EU: Commission President publishes “political guidelines”

In her political guidelines published for her confirmation by the European Parliament as President of the European Commission for a second five-year term, Ursula von der Leyen made several commitments touching on labour and employment law, and industrial relations.

Why it matters: These commitments highlight significant shifts in EU policy that could impact labor standards, collective bargaining, and industrial relations across member states.

• A “Quality Jobs Roadmap” aims to support fair wages and good working conditions by increasing collective bargaining coverage.
• Digitalization initiatives will address the impact of AI management, telework, and the “always on” culture on mental health.
• A significant increase in funding for a just transition across the next long-term budget is planned.
• Appointment of a Commissioner responsible for housing and the introduction of the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan.

The big picture: The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is urging the incoming Commission to turn these commitments into Directives, with necessary funding.

• ETUC General Secretary, Esther Lynch, emphasizes the need for concrete legislative action to boost collective bargaining by including a clause in the revised public procurement directive.

What’s next: The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) has elected new leadership and will reconvene in early September.

• Incoming chair Li Andersson MEP has confirmed ongoing activism from the new Parliament, aligning with our previous predictions regarding public procurement laws and collective bargaining.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

President Von der Leyen’s political guidelines

Li Andersson MEP EUObserver article