believes that the EU must strengthen its diplomatic and institutional responses to address the impacts of climate on peace and stability, especially in the new geopolitical order;
recommends that EU should invest in multilateralism and continue to lead globally in the call for climate action, especially considering the withdrawal of the United States from any reasonable responsibility on this issue;
believes that a renewed diplomatic strategy must be rooted in three key principles: integrating climate considerations into conflict prevention, strengthening multilateral cooperation and Investing in Green Development as a Peace Mechanism.
believes the EU must work towards a common defence policy within the broader framework of its foreign and security policy and establish a strong European Defence Pillar. To this end, the necessary legislative and financial measures must be taken urgently;
Calls for greater support for SMEs and closer collaboration with research institutions to meet defence needs and safeguard strategic autonomy;
stresses the importance of expanding international defence cooperation, particularly with key global partners, to enhance Europe’s security stance.
provides guidance for an ambitious TCA review, recommending integral roles for EU and UK DAGs due to their practical insights and experience of the agreement's impacts;
calls for an enhanced regulatory cooperation on non-tariff barriers which will provide the biggest opportunity to improve the bilateral trade relations – closer alignment of regulatory systems reduces frictions and yields considerable benefits;
calls for mutual recognition of standards and improved mobility for services to reduce border friction, lower trading costs, and boost fair market access, growth and job creation on both sides;
insists on a ‘future-proof TCA’ by incorporating the youth perspective, progressively removing barriers to seizing new opportunities.
calls for a holistic approach towards services of general interest policies (SGIs), as opposed to the current sectoral approach of EU policies, recognising the central role of modern SGIs in promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. In this spirit, the EESC calls on the Commission to take action with concrete follow-up to the Letta report in the form of an SGI action plan;
Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies: The EESC calls for the European Commission to include FFS phase-out plans in European Semester recommendations and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). These plans should feature clear milestones and prioritization measures.
Universal definition of FFS: The EESC advocates for a universal European definition of FFS, encompassing both direct and indirect subsidies.
Multi-Stakeholder platform: The creation of a multi-stakeholder platform is recommended to share best practices across Member States and civil society.
Redirecting funding: All European funding, as well as national State Aid, for new fossil fuel infrastructure should be terminated. Support should be redirected towards clean fuels and research and innovation (R&I).
Boosting sustainable farming: The EESC believes regenerative agriculture helps make food production more sustainable, while supporting climate goals, soil health, and biodiversity. It also helps farmers boost income and adapt to extreme weather.
Support for regenerative practices: The EESC welcomes the growing number of EU farmers using regenerative methods and urges the EU to better support and promote them through updated policies and regulations.
Clear, results-based definition: The EESC calls for a shared understanding of what ‘regenerative agriculture’ means, based on clear results that can be measured and verified—rather than a fixed list of practices.
Simplifying and harmonising EU tax implementation of directives to reduce complexity, duplication, and legal uncertainty.
Conducting impact and competitiveness assessments—especially for SMEs—for all new tax proposals.
Establishing an EU court system of Advance tax rulings for interpreting complex tax directives. The ECJ would be the appellate body if a taxpayer or a tax administration challenge the ruling.
Recognises key successes from 2021–2025 but also notes remaining gaps. In this opinion, it outlines priority actions and flagship initiatives for the 2025–2030 period;
Urges the Commission to quickly develop its next action plan with meaningful consultation of persons with disabilities and their organisations;
Calls for stronger, more binding measures than those from 2021–2025, with direct impact and dedicated funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to ensure effective implementation and support.
considers that investment in people and the economy, fair taxation, quality and affordable public services, and targeted support for the most vulnerable—alongside both short- and long-term industrial policy and efforts to boost competitiveness—are essential to mitigating the cost-of-living crisis and protecting against future shocks;
recommends a stronger use of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and civil dialogue to address labour market challenges and improve wages and social protection for workers, in alignment with productivity developments;
acknowledges the importance of wage and minimum wage increases, and highlights the positive impact of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive in driving wage growth
