23 May 2025
SGI Europe will organise the Final Conference of its Finance4EPSR project on Wednesday 11 June 2025, from 12:30 to 16:00 in Brussels and online. This event marks the culmination of a two-year collaboration between SGI Europe, HOSPEEM, and HEAG Holding, which is dedicated to promoting socially responsible and sustainable finance practices for services of general interest (SGIs) providers. You can register here.
The Finance4EPSR project has explored how SGI providers can align with evolving EU sustainable finance frameworks while remaining grounded in the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). At the final conference, participants will discover the project’s flagship tools and insights, including:
The event will bring together EU policymakers, SGI providers, social partners, and key actors from the sustainable finance community. It will be an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how social objectives can be better reflected in financial frameworks — and how SGI enterprises can lead the way.
Among the confirmed speakers are Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux from DG EMPL, Nancy Saich from the European Investment Bank and Antje Schneeweiss, former Rapporteur of the Social Taxonomy and lead on the Social Investment Framework.
A networking lunch will be offered before the start of the event, and travel and accommodation expenses will be covered according to the project’s reimbursement policy.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On 21 May 2025, the European Commission unveiled a major policy package to revitalise the Single Market, placing simplification, competitiveness, and SME support at its core. The Single Market Strategy aims to remove the most persistent barriers to cross-border activities and investment within the EU, and intends to make the Single Market more straightforward, integrated, and competitive.
The new Single Market Strategy, requested in April 2024 by the European Council, calls for dismantling persistent barriers that hinder cross-border business, notably the so-called “Terrible Ten”, ranging from fragmented packaging rules to burdensome procedures for posting workers. A key innovation is the shift to a more practical, sectoral approach, with tailored actions for services like construction and parcel delivery, and the planned introduction of a voluntary 28th company law regime to streamline cross-border expansion.
The Commission also announced a new category of “small mid-caps” (SMCs), covering firms with fewer than 750 employees and turnover under €150 million, enabling nearly 38,000 such companies to benefit from simplified rules traditionally reserved for SMEs. These include exemptions from certain GDPR obligations, simplified listing procedures, and relief from some due diligence and environmental compliance burdens.
Finally, digitisation features prominently in the proposals, with measures such as the Digital Product Passport, common specifications for conformity, and the replacement of paper-based requirements with digital alternatives. These steps are expected to save companies an additional €400 million annually, adding to €8 billion in prior savings.
Contact: Maxime Staelens
On 22 May 2025, SGI Europe took part in a meeting with DG EMPL and Eurofound to discuss the launch of the new EU Network of Social Dialogue Researchers, a key initiative stemming from the 2023 Communication on strengthening social dialogue. The network, led by the Eurofound, aims to improve the visibility and understanding of outcomes produced by social partners across Europe and support their better integration into EU policymaking.
The Commission and Eurofound presented the scope and timeline of the work ahead, including the production of thematic overviews—starting with artificial intelligence and algorithmic management—and in-depth analyses of specific agreements such as the framework of action on gender equality in the audiovisual sector and efforts to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession in the education sector. The network will also deliver two annual reports: one on the joint outcomes of social dialogue committees, and another on projects funded by DG EMPL.
SGI Europe welcomed this initiative and reaffirmed its support for enhancing the recognition of social dialogue outcomes and the role of social partners in shaping the future of work.
Contact: Guillaume Afellat
On 13 May, the European Parliament’s ENVI and ITRE Committees held a structured public hearing with Executive Vice-Presidents Stéphane Séjourné and Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, providing insights into the evolving Clean Industrial Deal and its alignment with environmental and competitiveness goals.
Séjourné addressed MEPs at the ENVI Committee on the critical need to integrate industrial and climate objectives. He acknowledged stagnation in circular economy progress and promised a revitalised strategy by the end of 2026. Removing internal market barriers, harmonising waste rules, and incentivising recycled materials through public procurement and labelling were cited as priorities. On PFAS, the upcoming REACH revision aims to simplify compliance, especially for SMEs. While the Commission supports a ban on consumer products, Séjourné defended limited industrial exemptions where no alternatives exist, citing economic realism.
At the ITRE hearing, Ribera stressed that clean manufacturing must anchor industrial policy. She proposed the creation of an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank to complement the Innovation Fund and IPCEIs, aiming to de-risk private investment in technologies like Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Ribera reaffirmed the need for a predictable regulatory framework, simplified permitting, and fairer procurement criteria to support sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness.
From SGI Europe’s perspective, these hearings underscore a shared EU ambition to build a sustainable industrial future, but its success depends on balanced implementation. The revised circular economy action plan must better incentivise and reward all phases of the circular value chain. Additionally, a clear End-of-Waste criteria, pricing mechanisms that support recycled material competitiveness, and strong measures to prevent pollution, particularly in groundwater must gain more importance for a resilient and sustainable economy.
Likewise, the Decarbonisation Bank proposal is a step in the right direction. Still, it must be accessible to public services and local utilities, ensuring the green transition is inclusive and socially fair. SGI Europe will continue working to ensure that regulatory and financial frameworks enable climate-aligned industrial renewal without undermining service quality or affordability.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
On 21 May, the White Room of the Municipality of Gorizia hosted the press conference presenting the Fourth Edition of the International Festival on Health and Safety at Work, alongside the Second Edition of "Safety Love". The Rubes Triva Foundation promotes both events within the framework of Gorizia European Capital of Culture 2025.
The 2025 Festival, themed “The New Frontiers of Workplace Safety – Risks and Opportunities,” aims to foster European dialogue and debate to spread a safety culture and promote workplace health. From June 25th to 27th at the Castello di Spessa, the Festival will feature a multidisciplinary and innovative approach, tackling the latest issues concerning the evolving world of work, emerging risks, and the importance of prevention.
The Fourth Edition is proudly sponsored by Fasda, Fonservizi, Gruppo Hera – AcegasApsAmga, Asia Napoli, Veritas, PreviAmbiente and supported by PromoTurismoFVG.
The festival is held under the patronage of the European Commission – Representation in Italy, the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Municipality of Gorizia, and INAIL.
Participants are now invited to register for the sessions through the festival’s official website: https://www.festivalsalutesicurezzalavoro.it/
Contact: stampa@fondazionerubestriva.it
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