Press releases

Displaying 1 - 10 of 343

  • Europe must seize the opportunity to build a competitive battery industry

    Reference number
    28/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level experts’ debate on the European battery industry which called for urgent and coordinated action to strengthen Europe's battery ecosystem and secure its industrial future. By combining strategic investment, innovation, industrial capacity and social responsibility, the battery transition can become a genuine European success story.

    Industry and Industrial Change

  • The EESC puts civil society at the heart of Ireland's EU Council Presidency at Dublin Castle with Taoiseach and Minister Byrne

    Reference number
    27/2026

    Priorities including housing, competitiveness, tech regulation, and better including citizens in democratic decision making among areas of joint work launched.

  • Winning the hearts and minds of EU citizens on enlargement

    Reference number
    26/2026

    A week ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit, the European Economic and Social Committee held a conference in Vienna sending a clear message: civil society is essential for building trust between institutions and citizens and between the European Union and the region.

    External relations

  • 2026 Open Day: EESC marks #EuropeDay with a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of engagement first hand

    Reference number
    25/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held an open day to celebrate Europe and highlight the important role played by organised civil society in the achievements of the European Union.

  • EESC highlights culture as a cornerstone of European democracy and resilience

    Reference number
    24/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level debate demonstrating that culture is not a luxury, but a strategic asset for democracy, social cohesion and Europe’s economic resilience. Speakers call for stronger political recognition and sustained investment to turn ambition into action.

    Social Affairs

  • Supplementary pensions should support, not replace, public systems

    Reference number
    23/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee warns that expanding supplementary pensions must not weaken public pension systems. In recommendations to the European Commission, it calls for a balanced approach that strengthens both systems. Adopted in April, the EESC’s opinion supports the development of workplace and personal pension schemes, but stresses that they must remain complementary to public pensions. It calls for action at both national and European level to improve labour markets, reinforce public systems and increase trust in additional pension savings.

  • European Council President António Costa calls on the EESC to help deliver a just and competitive Europe for citizens and businesses

    Reference number
    22/2026

    The current geopolitical context is shining a harsh spotlight on the price that Europe is paying for its dependency on third countries, as European Council President António Costa said at a plenary debate with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EU must boost its competitiveness to be able to deliver tangible results in terms of jobs, income and affordable housing.

  • EESC firmly rejects conversion practices, seen as hate crimes, and fully backs EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy

    Reference number
    21/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high‑level debate on Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two key EESC opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and a comprehensive EU‑wide ban on conversion practices.

    Social Affairs

  • Circular economy at the heart of Europe’s strategic autonomy

    Reference number
    20/2026

    Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is not only about making Europe cleaner and more competitive, but also about achieving strategic autonomy. The European Circular Economy Stakeholders platform is set to play a crucial role in this process.

    Agriculture, Rural Development & Fisheries
    Climate action
    Sustainable development
    Research and Innovation
    Environment
    Employment

  • 28th Regime – Why are alarm bells ringing?

    On 21st of April, the EESC Workers’ Group brought together experts from the ETUC, S&D MEPs, the Spanish government and the European Commission to examine the current push for competitiveness, the Commission’s proposals on the 28th Regime, also known as EU Inc. proposal and the Quality Jobs Act. 

Displaying 1 - 10 of 343