The European Union’s upcoming enlargement is poised to be a transformative event. It faces pressing global challenges, such as a new geopolitical environment, climate change and the just transitions in energy and environmental policies. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for meticulous preparation on both sides and for adherence to EU values as new members join.
On 17 July, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Röpke signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), represented by Presiding ECOSOCC Officer Khalid Boudali. The memorandum strengthens cooperation between the EU and Afriican Union civil societies on promoting economic and social development, enhancing civil society engagement, and fostering sustainable development, reaffirming the African Union’s strategic partnership with EU and promoting renewed democratic dialogue.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on the European Commission’s Communication on Advanced Materials, urging a comprehensive strategy to boost the EU’s capacities in this critical sector. The EESC criticises the lack of funding, quantifiable targets, and sustainability indicators.
From 15 to 17 July, an EESC delegation is participating in the High-Level Political Forum in New York – a pivotal event for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation. The HLPF in July 2024 will be the first HLPF under the auspices of ECOSOC after the 2023 SDG Summit. The 2024 HLPF will support the implementation of the Political Declaration and other outcomes of the SDG Summit for advancing the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
The ageing of the population that is affecting all European countries will mean an increase in the number of older people and, consequently, in the number of people affected by some form of disability. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls on the Commission to put the topic of informal carers high on the political agenda and to establish a platform for the exchange of best practices among Member States.
Only nine EU countries criminalise forced sterilisation as a distinct offence, while 13 allow it to be performed on persons with disabilities – and in three of those countries that includes minors. When it comes to the sexual and reproductive health rights of women with disabilities, the EU is far from being a union of equality, an EESC hearing revealed
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.
