The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an opinion on the European Commission’s proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of Member States. These guidelines form part of the Spring package of the European Semester and are intended to support national labour market reforms, promote inclusive growth, and align with the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan and the Union of Skills initiative. The opinion reflects on the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, labour shortages, and the need for inclusive and future-ready employment strategies.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
The EESC welcomes the overall positive trade balance of the EU and calls for measures to maintain it, while recommending targeted support for strategically important industries, stronger investment conditions, and effective financing through the Single Market, the Savings and Investments Union, and a more integrated capital market. The EESC also underlines the need to support ambitious companies entering global markets, ensure opportunities for highly skilled professionals, simplify procedures without undermining social and environmental standards, create fiscal space for growth-enhancing investments, and strengthen multilateralism through new trade agreements and WTO reforms.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Additional considerations on the Euro area economic policy 2025
The European Economic and Social Committee emphasizes the urgent need for climate action to prevent the worst impacts of climate change from affecting societies and, ultimately, the EU population, and views the European Climate Law as a key instrument in achieving this goal. CO2 levels emitted into the atmosphere have continued to rise globally, with a new peak being reached in 2023. The EESC is convinced that the greatest support for climate policy will be established if the overall aim is to achieve the highest greenhouse gas emissions reduction at the lowest socio-economic costs.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: European Climate Law amendment
