Unions and NGOs raise concerns over EU Commission’s new business simplification plan

Civil society groups and unions are raising concerns over the European Commission’s political direction under Ursula von der Leyen’s second term, warning that its new Competitiveness Compass could undermine green deal goals 🌍 and workers’ rights ⚖️. The Commission aims to ease business regulation by “simplifying” European law, but critics fear this may be a cover for deregulation 🚫.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) rejected an invitation to endorse the Competitiveness Compass, stating it wasn’t consulted on the plan and that it could “undermine jobs, rights, and standards” 👎. While the ETUC supports boosting Europe’s competitiveness, it criticized proposals for pension reforms and longer working lives ⏳, as well as plans that could funnel funds to corporations without social conditions 💼. The Confederation also opposed the idea of a ’28th legal regime’ for companies to bypass national laws, calling it “a recipe for disaster” ⚠️.

Environmental groups echoed similar concerns 🌱. While the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe welcomed the Commission’s commitment to the 2050 net-zero target, they questioned whether the new strategy would lead industry in the right direction, particularly regarding the phasing out of fossil fuels 🔥. WWF’s Ester Asin warned that the Commission’s focus on deregulation could threaten progress on the green transition, especially regarding corporate sustainability reporting 📊.

Overall, both union and environmental groups see the Competitiveness Compass as a plan in need of significant revision to align with social and environmental goals ⚡.