The European Economic and Social Committee says Europe’s cities are central to economic growth, social cohesion and the green and digital transitions. In its response to the European Commission’s proposed EU Agenda for Cities, the EESC welcomes the overall vision but warns that it lacks concrete measures and risks falling short of its goals.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for a renewed genuine partnership between the European Union and southern Mediterranean countries—one that places people, sustainability, and shared responsibility at its core.
The EU needs a strong and coherent bioeconomy strategy grounded in strict sustainability safeguards, circular design, and reduced resource use, ensuring competitiveness and climate goals remain within planetary boundaries. It must also clearly define the societal value of the bioeconomy.
EU policymakers, industry leaders and innovation experts are calling for sweeping reforms to help European startups scale and compete globally, warning that persistent barriers such as fragmented regulations, limited market access and risk-averse culture are stifling Europe's innovation potential.
Nature-based biodegradable materials could become a cornerstone of Europe’s circular economy, helping cut pollution, reduce reliance on fossil resources and revitalize rural industries. To achieve this, the European Union must align its regulatory framework.
As part of European Youth Week 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlighted its long‑standing commitment to meaningful youth participation through direct engagement with young people and a range of concrete policy tools designed to strengthen their influence on decision‑making.
On a mission to Moldova, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) President Séamus Boland met with Moldova’s political leadership, civil society organisations and young people to reaffirm the EESC’s strong support for the country’s European path.
On a mission to United Nations headquarters in New York and the World Bank and Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) President Séamus Boland met with several high-level UN, political and civil society leaders. He stressed the EESC's firm commitment to international cooperation and the importance of civil society participation to strengthening multilateralism, sustainable development and democracy.
On behalf of the Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), I express our full solidarity with the Croatian trade union movement and with all workers, pensioners and citizens who will take to the streets of Zagreb on Saturday 18th.
