Commission Work Programme: Staring at the finger that points at the problem

The European Commission Work Programme for 2027 has been unveiled today, and it signals an expected absence of effective measures to combat the cost of living crisis. Lip service is paid to those concerns, but measures focus on simplification, including housing initiatives. 

The program even promises a Pact against gold-plating, a term often used by employers and conservatives to describe social or environmental protection that goes beyond what directives demand.  

The Social part of the Programme includes 6 proposals, including the housing simplification measures. 4 of them are non-legislative, including the Skills Guarantee, the European Care Deal, and a strategy for the Right to Stay.  

The question of Democracy protection includes a non-legislative proposal (Recommendation) on banning conversion practices, another on Safety in Politics, and a legislative review of the political advertising regulation.  

Energy-wise, the plan for 2030 is more simplification, with 2040 left for decarbonisation goals. There are some proposals worth following in any case, such as the future ‘congress of Europe’, the European Heatwave Plan or the Climate Insurance Alliance. All in all, 11 out of 23 packages are related to simplification.  

As much of it depends on the future Multiannual Financial Framework, the responsibility cannot lie solely with the European Commission. The withdrawal of measures related to common taxation, the European Cross-Border Associations directive, or measures against human trafficking, show the existing paralysis in the EU Council, the conservative push against necessary climate and social action, and a hypocritical undermining of the European Union. 

As member states demand more of the EU, they also curtail its resources and tools to act. Budget cuts in key social and climate areas seem to gain momentum in the Council, and will be rammed through our citizens with the excuse of 'Coming from Brussels', with the subsequent rise in euroscepticism, to avoid accountability. 

Despite the difficult arena, trade unions still expect the European Commission to look beyond short term political support, and engage boldly in tackling structural problems that worsen the cost of living and housing crises, our energy dependence and deindustrialisation, and lack of decisive action against climate change.