EESC PLENARY: EESC places democratic values and environmental and economic sustainability in the spotlight for 2027

Plenary debate on the EESC resolution ©EU/EESC

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Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical instability, multiple social fractures and an accelerating climate change crisis, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has set out key recommendations for the European Commission, which is expected to adopt its 2027 work programme in October.

At its June plenary session, the EESC presented and adopted its yearly resolution, Contribution to the European Commission’s 2027 work programme, channelling the structured input of European organised civil society directly into the EU’s forthcoming legislative and political roadmap.

In the document, the EESC identifies strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, resilience and capacity for sustainable growth as its primary concern. To this end, the Committee recommends fostering a strong, innovative and business-friendly economy that enables companies to invest, innovate and create quality jobs across Europe.

The EESC also strongly encourages policymakers to place people at the heart of change. The EU should pursue this objective by reinforcing the European social model, promoting social and civil dialogue and inclusion, and ensuring fair digital, energy and green transitions based on workers’ rights, skills development, social and civil dialogue and equal opportunities.

The resolution was drafted by EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group member Corina Andrea Murafa Benga and EESC members Marcin Nowacki and Carlos Manuel Trindade, and is structured around 6 pillars:

  1. A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness
  2. A new era for preparedness, including European defence and security
  3. Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model
  4. Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature
  5. Upholding liberal democratic values
  6. A global Europe for the future: leveraging our power and partnerships.

Rapporteur Murafa Benga said: Bearing in mind the triple planetary crisis - climate, biodiversity and pollution - and its impact, civil society organisations in the EESC urge the European Commission to place wellbeing, affordability, equality and civic freedoms at the centre of its 2027 agenda, measuring the success of our European model beyond GDP.

Lidija Pavić-Rogošić presented the opinion on behalf of Ms Murafa, reaffirming that if we want a union that wants progress outside of GDP, then clear water, nature, affordable housing and affordable energy have to become the basis of European politics. She highlighted that young people, the elderly and other vulnerable populations must be protected, a strategy for NGOs must be implemented and democratic values must be defended, not just with social dialogue but also with political dialogue.

 

Read the EESC’s press release.

Watch the debate.