| Abstract [eng] |
This chapter provides a structured overview of the European Union’s institutional efforts to implement the European Green Deal, with particular emphasis on strategies that foster a clean and circular economy. It is important to note that this document underscores the policy priorities delineated by the European Council and the concomitant European Commission initiatives, encompassing the European Green Deal Communication, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Industrial Strategy. Legislative instruments such as the Net-Zero Industry Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act, and directives supporting sustainable products and the “Right to Repair” are examined. The European Union’s commitment to climate neutrality, industrial resilience, and sustainable consumption patterns is further underscored by advancements in specific sectors, including packaging, electronics, and ICT. In parallel, the chapter addresses the EU’s pursuit of a dual digital and green transition. It is widely acknowledged that a range of computing technologies have a pivotal role to play in facilitating sustainability objectives and serving as instruments for reducing the ecological impact of digital infrastructure. However, the 2024 assessments indicate that progress remains inadequate to achieve the 2030 targets, necessitating augmented investment and policy recalibration. The chapter concludes with the presentation of the Platform Work Directive, a legislative response to the expansion of digital labour platforms across the EU. This directive has been developed with the intention of enhancing the social protection available to platform workers. It addresses critical challenges, including worker misclassification, the opacity of algorithmic management, and cross-border enforcement. The Platform Work Directive establishes also a presumption of employment status, mandates algorithmic transparency, safeguards personal data, and enhances enforcement capacities. This directive is indicative of the EU’s broader commitment to ensuring fair, transparent, and accountable platform work. |
