The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has launched work on a major package of recommendations to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, starting with four new opinions adopted at its April plenary session. This is the first block in a series of eight opinions focused on a specific aspect of the crisis — from economic fallout to social cohesion, employment, sustainability, and more.

The goal? To propose a coordinated, cross-cutting strategy that goes beyond short-term fixes and helps build real, lasting resilience across the EU. The process will conclude in July 2025 with an umbrella opinion summarising all of the proposals in one policy message.

First set of recommendations:

• The opinion ‘Measures for a resilient, cohesive and inclusive European economy’ calls for a shift from crisis response to long-term resilience, urging coordinated EU action to address inflation’s lasting impact, especially on vulnerable groups. Key proposals include a resilience monitoring system, investment in infrastructure and skills, stronger labour standards and aligning competitiveness with social and environmental goals.
• The opinion ‘Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while ensuring European competitiveness’ urges a socially fair phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, starting with the most harmful. It calls for clear EU guidance, better reporting and strong job protection. The opinion also recommends ending support for new fossil fuel infrastructure, revising tax and State aid rules, and boosting clean energy investment and international cooperation.
• The opinion ‘How single market dysfunctionalities contribute to the rising cost of living’ pushes for action to address dysfunctions in the single market that drive up prices. It targets barriers and advocates for stronger enforcement of EU law, completion of the Capital Markets Union, better labour mobility, improved infrastructure and access to healthcare. Housing market rules should also be assessed for their impact on affordability.
• The opinion ‘Price hikes in transport, energy and housing: the role of quality public services in tackling the high cost of living’ underscores the importance of services of general interest in easing crisis impacts. It calls for greater public investment in social infrastructure, housing and transport; reform of State aid rules; and the repurposing of fossil fuel subsidies to fund greener solutions. It stresses the need for decisive action against energy and transport poverty, and calls for faster progress on renewables, grid expansion and permitting. (tk)