The EU’s 12 Domestic Advisory Groups are civil society bodies that monitor the implementation of trade agreements. They fulfill a long-standing demand from civil society to oversee the economic, social and environmental impacts of EU free trade agreements.
Since the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, the European Union’s economic governance framework has played a key role in promoting economic stability, growth, and employment across Europe. As this framework has evolved over time, it has become increasingly intricate, with some of its instruments failing to adapt to current situations.
Energy poverty occurs when households cannot afford the energy necessary for their health, well-being and quality of life. Eurostat figures show that 10.6% of Europeans, or over 48 million people, could not keep their homes adequately warm in 2023. This is a sharp increase from the previous years when these figures stood at 9.3% and 6.9% in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
The concept of a just transition, ensuring no one is left behind in the shift to low-carbon and sustainable economies, is now central to policymaking. Fairly distributing the costs and benefits of this transition is especially critical in the post-pandemic recovery, where inequalities and economic risks have deepened.
Rare diseases impact 8% of the EU population, or 36 million Europeans. With 7 000 rare diseases, most of which are chronic, disabling or life-threatening, the health and quality of life for those affected are severely compromised. Worse yet, up to 95% of these diseases lack specific treatments, and the available therapies come at exorbitant costs.
The significant decline in the habit of repairing, with only 35% of consumers choosing to repair their products, has led to substantial consequences for the environment, resulting in 7 million tons of electric and electronic waste and a marked decrease in repair-related employment in the EU.
Over half of European adults are overweight or obese, leading to severe health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. At the same time, our food systems drive environmental damage — from global warming and deforestation to biodiversity loss and pollution. Power imbalances and overproduction in the food supply chain push prices down, squeeze farmers’ incomes and add to the already significant food waste, with EU consumers discarding nearly a quarter of their food purchases.
Young people are the most under-represented age group in the European Parliament, with only 6% of MEPs younger than 35, according to figures from the European Youth Forum. The EESC is determined to change that. Including young perspectives in EU decisions is not just desirable, it is essential for creating policies that truly represent the future of Europe.
Kinga Joó is the rapporteur for the EESC opinion SOC/808 on Ensuring a needs-based work-life balance for all: How adequate flexible working conditions can support intergenerational solidarity and the empowerment of women. The opinion will be presented and put to the vote of the October plenary session (23-24 October 2024).
