The 2024 EU elections at the heart of the European Economic and Social Committee's March plenary

This page is also available in:

    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.

     

     

    📅 20-21 March 2024

    🏢 European Economic and Social Committee | Belliard 99, 1040 Brussels

    💻 Web stream click here

     

    Agenda

    • Debates

    Wednesday 20 March 2024, 3.00 p.m.

    -> "Presentation of the high-level report on the future of the Single market", with Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute

    Wednesday 20 March 2024, 4.30 p.m.

    -> "The 2024 European elections through a civil society lens", with Marilyn Neven, scene setter, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Thierry Beaudet, President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of France, Zornitsa Roussinova, President of the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council, Christelle Savall, President of the Young European Federalists, Hendrik Nahr, Head of European Affairs at Make.org, and Brikena Xhomaqi, Director at Lifelong Learning Platform and co-Chair of the EESC Liaison Group. Linked to the adoption of the EESC resolution "Vote for a united, democratic, competitive, sustainable and social European Union" 

    Thursday 21 March 2024, 10.00 a.m.

    -> "The humanitarian situation in Gaza", with Ajith Sunghay, Head of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (remotely), and Sergio Cecchini, Humanitarian Representative to the EU and NATO, Médecins Sans Frontières

    Thursday 21 March 2024, 11.15 a.m.

    -> "Strong social strategic agenda for Europe", with Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights and Karine Lalieux, Belgian Minister of Pensions and Social Integration, in charge of Persons with Disabilities, Combating Poverty and Beliris

    • Resolution to be put to the vote

    “Vote for a united, democratic, competitive, sustainable and social European Union” (Rapporteurs: Cinzia DEL RIO (IT-II), Christa SCHWENG (AT-I), Ioannis VARDAKASTANIS (EL-III))

    • Opinions to be put to the vote

    ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

    Boosting long-term inclusive growth through reforms and investment (ECO/630, rapporteurs: Wautier ROBYNS (BE-I), Javier DOZ ORRIT (ES-II), Luca JAHIER (IT-III))

    The Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU has asked the EESC to suggest ways to improve social unity in Europe while managing debt and investing in key areas like health and jobs. With this exploratory opinion, the Committee is also looking at how these ideas fit with the European Semester and the European Pillar of Social Rights. More

    INDUSTRY

    Communication on availability of medicines (CCMI/221, rapporteur: Danko RELIĆ (HR – III))

    Building on the European Commission's 2023 actions on addressing medicine shortages, the EESC strongly suggests prioritizing access to medicine in the EU. This will strengthen pharmaceutical competitiveness and ensures a secure, self-reliant supply chain. More

    ENVIRONMENT

    EU forests – new EU Framework  for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans (NAT/898, rapporteur: Florian MARIN (RO- II))

    The EESC's proposal on the new EU Framework for forest monitoring and strategic plans includes: a forest mapping and localization system; a framework for forest data collection merging EU Earth observation data and Member States inventories; a data sharing framework for public accessibility; and alignment with key European legislation on climate, bioeconomy, biodiversity, and nature restoration to enhance implementation synergies. Our opinion improves the Commission's plans that were emphasizing  timeliness, accuracy, transparency, and governance of data shared between the Commission and Member States. More

    SINGLE MARKET

    Eudamed and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices (INT/1060, rapporteur-general: Danko RELIĆ (HR-III))

    The EESC addresses medical devices in the EU and the European database on medical devices (EUDAMED) saying that it is important to ensure a high level of transparency and preparedness across the EU and to involve healthcare professionals in reporting shortages. More

    TRANSPORT

    Review of the passengers' rights framework (TEN/825, rapporteur: Ileana IZVERNICEANU DE LA IGLESIA (ES-III))

    The EESC is concerned about citizens' general lack of awareness when it comes to their rights as passengers and supports the new regulation proposed by the Commission which aims to improve passenger rights and ensure travellers receive better information. More

    Wind Power Package (TEN/827, rapporteur: Thomas KATTNIG (AT- II))

    The Committee supports the Commission's efforts to draw up a European Wind Power Action Plan but regrets that the Action Plan does not recognise energy communities, energy cooperatives, and energy sharing as a form of extended prosumption despite their importance in social, economic and energy efficiency terms. More 

     

    Contact

    EESC Press Unit

    E-mail: press@eesc.europa.eu 

    Tel: + 32 2 546 9793

    @EESC_PRESS

    Work organisation