The ongoing COVID-19 crisis continues to paralyse Europe’s economy, the number of unemployed is on the increase and millions of workers live in fear of losing their jobs. The new instrument for short-time work, which has been proposed by the EU Commission, shall protect both employees and businesses in equal measure.

It is a well-known fact that for women their own four walls are one of the most dangerous places in the world. Women’s rights organisations have been warning for weeks of the danger that the Corona pandemic poses to victims of domestic violence. In view of the current self-isolation measures, domestic violence is on the rise and highlights the urgent need for action, which has existed for decades.

After 2012 and 2015, it was the third time that the Commission presented a European action plan on human rights. As regards relationships with third countries, it shall determine joint priorities in respect of democracy and human rights and enable the EU to follow a consequent and coherent approach.

On 20th March 2020, the Commission proposed to affect the general escape clause within the scope of the Stability and Growth Pact; three days later the Council of Finance Ministers confirmed the proposal. This means that, for the time being, the EU Member States are no longer bound to the strict EU budget criteria when dealing with the looming economic crisis.

For all people in Europe, the current crisis has a tremendous impact on all areas of live. Not least for passengers. Whilst airlines and tour operators are lobbying for watering down current EU law, the Chamber of Labour and consumer protectors are fighting for those who are affected.

Europe is entirely in the firm grip of the Corona crisis and urgent measures for the protection of workers are required. Together with the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), the AK is successfully fighting for preserving as many jobs as possible. During the night of March 17th, an agreement was reached with the Chamber of Commerce regarding a short-time work regulation, which secures income and provides protection against dismissal – to the benefit of all.

The European Union has been under a state for emergency for some days now. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic has reached the entire EU. Even if it is not yet possible to fully evaluate the extent of this crisis, one thing is clear: the European Union is facing an unprecedented challenge.

On Wednesday, March 4th, 2020, the EU Commission presented the eagerly anticipated climate law. This proposal, which had been announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the first 100 days of her term in office, is regarded as the centrepiece of the European Green Deal. However, it received a mixed reaction.  

The Communication from the European Commission on the European Green Deal contains - in addition to a plan for achieving the climate targets - many starting points for demands from the workers' perspective. The AK supports the European Green Deal in principle but emphasises that all measures within the framework of the European Grean Deal must be socially just and in the interests of the employees.

Following its official withdrawal from the European Union, the future relationship with the United Kingdom is to be negotiated by the end of the year. The Chamber of Labour welcomes the commitment to transparent negotiations and advocates a close future partnership. However, the AK warns against a destructive race to the bottom and demands fair competition on a level playing field, including an effective mechanism to enforce the corresponding provisions.