From AK’s perspective, the proposed Quality Jobs Act should establish concrete, effective and legally binding minimum standards across several regulatory areas, particularly the following: To close legal loopholes, clear rules on algorithmic management are needed, which set minimum standards for the design and use of algorithmic systems at work, adhere to the principle of human-centred application and provide for a strong role for employee representative bodies.

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.

‘Fix or Sink EU Inc.!’ was the rallying cry of European trade unions demonstrating outside the European Commission on 24 September against the proposed EU-wide company form. Employees raised major concerns about the proposed EU-wide company form, echoed at an event organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

The European Commission intends to revise the mandate of the European Labour Authority, introduce an EU-wide social security pass and accelerate the cross-border recognition of professional qualifications. To this end, it presented the Fair Labour Mobility package on 15 September 2026, comprising a communication and six legislative proposals.

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.