EU rights and policies

This subtopic concerns matters relating to EU social and economic rights and policies, including the four freedoms underpinning the EU Internal Market:

•
free movement of goods
•
freedom of establishment and to provide services
•
free movement of capital
•
free movement of persons

Freedom of establishment and to provide services are closely related and can be regarded as, in effect, one ‘freedom’.

Social rights

Most social and employment legislation in the EU is the responsibility of individual Member States, but certain aspects of employment and social protection are affected by EU legislation. There would be no economic and social cohesion without a legal framework to ensure fair treatment for all citizens, and to ensure that businesses are not incentivised to move to areas where labour is cheaper. However, social policy is closely linked to the political ethos of national governments, so increasing competence at the EU level creates tension with Member States.

Although social policy is a shared competence, this competence has been increasingly exercised by EU institutions while stopping short of harmonising laws across the EU. Embedded into the aims

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest EU Law News

Commission introduces customs surveillance system for metal scrap trade flows

The European Commission has introduced a new customs surveillance system to monitor metal scrap imports and exports. The measure forms part of the Steel and Metal Action Plan (SMAP) adopted in March 2025 and aims to address declining scrap availability in the EU. The Commission will collect detailed trade flow data through Q3 2025 to determine if additional measures are needed, responding to concerns about scrap exports and the impact of US 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium products. The system includes monthly public reporting of trade statistics.

ECON Committee proposes major changes to EU corporate sustainability reporting rules

The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) adopted an opinion on 15 July 2025, proposing significant amendments to EU corporate sustainability reporting requirements. The opinion recommends increasing the reporting threshold to companies with over 5,000 employees and €450m in net worldwide turnover, replacing the current 1,000-employee threshold. For value chain reporting, companies would be prevented from seeking information from business partners below these thresholds, thereby significantly reducing reporting obligations.

EU countries endorse EUR93 billion US retaliation package; Hungary opposes

Law360, London: EU governments approved on 24 July 2025 a €93bn package of retaliatory tariffs against the US, with only Hungary voting against the measure. The tariffs, which consolidate two earlier packages targeting US steel, aluminium and car duties, are set to take effect by 7 August 2025 if talks with Washington collapse. The vote comes as the EU and US move closer to a broader trade agreement that could set a 15% baseline tariff on EU exports.

Commission opens feedback on EU climate resilience regulation proposal

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence for a proposed regulation to establish an integrated framework for climate resilience and risk management across the EU. The initiative aims to help member states respond more effectively to increasing climate risks, as Europe warms at twice the global average. Stakeholder feedback will inform the regulation’s development, which is part of the European Green Deal. The consultation period will run from 24 July 2025 until 04 September 2025.