EU: Competition Potentials and Social Standards

May 9, 2025 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

Members of the European Parliament are calling for a more competitive European Union that prioritises social and labour standards. Key objectives include investing more in education and tackling rising housing costs.

At the end of March, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted two resolutions setting out the priorities for the next cycle of economic and social coordination.

According to MEPs, the main priorities are increasing public and private investment to boost competitiveness and entrepreneurial potential, and continuing fiscal consolidation. They urged the EU to pursue these goals while safeguarding social cohesion and maintaining a high standard of living.

In view of slow growth and economic uncertainty, MEPs have urged Member States to reduce their excessive government deficits and have warned against the risks of rising property prices.

Additionally, MEPs believe that Member States should make greater efforts to implement the recommendations addressed to them. They also criticised the insufficient involvement of national financial supervisory authorities and parliaments in these processes.

In their resolution on employment and social policy priorities, MEPs emphasise the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers for businesses while maintaining labour and social standards. They believe that supporting small and medium-sized enterprises specifically can foster innovation and contribute to the creation of high-quality jobs. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting social enterprises to strengthen inclusive employment and a sustainable circular economy.

Press release, European Parliament plenary session, 12 March 2025