Recycling and the recovery of strategic raw materials from waste should be stepped up, says the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). This would reduce the waste going to landfill, but would also help the EU to lessen its dependence on third countries for raw materials.
In two new opinions adopted at its October plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for key reforms to strengthen the competitiveness of the EU economy, based on sustainable growth and a balanced fiscal approach to supporting green and digital investments. The EESC underlines the key role of NextGenerationEU, the EU’s COVID-19 recovery instrument, and calls for similar instruments to be included in the new long-term EU budget.
An opinion adopted during the October plenary session pointed out that local communities, particularly those close to nuclear installations, and national civil society organisations should have their say, and be given the support needed to do so. The burden of processing nuclear waste should not be left to future generations and recycling techniques should be used wherever possible.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)is urging the European Union to boost its investment in secure connectivity, resilient infrastructure, and supply chains to ensure it stays competitive in the rapidly evolving field of general-purpose AI (GPAI). These measures are seen as essential in maximising the benefits of generative AI in line with European values, needs, and fundamental rights.
Geothermal energy is an important source of energy, which has not yet been properly developed. While its full range of benefits remains unassessed, it is clear that it provides a reliable source of energy that can contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy and security.
In a recent set of recommendations adopted in October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called for immediate measures to combat climate change, while highlighting the economic opportunities it also presents. By investing in sustainable practices and promoting a collaborative global approach, the EU can mitigate the risks associated with climate change.
The European Economic and Social Committee will host the 2024 Connecting EU seminaron 17-18 October 2024 , which will this year address the urgent need to preserve independent and impartial journalism in the context of mounting political pressures and the rapid rise of generative AI.
From October 1-2, 2024, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, participated in the highly anticipated Athens Democracy Forum (ADF) 2024, an event hosted by the Democracy and Culture Foundation in association with The New York Times. This year’s theme, "A Moment of Truth," addressed pressing global challenges to democracy as more than 50 nations worldwide faced national elections.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recognises that green hydrogen is an important building block in the transition towards renewable energy sources, and says that its infrastructure, financing and remit have to be carefully planned
