A Month in EU Policy: CIDA’s Update for Europe’s Management Community
As part of CIDA’s ongoing efforts to keep managers informed about key EU policy developments, we are pleased to share the latest edition of the EU Observer, a biweekly agenda compiled by the Italian member organisation of CEC European Managers.
This update offers a snapshot of the EU’s institutional, economic, and social developments from March 17 to 30, 2025.
In March, EU leaders gathered at the European Council to address a broad set of priorities, from geopolitical concerns in the Middle East to internal challenges like competitiveness, migration, and the future EU budget. A strong signal of unity came with a joint declaration on Ukraine, endorsed by all but one member state.
Economic discussions centered on stabilizing inflation, with Eurozone rates showing a slight decline, while the European Commission introduced a new strategy aimed at channeling private savings into productive investment.
In parallel, the EU General Court upheld penalties against several investment banks for market manipulation—reinforcing the importance of financial transparency and fairness.
Energy imports continued to decline, reflecting shifting market dynamics, but Italy was flagged for not fully implementing EU electricity market reforms.
In the social sphere, labour cost data confirmed an upward trend across the Union, and momentum grew around new EU-wide labour market statistics legislation.
Social dialogue also remained in the spotlight, underscored by President von der Leyen during the recent EU Social Summit.
The digital agenda advanced with significant EU investments into AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills, alongside measures requiring Apple to enhance product interoperability under the Digital Markets Act.
Meanwhile, industrial policy efforts took shape with a strategic plan to strengthen Europe’s steel and raw materials sectors, including launching key national projects to secure critical supply chains.
Compiled by CIDA, this agenda provides an essential tool for CEC European Managers and our member organizations, ensuring that Europe’s leaders and managers remain informed and ready to contribute to shaping EU policy.
CIDA’s EU Observer (English version):
European Council
March 20 – The European Council meeting took place in Brussels, adopting conclusions on: the Middle East, competitiveness, European defense and security, the next multiannual financial framework and new own resources, migration, oceans, multilateralism, and other topics. Additionally, 26 heads of state and government (all except Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán) endorsed an extra document on Ukraine. A Euro Summit also convened on the sidelines in an inclusive format, issuing a declaration.
Economic & Financial Affairs
March 19 – The European Commission adopted a strategy for the Savings and Investment Union to improve how the EU financial system channels savings into productive investments.
March 19 – Eurostat data: February 2025 inflation was 2.3% in the Eurozone and 2.7% in the EU (down from January).
March 24 – The Council adopted its first reading position on a regulation on financial benchmarks.
March 26 – The EU General Court upheld fines imposed on 7 investment banks (including UniCredit) for collusion in European government bond trading.
March 27 – Eurostat data showed wide disparities in GDP per capita (PPS): Luxembourg highest (+141% above EU avg.), Bulgaria lowest (-66%), Italy slightly below EU average (-2%).
Institutional Affairs
March 26 – Member State governments appointed 13 judges to the EU General Court, including Italian judge Francesco Bestagno.
Agriculture & Fisheries
March 28 – The Commission proposed regulatory changes to sectoral support measures in the wine and flavored wine product sectors.
Energy
March 21 – EU energy imports in 2024 totaled €375.9 billion, down in value (-16.2%) and volume (-7.1%) from 2023.
March 27 – The Commission launched infringement proceedings against Italy for not fully transposing the updated directive on the electricity market.
Internal Market
March 25 – Launch of the “EU Sanctions Helpdesk” to aid SMEs in navigating sanctions compliance.
March 26 – Council mandate to postpone sustainability reporting and corporate due diligence obligations.
Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion
March 19 – Commission President von der Leyen’s statement following the EU Social Summit on restoring EU competitiveness.
March 24 – Council adopted its first reading position on EU labor market statistics regulation.
March 28 – Eurostat: 2024 average hourly labor costs: €33.5 in the EU, €37.3 in the Eurozone (up from 2023).
Trade Policy
March 26 – President von der Leyen responded to new US tariffs on car imports.
March 26 – 2024 EU aluminum imports totaled €29.5B, exports €18.4B (deficit €11.1B).
March 27 – EU trade surplus for 2024: €147B (up €113B from 2023).
Cohesion Policy
March 27 – Eurostat released an updated “My Region” database.
March 28 – Council adopted conclusions on the future of EU cohesion policy.
Industrial Policy
March 19 – The Commission unveiled an action plan to support steel and metals sectors.
March 26 – First list of 47 strategic projects to strengthen national capacities in raw materials.
Research & Technological Development
March 20 – The Commission launched three new EU partnerships under Horizon Europe in advanced materials, textiles, and photovoltaics.
March 28 – €1.3B announced for digital technologies under the 2025–2027 Digital Europe program.
Digital Networks, Content & Technology
March 19 – Two decisions adopted under the Digital Markets Act clarifying Apple’s obligations for interoperability.
March 28 – €1.3B allocated to AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills as part of the Digital Europe program.
Health & Safety
March 24 – Eurostat: 37,022 occupational cancer cases officially recognized in the EU between 2013–2022.
March 26 – Commission report evaluates the Health Emergency Response Authority (HERA)’s contributions to EU preparedness and supply chain resilience.
March 27 – €3.4B pledged by the Commission to fight global malnutrition through 2027.
Interparliamentary Meetings
March 18 – Meeting of the EP subcommittee on taxation (FISC) focused on “Boosting competitiveness and fairness for prosperity”.
Upcoming Meetings
April 9 – Interparliamentary meeting on affordable housing, organized by EP’s EMPL Committee.
April 11 – Eurogroup meeting.
April 11–12 – Informal ECOFIN meeting of economic and finance ministers.
April 13–14 – Conference of committee chairs on “Zero-emission energy production: Towards EU competitiveness and security”.
