A comprehensive approach is needed to revive EU competitiveness, requiring a reconsideration of the regulatory framework. Competition policy, particularly market definition, is sometimes criticized for hindering European companies' growth.
Ongoing (updated on 04/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
This subject of this own-initiative opinion is multidimensional, requiring from the opinion to address a wide spectrum of subtopics, while having a clear and logical thread.
Ongoing (updated on 03/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
The need for open and transparent budgetary processes has never been more critical. The multiannual financial framework (MFF) emerges as a crucial tool for aligning financial resources with the Union's long-term priorities. The EESC has highlighted significant gaps in the current MFF, including its limited scope in addressing contemporary challenges such as Europe's aging population and strained budgets due to inflation.
The EESC therefore explores a paradigm shift towards Open budgets in the EU –a framework that encompasses not only participatory budgeting but a broader spectrum of fiscal transparency and citizen engagement across all stages of the budget cycle. This approach is aimed at enhancing the responsiveness and effectiveness of EU budget allocations, thereby fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European economy.
Ongoing (updated on 02/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
This own-initiative opinion focus on two industrial sectors, maritime and aviation, to assess the uptake of low-carbon sustainable fuels. This is of particular importance in the context of the European Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The opinion will analyse the current industrial capacities to produce sustainable fuels (non-fossil origin) at affordable costs.
Ongoing (updated on 26/03/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
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.
Ongoing (updated on 15/03/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
Public Procurement was better framed in successive EU regulations and, with a view to more accessible and transparent access to it, the procedures were formulated in a more supportive manner. Its importance will continue to increase, both at a national level in the Member States and at a more local level.
Several challenges remain Particularly at the national level, the size and volume play to the advantage of larger companies that can rely on experience and expertise when drawing up files. At a more local level, there are opportunities for MSMEs and, even more specifically, for companies in the social economy. These opportunities require active attention and guidance from both the requesting and offering parties.
