The conference aims to elaborate the role of the openness of the economy and society in building a business-friendly and strong EU. The timing of the conference, coinciding with the start of the new mandate of the European Commission and the European Parliament, would make it possible to convey a strong business message to policy-makers both at the EU and national levels. The conference also provides the participants with an opportunity to discuss and exchange views on the topics in question with a wide range of stakeholders.
The aim of the conference is to develop a new vision to support entrepreneurship and competitiveness of SMEs and to contribute towards a more SME-friendly business climate in the European Union. Discussions will aim towards defining a mature, proactive and perennial policy that will strengthen Europe in the face of today's challenges, with an accent on internationalisation and digitalisation as key tools for dealing with all these challenges.
The objective is to outline a new, reformed and bolder "European Small Business Act", by moving to the next level: from "Think Small First" to "Act Small First". The conference will be divided into four discussion panels, covering the following subjects: Finance Entrepreneurship, Young and Women Entrepreneurs, Digital Europe and European Cohesion and Regional Development.
The EESC is organising a public hearing in the context of preparing an opinion on European philanthropy at the request of the Romanian Presidency. The hearing will focus on the following questions:
Which measures and initiatives should be taken at EU and national level to promote organised philanthropy?
How can the EU eliminate barriers within the internal market that are hindering the realisation of philanthropy's full potential?
How can philanthropy contribute to EU values, such as cohesion, social justice and European Policies, and to the competitiveness of the European economy?
The results of the hearing will feed into the EESC’s work on the opinion.
• Review of the Luxembourg presidency of the Council of the EU, on Wednesday 9 December at 5 p.m., with the participation of Nicolas Schmit, Luxembourg's Minister for Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy
• Presentation of the European Commission's 2016 Work Programme and debate on the European Agenda on Migration, in conjunction with the adoption of opinions on migration (REX/452, REX/457, SOC/525 and SOC/526), on 10 Dec. at 10 a.m., with Frans Timmermans, First vice-president of the European Commission
On 20 February 2024 in Brussels, the EESC organised a conference on the Housing Crisis in Europe. This publication sets out the participants' assessment of the current state of affairs and their recommendations on how to tackle the current housing crisis.
Recent economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have brought energy poverty to the forefront of social and political debate. While EU policies increasingly address energy poverty, gender considerations remain overlooked. This study addresses this gap and aims to increase the understanding of the gender-energy poverty nexus, analysing existing literature and EU and national policies.
In the coming months, the Belgian Presidency will have a crucial role to play at Europe’s helm. The European Economic and Social Committee will work closely with the Belgian Presidency to build a stronger, more resilient, and more democratic Europe.
In the coming months, the Spanish Presidency will have a crucial role to play at Europe’s helm. The European Economic and Social Committee will work closely with the Presidency in building a more resilient, inclusive and safer Europe, one that delivers for its citizens and effectively tackles the challenges ahead.
As Sweden takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the ongoing crises of the war in Europe, the accelerating energy crisis and economic stagnation continue to be among the main political focus points. Our shared aims are to safeguard sustainable growth and competitiveness, while executing the green and digital transition and define our standing in the world and the well-being of our citizens.
The EESC is committed to contributing to the Swedish presidency and to working together to restore much needed balance and stability in Europe.
