Water is the basis of all life - but also in the EU it is increasingly at risk of becoming a scarce commodity. Periods of drought, falling groundwater levels and conflicts over water resources underline the urgency of a sustainable water policy. AK is committed to a resilient water supply and calls for political measures: public investment in water infrastructure, fair distribution of resources and consistent protection of water as a public good. On 26 March 2025, AK EUROPA and EPSU hosted an event in Brussels to discuss these pressing issues.

Back in February 2023, the EU Commission presented a Green Deal Industrial Plan with the aim of strengthening European industry on the path to climate neutrality. But the geopolitical race for industrial competitiveness is getting tougher. To maximise impact, two long-announced, interrelated proposals followed on 26 February 2025: the Clean Industrial Deal and an Action Plan for Affordable Energy. Just a week later, on 5 March, the Commission presented the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector.

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.

The Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK EUROPA) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) jointly organised the event "Water resilience. Putting people and planet first".

Since the EU Commission presented its competitiveness compass on January 29, the whole of Brussels has been discussing how Europe can assert itself economically against the USA and China to secure long-term prosperity. The Council under the Polish Presidency is not alone in directing its attention towards industrial policy for the next six months. By hosting two events at the beginning of February, AK EUROPA also took a stand on this issue.

Public export promotion policies and so-called export credit agencies (ECAs) have the potential to leverage change. They provide government-backed loans, guarantees, and insurance for international trade. However, these financial institutions have traditionally supported carbon-intensive projects, such as those in the fossil fuel sector, and thus contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

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.

In 2024, Europe was faced with both extreme floods and rising water scarcity. With the climate crisis accelerating faster than originally thought, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that everyone in Europe and beyond has access to clean and affordable drinking water and sanitation. The intention of the European Commission to introduce a European Water Resilience Strategy to strengthen water security in Europe is therefore welcome.

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 faces enormous investment needs to meet major challenges such as tackling the climate crisis and – as constantly called for – to achieve competitiveness. While private capital is often highlighted as a key player, questions remain as to what role the Capital Markets Union can realistically play in this context. How can we mobilise sufficient public investment to cover the cost of climate change mitigation and adaptation?