The EESC issues between 160 and 190 opinions and information reports a year.
It also organises several annual initiatives and events with a focus on civil society and citizens’ participation such as the Civil Society Prize, the Civil Society Days, the Your Europe, Your Say youth plenary and the ECI Day.
Here you can find news and information about the EESC'swork, including its social media accounts, the EESC Info newsletter, photo galleries and videos.
The EESC brings together representatives from all areas of organised civil society, who give their independent advice on EU policies and legislation. The EESC's326 Members are organised into three groups: Employers, Workers and Various Interests.
The EESC has six sections, specialising in concrete topics of relevance to the citizens of the European Union, ranging from social to economic affairs, energy, environment, external relations or the internal market.
The EESC President Röpke discussed the fight against disinformation with the Moldovan government, civil society, and local activist in Gagauzia, a region particularly affected by Russian disinformation. He also officially presented the EESC initiative to integrate the representatives of the EU candidate countries, including from Moldova, in the work of the Committee.
During today's signing ceremony, President Röpke stressed the importance of promoting social rights and inclusive policies in the EU and candidate countries through the European Pillar of Social Rights. A fair and equitable society requires commitment and investment, he said.
Employment in agriculture has been steadily declining over the last 15 years. The agri-food industry relies heavily on the contributions of seasonal and migrant workers to meet the demands of planting, harvesting, and processing crops. The current situation, best practices, opportunities, and the state of play of European policies on seasonal and migrant workers were discussed at a seminar organised by SafeHabitus and hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
In an opinion adopted at its March plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) underlines that wind power is a key component of the green transition, pointing out the need for expanded and modernised energy grids, socio-environmental criteria in auctions and comprehensive public participation.
In response to the European Commission's proposals for a comprehensive forest monitoring framework, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an opinion which includes cautious welcomes, recommendations, and calls for further review. The EESC emphasizes the need for sustainability, inclusivity, and respect for property rights in the proposed forest data system, while also urging attention to technical limitations and judicial considerations.
The European Economic and Social Commitee (EESC) organized a parallel session on Food Democracy during the Open Food Conference held in Leuven from the 11th to the 13th of March 2024, in the context of Belgium's presidency of the Council of the EU.
Join us at the European Economic and Social Committee's March plenary in Brussels on March 20-21, 2024, where the 2024 EU elections will be at the forefront of discussions. Featuring key debates on topics such as the future of the Single Market, insights into the 2024 European Elections through a Civil Society Lens, discussions on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and crafting a strong social strategic agenda for Europe.
During its February plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) took a firm stance in favour of creating a better business environment for Europe’s SMEs: EU legislation must “think small first” and cut superfluous red tape.