The European Commission's proposed Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA) aims to strengthen Europe's cloud and artificial intelligence ecosystem and reduce dependence on non-European providers. In our Opinion INT/1126 Cloud and AI Development Act we welcome this ambition but if Europe wants to remain competitive in the global digital economy it must swiftly move from declarations to delivery.
At its September 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee responded, through Opinion ECO/699, to a request from the European Commission on how organised civil society can contribute to financial education.
Enlargement is a geopolitical imperative for the European Union. However, its potential impact on EU climate policies has remained under the radar. As the European Union moves towards its 2040 climate target and climate neutrality by 2050, we must consider how they are achieved in a larger union of potentially over 30 Member States. In our Opinion on Enlargement and EU climate policy, we highlight the need to integrate enlargement fully into Europe’s climate strategy.
Europe’s ambitions on competitiveness, strategic autonomy, the green and digital transitions, defence and resilience require investment on a scale that our currently fragmented capital markets cannot provide. This is why our Opinion calls for a stronger role for the European Investment Bank Group, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), and national promotional banks. They should act as public investors, directing patient capital towards projects that strengthen Europe’s productive capacity and generate lasting economic and social value.
The EU Single Market is one of Europe's greatest achievements, but in an increasingly uncertain global environment, it must be seen as a strategic asset that can strengthen Europe's resilience, prosperity and competitiveness.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent more than 99% of EU businesses and are fundamental to Europe’s employment, innovation and regional development. Yet they face growing regulatory complexity, rising compliance costs and fragmented implementation of EU rules across Member States.
Europe’s competitiveness is determined not only by energy prices, access to finance, skills or investment, but also by the quality of regulation under which our economy and society operate.
Hosted by the EESC Employers' Group and organised by ELEC - European League for Economic Cooperation, with the support of INSME and AZIMUT, the conference will bring together EU policymakers, experts, industry representatives, and civil society with the aim to contribute to the ongoing debate on the future of European defense by proposing a strategic, institutional, and value-based framework for a European Defense Policy.
Europe’s social model depends on a strong and competitive economy. Quality jobs are created and sustained by economically successful enterprises operating in a favourable business environment — and European businesses are committed to delivering exactly that when the conditions allow for it. However, companies cannot offer quality employment if they are over-regulated, under-capitalised and unable to grow. Competitiveness, productivity growth, innovation and skills are therefore not separate from the social agenda: they are the foundation of Europe’s resilience, prosperity and social model.
The Industrial Accelerator Act is a timely initiative. We welcome its objective to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. For the EESC, the key priority now is clear: accelerate decarbonisation without undermining competitiveness.
