News

  • On 31 May, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee held a meeting with Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, United Nations Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights. Mr Bohoslavsky was appointed by the Human Rights Council on 8 May 2014 and took up his duties on 2 June 2014.

  • The exploratory opinion on the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Program (REFIT) (Rapporteur:  Mr. Denis Meynent), was adopted by the EESC at its plenary on 26 May 2016. This opinion follows a direct request from the First Vice President of the European Commission, Mr Timmermans, as the EESC is considered to be well-placed to assess the costs and benefits of the current rules for stakeholders and to suggest REFIT priorities - in particular in the ...

  • President Dassis calls for more commitment in Europe

    "The most remarkable aspect of  this new global agenda is that in a world where tensions, national egotism and conflict are on the rise, world leaders have reached agreement on a common vision and a roadmap that addresses the major global challenges of our times: ending poverty and ensure the well-being and respect for human rights, peace and the protection of our planet", said President Georges Dassis at the "How to make SDGs Europe's business"  conference - a high-level discussion on the implementation of the UN2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development organised by the EESC in collaboration with the Dutch Foreign Ministry, the Sustainable Development Goals Charter and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network from 30th to 31st May in the EESC premises in Brussels.

  • The Exploratory opinion on "More sustainable food systems" (Rapporteur: Mindaugas Maciulevičius), requested by the Netherlands presidency of the EU, was adopted by the EESC at its plenary session on 26 May 2016. The opinion calls for the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU and for an ...

  • Mr van Iersel, President of the ECO Section and Mr Haken, vice-president of the ECO Section, represented the EESC at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for urban policy which took place on 30 May 2016 in Amsterdam. After decades of working together towards a common European urban project, it is within this context that the 28 Ministers, along with representatives from other EU Institutions, cities and urban authorities agreed on the "Pact of Amsterdam" which sets out the principles of the EU Urban Agenda.

  • Georges Dassis, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), received his counterpart, Patrick Bernasconi, president of the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC). Mr Bernasconi gave a speech entitled “The Economic and Social Councils and the expectations of European civil society” and took part in the discussions of EESC members on this issue of crucial importance for European citizens and those who represent their organisations at all levels.

  • Co-hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, the 3rd Southern Neighbourhood Civil Society Forum took place in Brussels on 26 – 27 May 2016.

  • shutterstock/Rafal Olkis

    In its opinion The impact of the conclusions of COP 21 on European transport policy the European Economic and Social Committee considers that, with regard to transport, the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 1990 levels is very ambitious and requires major efforts. However, the objective can still be considered relevant and in line with the EU's general objective under COP 21, provided the associated actions and initiatives are implemented urgently, with the necessary determination and as soon as possible.

  • ©shutterstock/ topten22photo

    The European Economic and Social Committee calls for stakeholder platforms, better informed consumers and stronger social dialogue to ensure decent work in global supply chains.

  • REFIT is the European Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance programme. Its declared objective is to make European legislation simpler and to contribute to a clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework in the EU.