Dominika BIEGON (Workers - GR II/Germany), Antonio GARCÍA DEL RIEGO (Employers - GR I/Spain), Giuseppe GUERINI (Civil Society Organisations - GR III/Italy)
Plenary session number
596
-
The European Parliament has requested the EESC to draft an opinion on sustaining and financing investments. More specifically, on the expectations, concerns, and needs of civil society. We will deliver our views and policy recommendations on the further integration of EU capital markets, the Banking Union, and on public support to boost private investment.
This opinion is in the context of the own-initiative procedure of the European Parliament on Facilitating the financing of investments and reforms to boost European competitiveness and creating a Capital Markets Union (Draghi Report).
Download — EESC section opinion: Investments and reforms for competitiveness and a Capital Markets Union
With the launch of the 2025 European Semester cycle the European commission has published the "2025 European Semester - Autumn package" in December 2024. The 2025 European Semester - Autumn Package outlines economic and social policy priorities for the EU to ensure sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. It highlights the EU’s recent resilience while emphasizing the need to address structural barriers to growth. The EU is committed to ensure sustainable prosperity and competitiveness while strengthening its social market economy and safeguarding its sovereignty, economic security and global influence. The EESC's opinion on the 2025 European Semester - Autumn package is due to be adopted at the EESC plenary session of February 2025.
Download — EESC opinion: 2025 European Semester - Autumn package
In view of Europe's current security challenges, in particular with the armed conflict caused by Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, defence funding places a significant burden on the budgets of many EU Member States, worsening their fiscal position.
At the same time, the resources that Member States are currently able to allocate to the development of defence capabilities still seem to be insufficient.
As Europe needs to develop defence capabilities in a more integrated way, there is a need to significantly increase investment in European defence infrastructure and technological innovation to improve preparedness to respond to threats.
Download — EESC opinion: Defence funding in the EU
Europe’s energy system is increasingly unbalanced due to intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, often relying on fossil fuels for stability. Achieving balance is key for energy reliability, climate goals, economic growth, and technological innovation. This opinion explores how Member States can integrate renewables while ensuring system stability and advancing decarbonisation, focusing on managing intermittent energy effectively.
Adopted on 22/01/2025 - Bureau decision date: 22/10/2024
