Surveys keep reporting high rates of discrimination experienced by members of the Roma community in view of their Roma origin. Long history of discrimination and negative perceptions towards the Roma community further entrench prejudicial practices and antigypsyistic sentiments, manifesting themselves in various contexts. Focussing on various policy areas, this hearing will look at institutional antigypsyism and discuss ways how this can be tackled effectively.
In a context such as the one that Europe is experiencing, characterised by multiple crises, it is appropriate to promote a reflection on European public goods and on fundamental political priorities capable of ensuring the sustainable growth of the EU and the well-being of its citizens. This reflection gets ever more important in view of the upcoming negotiations on the next European Multiannual Financial Framework for the period post 2027.
The EESC organises a public hearing on Financial literacy and education for Europeans. It will gather together institutions, industry and civil society stakeholders, and will discuss desirable policy actions and share good practices along the EU.
Economic and Social Council of Spain,
c/ Huertas, 73
Madrid
Spain
The 20th meeting of the EU-China Civil Society Round Table will take place in Madrid, Spain on 9 and 510June 2025.
The EU-China Civil Society Round Table was established in 2007 following a decision taken by the 9th EU-China Summit in Helsinki. The delegations from the EESC and its Chinese counterpart, the China Economic and Social Council, meet regularly to discuss topics relating to economic and social issues relevant to both parties.
By elaborating reports, discussing them and exchanging ideas, the representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee and the China Economic and Social Council contribute to the development of the overall EU-China relationship, from a civil society perspective.
EESC, Rue Van Maerlant/Van Maerlantstraat 2, 1040 Brussels
Brussels and online
Belgium
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, proclaimed 25 years ago in December 2000, plays a crucial role in upholding fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the Member States. To facilitate the effective implementation and application of the Charter, in 2020, the European Commission presented its “Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the EU”. This year, the Commission is undertaking a mid-term review of its strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organising a public hearing to assess the economic impact of extending the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to the maritime sector.
The hearing will focus on the risks of carbon and business leakage, and how these developments may affect port competitiveness and trade flows- particularly in smaller and peripheral EU Member States. The event will provide a platform for maritime stakeholders, economic experts, and EU institutions to discuss real-world implications and explore fiscal and strategic solutions to mitigate negative effects.
Speakers will include representatives from DG CLIMA, maritime and port organisations, as well as leading economists and policy analysts.
Malta’s strategic location and role in European maritime logistics make it an ideal setting for this timely discussion.
An All-Island Stakeholder Forum is being organised by the European Economic and Social Committee together with an All-Island Advisory Group of nine representative workers, employers and civic organisations from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The focus will be on the theme of ‘Mobility across the island of Ireland after Brexit’. The Forum will be in two parts: (i) plenary sessions in the morning in hybrid format, and (ii) in-person breakout sessions in the afternoon at which stakeholders will discuss specified topics in more detail.
This 2025 All-Island Stakeholder Forum is an ambitious EESC initiative feeding into the development of the EU-UK relationship and complements the European Commission and the UK government commitments to stakeholder engagement in the Windsor Framework. It will gather the widest possible range of business, worker and civil society stakeholders on the island together to share insights and expertise.
The EESC organises a public hearing on the Communication on a Savings and Investments Union. It will gather together institutions, industry and civil society stakeholders, and will discuss on how to deliver opportunities for households, businesses and the whole EU economy.
