In its new communication “A European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures”, the European Commission presents its plans for ensuring the Union can maintain its position as a global leader of innovation. This report outlines the five fields in which this work will be carried out.

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its Proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), setting a budget of EUR 1.98 trillion for the 2028–2034 period. It seeks to reshape the financial structures within the EU with the aim of accelerating and simplifying funding processes, and we as the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) fully support these goals. However, we note with concern that in its current form, some of the proposed new sources of funding might negatively impact key sectors of the European economy.

We emphasize the necessity of a strict linkage between the content of the standards and the legal framework of the ESPR and future delegated acts

The European Commission’s proposal to reform the Union Customs Code (UCC), published in May 2023, set out an ambitious vision: to build a modern, data-centric customs framework capable of managing growing volumes of international trade, while enhancing the EU’s capacity to detect risk, provide product compliance, and protect fiscal revenue.

In seeking to address the European defence sector’s current inability to face rising geopolitical threats, the European Commission presented its Defence Readiness Omnibus. This package of proposals touches defence and civilian policies alike, with the aim of streamlining procurement, removing regulatory bottlenecks, and improving access to funding.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a key advisory body within the European Union composed of three groups: Employers (Group I), Workers (Group II) and Civil Society Organisations (Group III). Its primary role is to provide informed opinions on EU policies and legislation to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. In doing so, the EESC facilitates dialogue between EU institutions and organised civil society ensuring that citizens’ perspectives are reflected in decision-making.