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.

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.

It has become increasingly clear in recent times that some industrial companies are struggling to reduce their GHG emissions. To accommodate these businesses, the Commission is proposing a far-reaching overhaul of the EU ETS. It implies a massive shift in the reduction requirements from the ETS sector to the non-ETS sector if the target of climate neutrality by 2050 is to be met.

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.

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.

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.

The European Commission’s proposal for the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) aims to significantly strengthen industrial resilience in strategic sectors of the EU whilst continuing on the path towards decarbonisation. In order to reduce dependence on third countries and safeguard competitiveness, the manufacturing sector's share of GDP is to be increased to 20% by 2035.

After a prolonged delay, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for the ‘Industrial Accelerator Act’ (IAA) on 4 March 2026. The proposed legislation is designed specifically to boost demand for low-carbon technologies and for products manufactured in Europe. The aim is to ensure resilient supply chains in strategic sectors, strengthen European industry and safeguard jobs in the EU. Although an effective industrial policy strategy is long overdue, AK warns that the social dimension is being sidelined.

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.