The rule of law is one of the common values on which the European Union is founded. European Commission’s rule of law mechanism has so far only examined compliance with the rule of law in the member states in only four areas, but unfortunately not as a prerequisite for economic activity or as a location factor. The own-initiative opinion on the economic dimension of the Rule of Law would look for examples of protectionism and the implementation of discriminatory measures against foreign investors in some member states as non-compliance and circumvention of European regulations lead to enormous distortions of competition for companies operating in the internal market. The own-initiative opinion would also seek to include a chapter on the economic dimension of fundamental rights in the European Commissions’ Rule of law report.
Download — EGSZB-szekcióvélemény: The economic dimension of the Rule of Law
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
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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).
Folyamatban lévő munkák (updated on 11/04/2025) - Bureau decision date: 25/03/2025
The opinion focuses on the legislative proposal for the establishment of a single digital declaration portal for companies providing services and temporarily sending workers to another Member State, known as ‘posted workers'.
Download — EGSZB-szekcióvélemény: Internal Market Information System for the declaration of posting of workers
Clean technologies are projected to continue expanding in turnover, investments and jobs. Thanks to ambitious climate targets, the EU is a global leader in high-value inventions and was an early mover in developing a cleantech production base. However, it has lost technological leadership in several sectors and its manufacturing base is eroding.
Folyamatban lévő munkák (updated on 11/04/2025) - Bureau decision date: 21/01/2025
In the political guidelines of the new Commission, it was announced that the EEAS and the European Commission are working on a White Paper on the Future of European Defence, expected in the first 100 days of the mandate. The objective of the White Paper is to frame the new approach on defence and identify our investment needs.
Defence budgets are still predominantly spent on a national basis. A fraction of equipment spending in Europe is devoted to EU joint procurement. And the vast majority of defence acquisitions by Member States are still made from outside Europe.
Folyamatban lévő munkák (updated on 11/04/2025) - Bureau decision date: 23/01/2025
This own-initiative opinion will examine the impact of single market fragmentation on the cost of living and competitiveness and look into successful EU initiatives to tackle such issues. It will aim at proposing possible solutions, with particular attention to consumer protection, to the cost-of-living crisis.
Download — EGSZB-szekcióvélemény: How single market dysfunctionalities contribute to the rising cost of living
This opinion will examine how to support the competitiveness of European automotive manufacturers and the overall enabling conditions, including targeted financing, regulatory simplification, ensuring the availability of skilled workforce and how to improve its supply chain resilience. It will also examine how to make electric vehicle battery cells and components production in the EU cost-competitive in the short term. Finally, it will look at autonomous driving technologies and the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
Folyamatban lévő munkák (updated on 10/04/2025) - Bureau decision date: 27/02/2025
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.
Folyamatban lévő munkák (updated on 10/04/2025) - Bureau decision date: 23/01/2025
This opinion aims to support the creation of a forward-looking social action plan by evaluating the progress and challenges of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). It focuses on aiding those most impacted by demographic and labour market changes, strengthening employment standards, and enhancing social safety nets. Despite achievements during 2019-2024, gaps remain, and progress towards action plan targets is insufficient. To this end, the opinion will propose policy recommendations and initiatives to inform the European Commission’s upcoming Action Plan for EPSR implementation with a view to increasing upward social convergence.
EESC opinion NAT/946 Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while ensuring European competitiveness, mitigating the cost-of-living crisis, and promoting a just transition. Foreseen adoption at the EESC Plenary: 29-30 April 2025.
Download — EGSZB-szekcióvélemény: Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while ensuring European competitiveness, mitigating the cost-of-living crisis, and promoting a just transition
