The Presidency of the EESC's Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group (FRRL) is deeply concerned about the imminent risk of extradition from Serbia to Belarus of journalist Andrey Gnyot (Андрей Гнёт).
President Oliver Röpke and EESC members participated in the 2024 Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions, a pivotal event held in Malta on June 18-19. The summit gathered around 120 participants, including representatives of a wide range of CSOs from the Euro-Mediterranean region, EU and MENA government representatives, guest speakers, and representatives from embassies.
On 11-12 June 2024, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Bucharest. This visit gave the opportunity to the group of six EESC Members to hear civil society representatives about key trends in Romania concerning fundamental rights of social partners, freedoms of association and assembly, freedom of expression (including media freedom), the right to non-discrimination, and the rule of law.
In a bid to lead in climate action, the European Commission has recommended a target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) supported this move during its May plenary by adopting an opinion on EU climate target for 2040. The opinion outlines steps to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with scientific consensus to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has given a cautious green light to Europe’s revamped defence strategy in three opinions, all emphasising the need for a long-term, strategic approach. However, concerns linger about its financial viability and public buy-in.
With the number of cancers and cancer-related deaths across the EU rising at an alarming rate, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for due attention to be paid to the need for cancer prevention measures, as about 40% of cancer cases are deemed preventable.
The EU must reduce its strategic dependencies in sensitive sectors such as health and critical technologies in order to enable a growing number of patients across Europe to use nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat cancer.
With just a month to go until the European elections, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) warns European authorities of the urgent need to fight disinformation in order to safeguard democracy. Quality, independent journalism in a thriving pluralistic system remains the first bulwark against malicious campaigns and fake news.
On 9 May, President Röpke celebrated Europe Day in Madrid at an event on "The future of the EU social agenda". Organised by the Spanish Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, the event gathered many prominent speakers. In his intervention, President Röpke underlined that social dialogue is a cornerstone of our European social model and democratic values.
The EESC has adopted an opinion on the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, at the Commission's request. The plan will support the Western Balkans to speed up regional economic cooperation. This is the first time the EU has focused on economic development and socioeconomic convergence in the region.
