Fresh Energy, Real Challenges: The new balancing act within the EESC

Europe stands at a crossroads. As new members join, they bring vital fresh energy and perspectives, ready to tackle the complex challenges ahead. But thanks to colleagues who have worked relentlessly in the past mandate to put competitiveness at the heart of the EU agenda, members will not start from scratch: our group already has its priorities, and financially we will continue to operate within our 2025 budget envelope.

Still, the world around us is far from stable. Geopolitical unpredictability and shifting political climates in Member States create a backdrop of uncertainty few have seen before. Entrepreneurship has always involved risk and volatility, but today’s levels are extraordinary. These conditions threaten Europe’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

Against this backdrop, the business community rightly expects us—its representatives in Brussels—to defend their interests with clear, unwavering voices.

As we advise the EU institutions, we play a critical role in ensuring the realities facing European businesses are promptly reaching policymakers. Europe’s industrial base must be preserved; burdensome regulations that stifle innovation and growth need urgent simplification; and sustainable economic expansion must be supported as a matter of priority.

Some might argue that social issues, such as poverty and inclusion, compete with economic concerns. But the Employers' Group in the EESC understands better: economy and society are communicating vessels, they are the two sides of the same coin. Without a healthy economy, social welfare is untenable; without social stability, economic success is fragile. This interdependence must be reflected in every policy debate within the Committee and beyond.

The responsibility resting on our shoulders is immense.

As EESC Vice-President representing Group I, I am committed to ensuring that the presidency triangle acknowledges the business community as a key economic partner whose contributions underpin Europe’s prosperity.

Internally, the EESC must comply with strict financial discipline, ensure transparent management of public funds, and engage with the EU budgetary process. Our 2026 budget request will soon enter the trilogue discussions between EU institutions, and we are also finalizing the 2024 discharge procedure granted by the European Parliament, which serves as an indicator of how our work is perceived by European policymakers.

Emerging rules on travel reimbursements highlight the ongoing need for adaptability and responsiveness in our operations. Equally, we must continuously improve how we plan and allocate resources to avoid inefficiencies and maximize impact.

But beyond budgets and rules lies the fundamental battle for relevance: the Commission, Council, and Parliament must perceive us not as a bureaucratic formality but as an indispensable partner in shaping legislation that works for businesses and citizens alike.

Since its establishment in 1958, the EESC has served as the European Union’s consultative body, providing advice rooted in real-world experience. Today, more than ever, we must project a modern, dynamic image and ensure our mission resonates with those we advise.

If Europe is to navigate the unpredictable geopolitical landscape ahead, we need this synergy of fresh ideas, sound management, and clear business advocacy. The path forward demands nothing less than our best collective efforts.

By Alena Mastantuono, Vice President of the EESC in charge of Budget and member of the Employers' Group