The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an own-initiative opinion on the European Citizens' Initiative "My Voice, My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion". The EESC has expressed full support for the initiative and calls on the European Commission to submit a proposal for financial support for Member States that would allow anyone in Europe who still lacks access to safe and legal abortion to safely terminate a pregnancy, in accordance with national law. The EESC further stresses that denial or obstruction of abortion care constitutes institutional gender-based violence.
In line with the European Commission President’s political guidelines, the initiative will aim to boost new industrial uses of AI and improve public services’ delivery, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
The opinion focuses on the proposal for a new funding programme on Single Market and Customs for the period 2028-2034. With € 6.2 billion (double the funding compared to the current long-term EU budget), the reinforced Single Market and Customs Programme will combine several previously standalone programmes (Single Market Programme, Customs, Customs Control Equipment Instrument, Fiscalis and the Union Anti-Fraud Programme) into one coherent strategy that should preserve EU economic security.
EESC opinion on Single Market and Customs Programme 2028-2034
In this opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) outlines its recommendations regarding the proposed regulation for the Erasmus+ program spanning 2028 to 2034. The recommendations include the following: • Establish a clear distinction between Youth, Education and Training, and Sport. • Ensure transparent budget allocation between Youth and Vocational Education and Training (VET). • Implement measures to safeguard youth participation and support the Solidarity Corps. • Develop strategies to enhance inclusion across the program. • Strengthen initiatives to improve skills, thereby facilitating better outcomes in the labor market.
This exploratory opinion will focus on the comprehensive evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives that the Commission has envisaged to carry out; such evaluation will look into whether the current rules are fit for purpose or not. The EESC opinion aims at contributing to this exercise reflecting the perspective of civil society.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund
The EU Competitiveness Fund, part of the Multiannual Financial Framework, will streamline support for innovation and industrial development by merging existing programmes, simplifying access – particularly for SMEs – and guiding investments across key sectors with unified rules and a shared financial toolbox.
In this opinion, the EESC fully supports the priorities identified by the Commission and reiterates the need for a cohesive European response. The EESC also stresses that removing barriers is key and that regulatory simplification must take place with full respect for social and workers’ rights. Finally, it calls on the Commission to put forward legislative proposals to address regional supply constraints.
