The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been nominated for the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration for its Youth Test, a pioneering initiative that has increased meaningful youth participation in EU policy-making.
At its April 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion on EU competitiveness and youth entrepreneurship. Requested by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the opinion sets out how supporting young entrepreneurs can strengthen innovation, foster sustainable growth and help secure the future of Europe’s SMEs.
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.
At the 'Your Europe, Your Say!' event, participants put forward proposals to contribute to the EU's next strategy for young people. They called on the EU institutions to pay far more attention to their housing needs, the challenges of the digital sphere and their potential in political and social life.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed the emotional well-being of children and young people at the centre of its March plenary session, holding a major three-part flagship debate that brought together EU institutions, international organisations, civil society and youth representatives. Speakers urged a coordinated push for prevention, safer digital spaces and stronger community support to protect young people’s emotional well-being.
