As Europe seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented global economy, the challenge is not only to boost productivity and innovation, but also to preserve the foundations of its social market economy. This high-level conference will examine how the EU can mobilise savings and investment, maintain sustainable public finances, and deepen Economic and Monetary Union to support long-term growth, resilience and convergence.
From the €3 duty to customs reform: what comes next for consumers?
Location
Brussels
Belgium
Following the introduction of the temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels on 1 July 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will organise a Consumer Policy Dialogue on 30 November 2026 to bring together EU institutions, consumer organisations, businesses and customs authorities to assess the initial impacts of the measure and discuss its implications for consumers and businesses in the context of the wider EU Customs Reform.
Public debate in the ECO Section on the "The international role of the euro: A European safe asset for a new geopolitical era?". This public debate will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with strengthening the international role of the euro and discuss the economic, financial and geopolitical arguments for and against the creation of a European safe asset.
Building and protecting social cohesion: a national, European and international perspective
Location
Dublin Castle
Dublin
Ireland
On Tuesday 24 November 2026, under the official agenda for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will organise with the National Economic and Social Council of Ireland (NESC) this in-person event, marking the completion of a body of research and consultative work on social cohesion undertaken by NESC in collaboration with other National ESCs.
Disability Funding in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034
Location
Room VMA 22, EESC building, rue Van Maerlant 2, 1040 Brussels and Interactio
Brussels
Belgium
The EESC's Permanent Group on disability Rights is organising a hybrid public hearing on " Investing in Inclusion: Disability Funding in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 " on 2à November 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm.
This event will feature insights from EU institutions and highlight recommendations from persons with lived experience, civil society and disability organisations.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will actively participate in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Turkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.
Room JDE63, JDE building, Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels
Brussels
Belgium
This public hearing will contribute to the preparation of the EESC opinion on the European Commission’s new Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights, which renews the EU’s commitment to Social Europe in the face of profound economic, technological and societal change. The Communication focuses on affordability, reducing inequalities and the future of work, while highlighting the role of strong social rights, quality jobs, effective social protection and equal opportunities in supporting Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. The event will bring together EU institutions, social partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to assess the ambitions and challenges ahead and discuss priorities for the further implementation of the Pillar.
The 9th meeting of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform will take place on10 November 2026 at the EESC in Brussels.
The Platform brings together representatives of EU and Armenian civil society and plays an important role in monitoring CEPA implementation and providing recommendations to the relevant authorities.
The following topics will be discussed:
Panel I Rule-of-law reforms under CEPA: implementation, results and remaining challenges
Panel II Labour in a transforming world: decent work, social dialogue and rights
Panel III Promoting the transition from the informal to the formal economy
Consideration and adoption of the joint declaration of the EU–Armenia Civil Society Platform
