The implementation of National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) in most EU Member States needs clarified governance systems. The distribution of responsibilities between central, regional and local levels is still unclear. The EESC is sounding the alarm and, in its opinion on the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021,adopted at its October plenary session and drawn up by Gonçalo Lobo Xavier, stresses that the mechanisms for involving civil society organisations and social partners in the implementation, monitoring and adjustment phases of the NRRPs need more clarity.

The EESC had already flagged up this issue in its February resolution, but the situation remains unchanged despite the European Commission's efforts. The EESC therefore strongly calls for more scrutiny of these crucial aspects of the EU's recovery.

"We draw attention to the need to measure progress in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plans. We need good monitoring indicators, as they are essential for setting the course of the EU's future development and recovery. Member States have to respond properly to this challenge: we need courage to make citizens aware of the huge difficulties ahead," said Mr Lobo Xavier, during the debate.

In the opinion on the Euro area economic policy 2021 drafted by Kristi Sõber, the EESC also points out that the pandemic is not over and the economic repercussions will be felt for several years. A specific and new emergency economic policy mix is therefore needed. The EU and euro area economies are once again growing quickly. At the same time, however, the EU is going through the most challenging period in the economic history of European integration. At this critical juncture, only government expenditure can help alleviate the situation.

The EESC appreciates the swift reaction at EU and national level to counter the pandemic and welcomes the fact that joint efforts have become a substantial part of the recovery strategy. Speaking at the plenary, Ms Sõber said: "Especially in the first half of 2020, the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiatives helped alleviate the very difficult economic circumstances, mainly by stabilising markets, jobs and personal incomes. This first step was followed by NextGenerationEU (NGEU), the robust and highly innovative fiscal contribution. Both initiatives were a quick and flexible response to the pandemic." (mp)