Additional considerations on the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey 2024

Key points

The EESC:

• calls for the swift implementation of the proposed Clean Industrial Deal and European Competitiveness Fund, ensuring that these initiatives support both economic growth and environmental objectives;

• recommends considering an extension of the RRF deadline and enhancing technical support to ensure full absorption of funds and maximise their impact on sustainable growth;

• calls for a careful balance between deficit reduction and maintaining investment capacity, particularly in areas critical for long-term growth such as the green and digital transitions;

• urges the development of a comprehensive strategy to address labour market challenges, including skills mismatches and demographic shifts. This should include targeted policies to engage inactive populations and enhance education systems to better prepare individuals for future job markets;

• recommends a stakeholder-inclusive approach to ensure that these initiatives benefit businesses of all sizes and contribute to overall economic resilience;

• calls for continued investment in clean technologies and critical raw materials, balanced with policies that support global cooperation and avoid harmful protectionism;

• recommends integrating strong social protection and environmental safeguards into all major economic initiatives;

• recommends boosting the energy put into the European Semester as a platform that can strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of EU growth strategies, while ensuring they remain inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs even at times when there isn’t an election.