MAY 2025, BRUSSELS
In this third edition of EU Policy Pulse, we provide a carefully curated overview of the latest developments in European policymaking that matter to managers and leaders across sectors.
From debates in the European Parliament on energy resilience and budgetary frameworks to key initiatives from the European Commission on industrial competitiveness, small mid-cap support, and sustainable finance — this edition highlights how EU institutions are shaping the landscape in which managers operate.
You’ll also find insights into ongoing Council discussions on clean technologies and digital regulation, as well as stakeholder perspectives on the evolving role of leadership in the green and digital transitions.
Whether you are navigating regulatory change, contributing to social dialogue, or leading teams through transformation, this newsletter aims to keep you informed, connected, and prepared.
Monday, May 5
➤ STATEMENT by the Council and the Commission on the upcoming EU–UK summit (plenary session, 5 p.m., Strasbourg)
➤ DEBATE on the own-initiative report on the EU water resilience strategy
➤ ENVI Committee: exchange with Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and discussion on the implementation of the EU deforestation regulation
➤ EVENT on the UN Ocean Conference and the European Pact for the Oceans, hosted by the EBCD MEP group
➤ JOINT EMPL/CULT COMMITTEE exchange with Roxana Mînzatu (European Commission) on the Union of Skills (7 p.m.)
→ Particularly relevant to EU debates on skills development, social dialogue, and qualification recognition.
Tuesday, May 6
➤ STATEMENTS on the EU’s response to US trade measures
➤ VOTE on the revision of the Habitats Directive (regarding wolf protection status, urgent procedure)
➤ VOTE on the report on the water strategy
➤ DEBATE on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
➤ DEBATE on the EU’s general budget
Wednesday, May 7
➤ VOTES on the EU general budget and 2023 budget discharge procedures
➤ DEBATE on the 2024 annual report on competition policy
➤ DEBATE on the extension of the EU gas storage regulation
Thursday, May 8
➤ VOTE on the Parliament’s position on gas storage regulation extension
Monday, May 5
➤ Ursula von der Leyen speaks at “Choose Europe for Science” in Paris, alongside Commissioners for Start-ups and Industry
➤ EDPB plenary session: designation of coordinators for General AI and DMA working groups
Tuesday, May 6
➤ PRESENTATION of the EU roadmap to end dependence on Russian energy (3 p.m., Strasbourg)
Wednesday, May 7
➤ PARTICIPATION in the conference on the future of the electricity market, hosted by the Florence School of Regulation (2 p.m., online)
→ The event explores electricity market reform in support of the green transition, with input from the Commission on policy design.
Coming up / Context
🔹 EU–US trade relations: Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič proposed increasing EU imports of US LNG and agricultural products to ease trade tensions, while stressing the EU would reject deals maintaining high tariffs.
🔹 Sustainable finance: The Commission has launched a public consultation to simplify ESG reporting under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), open until May 30.
🔹 Support for mid-sized growing companies: A new EU definition of small mid-caps will be presented on May 21 to help these companies access targeted support and avoid regulatory cliff effects.
🔹 Clean Industrial Deal and lead markets: The Commission is working on a strategy to stimulate demand for clean technologies through public procurement and non-price criteria in product legislation.
Council of the European Union
Tuesday, May 6
➤ Telecom Working Party: Web 4.0, AI, and democracy
➤ Data Protection Working Party: implementation of Convention 108
➤ Competitiveness Working Party: new category for growing mid-sized companies
➤ Telecom–Media Working Party: online child safety
➤ Industry Working Party: Commission presentation on lead markets strategy
Wednesday, May 7
➤ MEETING of national experts on nuclear safety and Euratom directives
➤ GEOTHERMAL ENERGY CONFERENCE hosted by the Polish EU Council Presidency (Day 1, Krakow)
Thursday, May 8
➤ GEOTHERMAL ENERGY CONFERENCE (Day 2)
➤ MEETING of national energy experts
➤ Copyright Working Party: updates on the AI Act and cooperation with the WIPO SCCR
Coming up / Context
🔹 Iberian power outage: ENTSO-E has launched a technical investigation into the April 28 outage in Spain and Portugal, with involvement from regulators and grid operators. The issue will be discussed at the informal Energy Council on May 12–13.
Other Stakeholders
Monday, May 5
➤ “Choose Europe for Science” event in Paris with President von der Leyen and several Commissioners
Tuesday, May 6
➤ DigitalEurope webinar on the EU’s new digital legislative framework and competitiveness (2 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 7
➤ UNESCO publishes the report “Brave New World” on AI and media freedom (9:30 a.m.)
Thursday, May 8
➤ Bruegel conference on transparency and the role of data in shaping EU energy markets (1 p.m., Brussels)
Coming up / Context
🔹 Cybersecurity in energy infrastructure: The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has urged the EU to restrict access for high-risk foreign solar inverters in EU power systems.
🔹 Transposition of EU law (France): A new French law incorporates the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Energy Efficiency Directive, and expands environmental derogations for infrastructure projects.
🔹 Banking sector (Spain): The proposed €12 billion merger between BBVA and Banco Sabadell has received conditional clearance. Conditions include guarantees for continued SME access to credit, product pricing, and local branch presence.
Stay Engaged
Feel free to reach out if you would like more detailed information on any agenda item or wish to connect with key stakeholders in the European Parliament, Commission, or Council.
We are here to support your interests and ensure your voice is heard in the European policy arena.
