European Economic and Social Committee
The European Commission has announced new measures to tackle human trafficking. This comes in response to a 2021 report assessing the effectiveness of the EU's 2001 Anti-Trafficking Directive, which found the response by Member States to be insufficient. The EESC opinion calls for a gender focus, greater support for victims, more accountability for companies, and improved monitoring mechanisms.
President Oliver Röpke participated in this year's Porto Social Forum, alongside Portugese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, European Parliament's Vice-President Pedro Silva Pereira and Portuguese Minister of Labour, Ana Mendes Godinho.
In an exploratory opinion on the 30th anniversary of the single market, the EESC has backed the Commission's idea of an EU fund pooling resources to invest in key green tech projects, rather than relaxing competition rules.
One of the top priorities of the disability movement, called for for many years, the European Disability Card will enable people with disabilities to exercise their fundamental right to freedom of movement in the EU on the same footing as people without disabilities.
The EESC describes the Commission's proposals for strengthening social dialogue in Member States and the EU as both timely and necessary, but calls for additional steps. Action is needed on improving national consultations with the social partners, national and European collective bargaining coverage and the implementation of social partner agreements
While the war in Ukraine is dragging on, concerns are mounting about the transboundary environmental damage it has caused. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an own-initiative opinion at its April plenary on ....
65 years of integration and no intention to slow down
On Saturday 6 May 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is at last opening its doors to the public, raising its profile even more.
On 13 April 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a public hearing to address the pressing issue of water poverty and its implications on social policy. The event brought together water experts and stakeholders to mitigate the effects of water poverty, particularly on vulnerable communities. The hearing is part of the EESC's efforts to put water at the top of the EU agenda through a call for an "EU Blue Deal."
At its April plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion requested by the European Commission to gather input from civil society on the impact of the metaverse on society. The document, which examines the business environment, working conditions and development of civil society, suggests that the metaverse will bring with it both opportunities and risks that the EU must address rapidly to create an ethical, safe, and inclusive virtual environment for all.
The April plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) saw the adoption of an opinion on the key factors for the transition to a long-term sustainable transport system.
