Cohesion policy in its current form has had positive impact on the socio-economic development of the EU, individual countries and regions. However, the Polish presidency points out that there is a need to improve the effectiveness of the mechanisms supporting the transformational objectives of cohesion policy. In the discussion of its future, there are ideas aimed at reforming the implementation mechanisms with the approach used in the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) implemented since 2021 as a response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the transformation processes of economies.
Download — EESK specializētās nodaļas atzinums: Strengthening the results orientation of post-2027 cohesion policy – challenges, risks and opportunities
This Own-Initiative Opinion is proposed by the Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law (FRRL).
Violence against women is the ultimate expression of discrimination against women. It represents a control mechanism that stems from inequality between women and men while at the same time reinforcing and perpetuating this inequality. Not only does this undermine equal coexistence between men and women, it also constitutes an attack on the values and principles enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU. In the 2023 State of the Union address, Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stressed that "there can be no true equality without freedom from violence".
Download — EESK specializētās nodaļas atzinums: Violence against women as a human rights issue: state of play of measures across the EU
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.
Tiek izstrādāti (updated on 07/02/2025) - Bureau decision date: 23/01/2025
This opinion will focus on possible solutions to rethink EU sustainable model for tourism, a sector of strategic importance in the EU but suffering from staff shortages in may countries.
Download — EESK specializētās nodaļas atzinums: Tourism in the EU: sustainability as a driver for long-term competitiveness
The future Polish Presidency has asked the EESC to develop an exploratory opinion, as deepening the integration of the services sector in the EU is one of the planned priorities of this Presidency; therefore the opinion could be useful in the context of the discussions foreseen at the COMPET Council on 6 March 2025. As the single market for services is still incomplete - even after the 30th anniversary of the single market itself - the opinion aims at providing a diagnosis of this issue and an analysis of the significant untapped potential of this sector.
Tiek izstrādāti (updated on 06/02/2025) - Bureau decision date: 23/01/2025
Joe HEALY (Civil Society Organisations - GR III/Ireland), Piroska KÁLLAY (Workers - GR II/Hungary), Arnold PUECH d'ALISSAC (Employers - GR I/France)
Plenary session number
594
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Download — EESK specializētās nodaļas atzinums: Ensuring sustainable food production and a fair income for European farmers in the face of market, environmental and climate challenges
This own-initiative opinion constitutes the contribution of the ECO section to the 2025 EESC transversal own-initiative opinion package on the cost-of-living crisis, looking at specific economic policy measures that can help make the European economy future-proof.
Tiek izstrādāti (updated on 05/02/2025) - Bureau decision date: 23/01/2025
Administrator / Assistant in charge: Marco RISTORI / Elisabete DIAS
Background Information
Despite Brexit, the EU and the UK continue to share a unique relationship rooted in common interests, values, and perspectives. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides the legal framework for bilateral trade, and its implementation is monitored by civil society in both regions. While governments focus on implementing the TCA, civil society experiences it daily—as businesses, workers, consumers, and citizens.
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.
Tiek izstrādāti (updated on 31/01/2025) - Bureau decision date: 22/10/2024
The Moldova Growth Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to accelerate Moldova's economic development, improve living standards of Moldovan population, and promote sustainable growth. It pays special attention to key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, and technology and seeks to boost productivity, attract investments, and create new opportunities for citizens.
