Upcoming events

The European Semester increasingly relies on Member States’ ability to implement reforms and investments. Delays often stem not from a lack of funding or policy guidance, but from administrative bottlenecks, limited technical expertise, excessive red tape, complex procedures or insufficient coordination across different levels of national government. The thematic debate will therefore examine how the European Semester could better assess and monitor administrative capacity at national level, as well as whether administrative reform should become a more prominent element in the country-specific recommendations. It will also examine what lessons can be drawn from the implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans, whether instruments such as the Technical Support Instrument could play a stronger role in supporting reforms. Finally, the aim will be to understand how these instruments can contribute, in the long term, to strengthening the capacity building of national administrations and stakeholders.

EESC, room JDE 63, 9:30-11:00

The policy debate brings together stakeholders to assess how National and Regional and Partnership Plans will work in practice. In a workshop setting connected to the European Economic and Social Committee, participants from civil society, social partners and institutions will exchange perspectives on transparency, inclusiveness and impact. The discussion aims to highlight gaps, share best practices and strengthen the role of organised civil society in shaping and monitoring the implementation of NRPPs in the EU.

As part of the preparation of the EESC opinion on an EU Strategy for Islands, the European Economic and Social Committee, in cooperation with INSULEUR, will hold a public hearing in Syros, at the heart of the Cyclades. The hearing aims to bring together local and regional authorities, organised civil society, businesses, academia and citizens to exchange views on both the challenges and the untapped opportunities facing Europe's islands. Beyond discussing issues such as connectivity, demographic change, access to services and climate resilience, the event will highlight the unique assets of islands like Syros, including their strategic location, cultural heritage, blue economy potential, innovation capacity, renewable energy opportunities and sustainable tourism. The insights gathered will contribute directly to the EESC opinion by ensuring that the voices, experiences and aspirations of island communities are reflected in future EU policies and in the implementation of the first European Strategy for Islands which was adopted in June 2026.