The EESC issues between 160 and 190 opinions and information reports a year.
It also organises several annual initiatives and events with a focus on civil society and citizens’ participation such as the Civil Society Prize, the Civil Society Days, the Your Europe, Your Say youth plenary and the ECI Day.
Here you can find news and information about the EESC'swork, including its social media accounts, the EESC Info newsletter, photo galleries and videos.
The EESC brings together representatives from all areas of organised civil society, who give their independent advice on EU policies and legislation. The EESC's326 Members are organised into three groups: Employers, Workers and Various Interests.
The EESC has six sections, specialising in concrete topics of relevance to the citizens of the European Union, ranging from social to economic affairs, energy, environment, external relations or the internal market.
An opinion adopted during the October plenary session pointed out that local communities, particularly those close to nuclear installations, and national civil society organisations should have their say, and be given the support needed to do so. The burden of processing nuclear waste should not be left to future generations and recycling techniques should be used wherever possible.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)is urging the European Union to boost its investment in secure connectivity, resilient infrastructure, and supply chains to ensure it stays competitive in the rapidly evolving field of general-purpose AI (GPAI). These measures are seen as essential in maximising the benefits of generative AI in line with European values, needs, and fundamental rights.
Geothermal energy is an important source of energy, which has not yet been properly developed. While its full range of benefits remains unassessed, it is clear that it provides a reliable source of energy that can contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy and security.
In a recent set of recommendations adopted in October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called for immediate measures to combat climate change, while highlighting the economic opportunities it also presents. By investing in sustainable practices and promoting a collaborative global approach, the EU can mitigate the risks associated with climate change.
The European Economic and Social Committee will host the 2024 Connecting EU seminaron 17-18 October 2024 , which will this year address the urgent need to preserve independent and impartial journalism in the context of mounting political pressures and the rapid rise of generative AI.
From October 1-2, 2024, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, participated in the highly anticipated Athens Democracy Forum (ADF) 2024, an event hosted by the Democracy and Culture Foundation in association with The New York Times. This year’s theme, "A Moment of Truth," addressed pressing global challenges to democracy as more than 50 nations worldwide faced national elections.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recognises that green hydrogen is an important building block in the transition towards renewable energy sources, and says that its infrastructure, financing and remit have to be carefully planned
For Bulgaria and Romania, the costs of not being full members of the Schengen area are counted in billions of euros. The transport and tourism sectors of both countries are most affected and checks at land borders create huge barriers for Romanian and Bulgarian companies, restricting their competitiveness and preventing them from fully reaping the benefits of the single market
In a new set of recommendations adopted in September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called for pressing action to address the critical funding shortfall threatening the EU’s climate and digital transformation goals. By establishing an EU investment fund with a focus on strategic, future-oriented investments, Europe can secure its competitiveness, reduce external dependencies, and create a more resilient single market.