A Managerial Perspective: Strengthening EU Commission’s 2025 Work Programme
The European Commission has unveiled its 2025 Work Programme, setting a course for a “Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union.”
Some of CEC European Manager‘s areas of interest are not sufficiently highlighted or missing. That is why we are suggesting that among the program’s key priorities strengthening social dialogue, enhancing labour rights, and equipping Europe’s managers with the skills to navigate economic and technological transformations should be underscored and highlighted.
For us, one of the 2025 Work Programme’s cornerstone initiatives is the Pact for Social Dialogue, a renewed agreement between EU institutions, trade unions, and employer organisations. This pact seeks to modernize industrial relations and ensure social partners have a stronger voice in legislative and policy decisions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating,
We are committed to a European economy where employers, workers, and policymakers shape a fair and competitive labour market together. Social dialogue is not just a pillar of our democracy, but a driving force for economic growth and social stability.
Ursula von der Leyen
President European Commission
This initiative builds upon the Val Duchesse Social Partners Summit, reinforcing the need for inclusive decision-making in economic governance, as well as the La Hulpe Declaration, signed almost a year ago.
In general terms, we ask the European Commission to invest in managerial skills development, corporate governance reforms, and ethical leadership training to achieve the so-called Union of Skills.
Achieving a consistent Union of Skills will only be possible if European managers and executives have the tools to navigate digital transformation, sustainable business practices, and global market shifts.
Leadership training for executives to enhance digital and strategic leadership and management skills, cross-border mobility programs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through ethical business leadership will encourage inclusive leadership with a special focus on gender diversity and equal opportunities.
Concerning sustainability and green transition, there are also other initiatives where managers will play a key role, such as the Clean Industrial Deal, which outlines investment strategies for a sustainable economy, or the AI Continent Action Plan, which regulates the role of artificial intelligence in HR and workforce management.
The European Commission will engage with European social partners over the coming months to refine implementation strategies.
Recognised social partners, such as CEC European Managers are expecting new consultations and policy adjustments by mid-2025, and the EU Parliament and Member States will negotiate specific legislative measures before the end of the year.
The European Commission is also proposing Omnibus legislative packages, cutting administrative burdens by 25% for businesses and at least 35% for SMEs.
This initiative is particularly relevant for European managers, who often struggle with complex regulatory frameworks. However, not everything can be justified in the name of “simplification”.
For instance, decisions like the withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive present evident risks for leaders and managers and may seem like an endorsement to a more “deregulation” approach.
The AI Liability Directive was proposed to establish harmonized rules in fault-based claims. These new rules were intended to ensure that persons harmed by AI systems enjoy the same level of protection as those harmed by other EU technologies.
Consult the full EU Commission 2025 program here [+]
Download the full “managerial perspective” carousel for Linkedin here [+]
