The EESC calls for the establishment of a dedicated Union strategy for islands (Islands Pact), supported by a specific legislative framework (Islands Act). That framework should be accompanied by a formal strategy and provide for the effective implementation of an ‘insularity clause’, with a view to systematically integrating the specific needs and constraints of islands into Union policies on cohesion, transport, energy, state aid, the environment and maritime affairs.
Igangværende (updated on 06/02/2026) - Bureau decision date: 13/12/2022
The EESC supports the revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive, recognizing the need to adapt the excise framework to market developments, new products and public health objectives. The Committee stresses that actions taken should be in line with the principle of ‘less harm, less tax’ and the objectives of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
Igangværende (updated on 06/02/2026) - Bureau decision date: 02/12/2025
This opinion explores modernising grids, adopting smart technologies, expanding connections and investing in storage and transmission innovation. It aims to improve integration and reliability to build a resilient European energy system in collaboration with neighbouring regions.
Download — Sektionens udtalelse: Energy connectivity, electricity grids
The proposal simplifies and streamlines EU technical rules and testing procedures for motor vehicles to reduce regulatory burdens and costs for the automotive industry, while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
Igangværende (updated on 05/02/2026) - Bureau decision date: 22/10/2025
The EESC regrets, that the Commission has once again refrained from presenting the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey (ASGS) and stresses that sustainable economic growth is a necessary condition for Europe to meet its multiple commitments, welcomes the European Macroeconomic Report, which provides a deep dive into the underlying structural challenges facing the EU and the new recommendation on human capital, which is a crucial element in filling the EU technological gap, also taking into account the EU demographic challenge. The Committee reiterates its call for more robust commonfiscal capacity, supported by targeted issuances of joint debt, to help fill this growing gap in public investment, and for permanent macroeconomic stabilisation instruments to address shocks.
Igangværende (updated on 05/02/2026) - Bureau decision date: 22/10/2025
Europe has decided to launch the construction of gigafactories to produce batteries at high volumes to reindustrialize our continent and enhance our strategic autonomy. Yet, these projects focus on lithium batteries and to a great extent neglect the emerging technology of sodium batteries.
Sodium is present everywhere in Europe at a low cost, and desalinisation projects linked to an EU Blue Deal would increase this availability. The potential of a sodium battery manufacturing sector is therefore extremely interesting from both a competitive and sustainability point of view.
Download — Sektionens udtalelse: Enhancing EU strategic autonomy and developing a greener and bluer economy: the potential of the sodium battery manufacturing sector
The European Commission’s 2025 Strategic Foresight Report presents “Resilience 2.0,” a forward-looking and proactive approach to ensuring the EU thrives in turbulent times, anticipates new challenges and creates a safe space for citizens and business.
Igangværende (updated on 02/02/2026) - Bureau decision date: 15/07/2025
The Cyprus Presidency has asked the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to draw up an exploratory opinion aimed at analysing how affordable housing initiatives can integrate measures to reduce energy costs for families and support vulnerable households.
Igangværende (updated on 30/01/2026) - Bureau decision date: 20/01/2026
Download — Sektionens udtalelse: Union support for Asylum, Migration and Integration; Internal Security; and Integrated Border Management and Visa Policy
This initiative seeks to revise EU CO₂ emission standards for new cars and vans to support a fact-based, economically viable and socially fair transition toward zero-emission mobility.
Igangværende (updated on 28/01/2026) - Bureau decision date: 22/10/2025
This opinion is prepared at the request of the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU. The EESC was invited to deliver an opinion on how the EU and its Member States can best:
1. Introduce and promote effective tools, including AI-based solutions, to enhance the quality of employment and working conditions, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in their use.
2. Strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining as fundamental mechanisms for shaping fair and inclusive labour markets in a rapidly changing economic and technological context.
Igangværende (updated on 27/01/2026) - Bureau decision date: 20/01/2026
Current legislation requires N2 vehicles to be equipped with speed‑limitation devices, a rule originally designed for heavy‑duty vehicles to ensure road safety and environmental protection. Electric vans, however, often fall into the N2 category solely due to their battery weight. The exemption aims to align electric vans with their fossil‑fuel equivalents and support the transition to cleaner transport.
The Commission presents a proposal to enhance the control of drug precursors, the chemical substances that are used by both legitimate industries and in the production of illicit drugs. As Europe’s drug market evolves, the proposal strengthens authorities to respond to emerging drugs and production processes.
