EESC to host high-level Enlargement Forum with European candidate countries at July plenary

16-17 July 2025

European Commission - Charlemagne building (Alcide De Gasperi room)

170 Rue de la Loi, 1049 Brussels

Web stream click here

AGENDA

Debates

Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 3 p.m.

• Presentation of the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union with Marie Bjerre, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 4 p.m.

• Youth with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Thursday 17 July 2025 at 9 a.m.

• Enlargement Forum - Building an Inclusive Future in an Enlarged EU: The Role of Social Dialogue, Civil Society and Youth Engagement with Maida Gorčević, Minister for European Affairs, Montenegro, Orhan Murtezani, Minister for European Affairs, North Macedonia, Fernando Sampedro, Secretary of State for the European Union, Spain
• Session I: Institutionalising civil society and strengthening social dialogue in EU candidate countries
• Session II: Creating opportunities for Youth - from education to employment
• Linked to REX/598 - The importance of institutionalising civil and social dialogue in EU candidate and partner countries

Thursday 17 July 2025 at 10 a.m.

• Press conference following the opening session of the Enlargement Forum, with Oliver Röpke, EESC President, Maida Gorčević, Minister for European Affairs, Montenegro and Orhan Murtezani, Minister for European Affairs, North Macedonia
• Foyer of Alcide De Gasperi room, Charlemagne building, 170 Rue de la Loi, 1049 Brussels

Thursday 17 July 2025 at 12.15 p.m.

• Climate and Peace with Jeffrey Sachs, professor at Columbia University, economist and public policy analyst (remotely)

Opinions in the spotlight

INTERNAL MARKET

Regulatory simplification – the use of digital tools in better law-making (INT/1088, rapporteur: Alena Mastantuono (CZ-I); co-rapporteur: Tymoteusz Adam Zych (PL-III))

The EESC highlights the importance of simplifying regulations and stresses the huge potential of AI and other digital tools to boost transparency, efficiency, and accountability in EU law-making. All new and existing legal acts should include a clear summary of obligations to make regulations more accessible. However, the use of digital tools must always adhere to principles of legitimacy and enforceability. More

SERVICES OF GENERAL INTEREST

The role of services of general interest (SGI) for competitiveness, social cohesion and democracy in the European Union (TEN/851, rapporteur: Thomas Kattnig (AT-II))

The EESC calls on the European Commission to draw up an action plan on services of general interest and to adopt a holistic approach towards EU policies, as opposed to the current sectoral approach. SGIs such as healthcare, energy and public transport play a central role in promoting the EU's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness and Member States should secure universal and equal access to affordable and high-quality basic services. More

ENLARGEMENT

The importance of institutionalising civil and social dialogue in EU candidate and partner countries (REX/598, rapporteurs: Dumitru Fornea (RO-II), Decebal-Ștefăniță Padure (RO-I), Ionuţ Sibian (RO-III))

The opinion underlines the need to strengthen civil and social dialogue in the candidate and partner countries, as part of the integration and cooperation processes. However, in many candidate and partner countries, civil and social dialogue remains fragmented and lacks institutional regulation. More

EU-UK RELATIONS 

Looking to the future of EU-UK relations: 2026 Review of the Trade & Cooperation Agreement from a civil society perspective (REX/600, rapporteur: Tanja Buzek (DE-II), co-rapporteur: Peter Byrne (IE-I))

This opinion looks into the upcoming 2026 review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) which provides the legal framework for bilateral trade, and whose implementation is monitored by civil society via the DAGs on both sides. More

CLIMATE CHANGE

Addressing the interdependence between peace and climate change: need for renewed global diplomacy (REX/599, rapporteur: Dimitris Dimitriadis (GR-I), co-rapporteur: Peter Schmidt (DE-II))

The opinion underscores the need for an EU diplomatic strategy, which must be grounded in three guiding principles: climate considerations should be fully integrated into conflict prevention strategies, EU must prioritise regional and multilateral cooperation and sustainable development should be promoted as a peace mechanism. More

ENVIRONMENT

Conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction – ratification of BBNJ Agreement (NAT/959, rapporteur: Francisco Javier Garat Pérez (ES-III))

The European Economic and Social Committee supports adding the new global ocean biodiversity agreement into European Union law. It wants the rules to match existing environmental laws and work smoothly with international organisations. The committee also urges strong action to protect at least 30% of the high seas by 2030. More

COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Recommendations of organised civil society to address the cost-of-living crisis (ECO/660, rapporteurs: Krister Andersson (SE-I), Krzysztof Balon (PL-III), Thomas Kattnig (AT-II))

The EESC urges the EU to take coordinated and proactive measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and prepare for future shocks. While recovery is under way, persistently high prices and geopolitical tensions continue to strain households and businesses. The Committee calls for fair, long-term, and structural responses, alongside urgent relief for the most vulnerable. Key recommendations include ensuring access to affordable energy and housing, modernising industrial and social policy, investing in skills and jobs, and strengthening both social and civil dialogue. The EESC also stresses the need to simplify regulation, enhance the single market, and promote sustainable trade and innovation. A comprehensive and inclusive strategy is vital to restore purchasing power, reduce inequalities, and bolster economic and social resilience across the EU. More

Affordable housing: Cohesion policy, Urban Agenda and civil society (ECO/663, rapporteur: Elena-Alexandra Calistru (RO-III), co-rapporteur: María del Carmen Barrera Chamorro (ES-II))

The EESC warns that the housing affordability crisis poses a serious threat not only to social cohesion but also to the EU’s economic competitiveness and resilience. Housing shortages and high costs are pushing essential workers out of key regions, fuelling labour shortages and reducing productivity. The Committee calls for a coordinated EU strategy that places affordable housing at the heart of cohesion policy, links it to the European Competitiveness Fund, and removes regulatory barriers that constrain investment. Key recommendations include establishing a clear EU framework for affordable housing, expanding the role of cohesion funds post-2027, revising State aid and SGEI rules, and promoting innovative financing tools with the EIB. The EESC supports exempting housing investments from national debt calculations and stresses the importance of adapting housing policy to the climate crisis. Local authorities, civil society and social partners must be fully involved in shaping and delivering housing strategies. Affordable, decent and sustainable housing should be recognised as a social right and cornerstone of the European social model. More

SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Good practice for EU civil dialogue in the light of participatory processes (SOC/820, rapporteur: Arnaud Schwartz (FR-III))
The EESC calls for a structured and inclusive civil dialogue framework that complements social dialogue and strengthens participatory democracy across EU institutions, proposing to host a civil society platform to facilitate this engagement. It urges the EU to adopt a strategy and action plan that formalises civil dialogue, improves implementation of Article 11 TEU, and ensures meaningful involvement of organised civil society in policymaking. More

Tackling inequalities in people’s access to healthcare (SOC/825, rapporteur: Pietro Vittorio Barbieri (IT-III))
The EESC calls for urgent action to reduce healthcare access inequalities exacerbated by inflation and poverty, advocating for a European Care Guarantee and stronger implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It urges targeted investment in public health systems, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive policies to ensure affordable, quality care for all. More

EU Anti-poverty Strategy (SOC/829, rapporteur: Krzysztof Balon (PL-III), co-rapporteur: Sophia Reisecker (AT-II))
The EESC proposes a comprehensive, rights-based EU Anti-Poverty Strategy aimed at eradicating extreme poverty through adequate income, quality jobs, universal access to essential services, and robust governance. It calls for measurable targets, intersectional approaches, and active participation of civil society and people experiencing poverty in shaping and implementing the strategy. More

Union of Skills (SOC/837, rapporteurs: Tatjana Babrauskienė (LT-II), Mariya Mincheva (BG-I), Justyna Kalina Ochędzan (PL-III))
The EESC supports the Union of Skills initiative as a strategic framework to address skills gaps, labour shortages, and digital and green transitions through inclusive, high-quality education, lifelong learning, and targeted investment. It calls for stronger governance, social partner involvement, and equitable access to training - especially for disadvantaged groups, SMEs, and women - while promoting AI literacy, STEM education, and skills portability across the EU. More

Civil society strategy (SOC/840, rapporteurs: Pietro Vittorio Barbieri (IT-III), Peter Schmidt (DE-II), Christa Schweng (AT-I))
The EESC calls for a comprehensive EU civil society strategy and platform to safeguard democratic participation, ensure sustainable funding, and strengthen structured civil dialogue across all levels of governance. It proposes launching a pilot project with the European Commission to facilitate early-stage consultation on democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law, laying the groundwork for an interinstitutional agreement on civil dialogue. More

ECONOMY

The role of trade unions in improving productivity (ECO/666, rapporteur: Philip von Brockdorff (MT-II))

The EESC highlights the essential role that trade unions play in raising productivity through collective bargaining, social dialogue, and active workplace engagement. While Europe faces long-standing challenges in matching global productivity benchmarks, especially those of the United States, the Committee underscores that sustainable gains depend on investment in human capital, workplace innovation, and inclusive governance models. The opinion calls for supporting SMEs through capacity-building and strategic advice, as many lack union representation. It urges governments and employers to engage trade unions in setting productivity benchmarks, fostering innovation-friendly work models, and co-designing upskilling strategies. Trade unions are seen as vital partners in shaping fair, worker-centric digital transitions, improving job satisfaction, reducing absenteeism, and enabling labour mobility where shortages exist. The EESC also stresses that collective bargaining contributes not only to wage fairness but also to stronger business outcomes and long-term resilience. It reaffirms the importance of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive and warns that while nominal wages have risen to offset inflation, real wages in many countries remain below pre-pandemic levels. A renewed commitment to social dialogue is key to restoring purchasing power and addressing Europe's productivity gap in a socially balanced way. More

Communication on a Savings and Investments Union (ECO/670, rapporteur: Petru Sorin Dandea (RO-II))

The EESC welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to create a Savings and Investments Union (SIU) as a step toward unlocking the full potential of the Single Market. It emphasises that a successful SIU must benefit citizens and businesses alike, foster a fair and inclusive financial system, and channel funding into the real economy. With earlier efforts to establish a Capital Markets Union falling short, the Committee calls for renewed ambition, robust supervision, and stronger investor participation. Key recommendations include harmonising company, insolvency, and tax rules to address persistent fragmentation in EU capital markets; enhancing cross-border financial infrastructure through digital technologies; and placing key institutions under strengthened pan-European supervision via ESMA. The EESC stresses the need to address Europe’s equity funding gap—especially for SMEs—and to provide savers with safe, transparent, and diverse investment options, including through new tools like a Savings and Investment Account. The Committee also urges the EU to retain talent and counter the brain drain by making Europe more attractive to innovators and entrepreneurs. It calls on the Commission to define clear key performance indicators (KPIs), ensure transparency, and set a realistic deadline for the SIU’s completion. A coherent, well-governed SIU will be vital to boosting competitiveness, supporting innovation, and deepening economic integration across the EU. More

Financial literacy and education for Europeans (ECO/677, rapporteur: Giuseppe Guerini (IT-III))

The EESC calls on the EU to prioritise financial literacy and education as essential tools for strengthening individual financial well-being, economic resilience, and social inclusion. With wide disparities in financial literacy across Member States and population groups, the Committee urges coordinated European action to empower citizens with the skills needed to manage risk, plan for the future, and navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape. Key recommendations include integrating financial literacy into school curricula, promoting lifelong learning for all ages and social groups, and targeting the most vulnerable—such as women, youth, low-income households and people with lower levels of formal education. The EESC also advocates for new initiatives to support entrepreneurs, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, and calls for stronger safeguards against scams and online fraud, including those driven by artificial intelligence. The Committee stresses the importance of impartial, civil-society-led education efforts and proposes the creation of a ‘European Financial Education Day’ to raise awareness. It also calls for a flexible regulatory framework to address emerging financial trends and influencers. A comprehensive and inclusive strategy is needed to reduce inequalities, boost economic participation, and foster trust in financial institutions and the single market. More

Economic Impact of the Implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) (ECO/671, rapporteur: Krister Andersson (SE-I))

The EESC calls on the EU to carefully balance environmental objectives with economic and social impacts in implementing the Emissions Trading System (ETS). While supporting the ETS as a key tool for a green, low-carbon economy, the Committee urges thorough impact assessments on jobs, competitiveness, and regions using a common methodology. It highlights risks of administrative burdens, market distortions, and carbon leakage, especially for sensitive sectors like maritime transport. Key recommendations include improving the Commission’s economic analysis, simplifying mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and supporting global cooperation to avoid unilateral measures that could harm European ports and industries. The Committee stresses the need to monitor effects on vulnerable economies like islands and maritime-dependent Member States and to adapt policies swiftly to mitigate negative social consequences. A comprehensive and inclusive approach is essential to ensure the ETS drives decarbonisation without undermining the EU’s economic competitiveness or employment, fostering a sustainable and resilient green transition across the Union. More

DEFENCE

Joint white paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 (REX/603, rapporteur: Marcin Nowacki (PL-I), co-rapporteur: Carlos Manuel Trindade (PT-II))

The opinion underlines the fact that enhancing EU defence readiness requires a holistic approach, where innovation, infrastructure and resilience are as crucial as military and civil preparedness. More

Security Action for Europe (SAFE) through the reinforcement of the European defence industry instrument (CCMI/243, rapporteur: Maurizio Mensi (IT-III), co-rapporteur: Jan Pie (SE-Cat. 1)

The EESC supports the SAFE instrument as a crucial step to strengthen Europe’s defence industry and reduce strategic dependencies. The opinion urges Member States to use SAFE quickly and strategically and calls for strong investment in European-based technologies, strict EU content requirements, and a clear preference for EU-controlled design capabilities. It also stresses the need for long-term planning and additional resources to enhance the EU’s security and defence readiness. More

INDUSTRY

Automotive Industry Action Plan (CCMI/249, rapporteur: Gonçalo Lobo Xavier (PT-I), co-rapporteur: Guido Nelissen (BE-Cat. 2)

The EESC calls for a coordinated EU strategy to help Europe’s automotive sector navigate the digital and green transitions while preserving its global competitiveness. The opinion stresses the need to support SMEs, invest in reskilling, strengthen supply chains and accelerate clean mobility. It also warns that without urgent action, the EU risks losing industrial leadership, with significant job losses in key regions. More

For more information, please contact:

EESC Press Unit

E-mail: press@eesc.europa.eu

Tel: + 32 2 546 9793

@EESC_PRESS