtful whether the proposals will bring the anticipated improvements.

Traineeships can make a valuable contribution to enabling young people to gain useful experience in the world of work and support a successful career start. However, many young people who complete traineeships are exploited.

The EU Commission has presented a Directive on improving and enforcing working conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (“Traineeships Directive”) as well as a draft Council recommendation on a reinforced quality framework for trainees.

Amid geopolitical uncertainties and crises, Europe is striving for greater competitiveness. The Draghi report serves as a guide for EU policy. We spoke to Andrew Watt, who took over the management of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) in October 2024, about the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report. He views some of the report's proposals as positive, but also expresses some clear criticisms.

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.

Civil society organisations and trade unions are calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to protect people, nature and democracy in a joint open letter. The letter was prompted by the EU Commission's announcement to increase the EU's competitiveness by simplifying legislation. This must not lead to the deregulation of key EU protection measures in the areas of social affairs, the environment, democracy and human rights as well as trade union rights, which are seen as burdensome by companies.

Europe's housing crisis has arrived on the EU policy agenda. With the appointment of an EU Commissioner responsible for this issue, Ursula von der Leyen wants the problem to be dealt with at the highest political level. However, many of the measures announced still seem rather vague, and overall the social dimension does not yet appear to be fully developed. Civil society and trade unions have many ideas on how housing can be organised in a more socially just way. The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) recently held a conference on this subject.

Forced labour is widespread globally, affecting around 28 million people. In order to combat it, the EU Commission presented a proposal for an EU ban on products made with forced labour in September 2022. The regulation was finally adopted on 19 November 2024. AK welcomes this important instrument for combating modern slavery.

On 8 November 2024, the informal European Council in Budapest adopted the so-called Budapest Declaration, a political declaration of intent to strengthen Europe's competitiveness. It focuses on innovation, productivity and economic growth. Other strategic goals such as energy sovereignty, climate neutrality, the circular economy and the social agenda are also addressed. The Budapest declaration ties in with the European Council’s Strategic Agenda and refers to the Draghi and Letta reports.