Towards a European Green and Social Deal, based on a wellbeing economy

Brussels
Belgium
European Green Deal
Sustainable development

Scope and objectives

In the context of the upcoming European elections in June 2024, the high-level discussion at the NAT section meeting on 26 February will contribute to set the agenda of the new Commission.                                                                                Building on previous EESC opinions and events on "The sustainable economy we need" and "Beyond GDP measures", the debate will feed into the own-initiative opinion on A Blueprint for a European Green and Social Deal, based on a wellbeing economy. 

The invited speakers will: 

  • provide a foresight approach and evidence-based solutions to the need for a wellbeing economy; 
  • discuss the successes and shortcomings of the current framework as well as explore concrete ways of shaping a new European Green and Social Deal that takes into account the needs of civil society organisations including SMEs and enterprises, farmers, workers and youth, and can successfully deliver a green and just transition; and
  • highlight the environmental, social and economic impact of EU policies, and in particular the EGD, on the Global South and explore a new economic model within planetary boundaries that works well for all.

Context 

The challenges caused by worsening climate and biodiversity emergencies, the spread of pandemics, increasingly frequent and devastating wars, and rising migration rates and cost of living, are raising political tensions and threatening the objectives of the European Green Deal (EGD). They have exposed the fragility of our system, but also offered an opportunity for change. As called for in many EESC opinions, a paradigm shift is needed towards a wellbeing economy for a green and just transition aligned with the Agenda 2030 based on the participation of citizens and organised civil society, cross-sectoral approaches, foresight, and systemic thinking. While the current EGD commits to "leave no-one behind", it still needs a comprehensive social dimension that addresses the root causes of global crises.

The event will be web-streamed (original, English and French). Follow the discussion!

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