calls for a holistic approach towards services of general interest policies (SGIs), as opposed to the current sectoral approach of EU policies, recognising the central role of modern SGIs in promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. In this spirit, the EESC calls on the Commission to take action with concrete follow-up to the Letta report in the form of an SGI action plan;
Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies: The EESC calls for the European Commission to include FFS phase-out plans in European Semester recommendations and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). These plans should feature clear milestones and prioritization measures.
Universal definition of FFS: The EESC advocates for a universal European definition of FFS, encompassing both direct and indirect subsidies.
Multi-Stakeholder platform: The creation of a multi-stakeholder platform is recommended to share best practices across Member States and civil society.
Redirecting funding: All European funding, as well as national State Aid, for new fossil fuel infrastructure should be terminated. Support should be redirected towards clean fuels and research and innovation (R&I).
Boosting sustainable farming: The EESC believes regenerative agriculture helps make food production more sustainable, while supporting climate goals, soil health, and biodiversity. It also helps farmers boost income and adapt to extreme weather.
Support for regenerative practices: The EESC welcomes the growing number of EU farmers using regenerative methods and urges the EU to better support and promote them through updated policies and regulations.
Clear, results-based definition: The EESC calls for a shared understanding of what ‘regenerative agriculture’ means, based on clear results that can be measured and verified—rather than a fixed list of practices.
Simplifying and harmonising EU tax implementation of directives to reduce complexity, duplication, and legal uncertainty.
Conducting impact and competitiveness assessments—especially for SMEs—for all new tax proposals.
Establishing an EU court system of Advance tax rulings for interpreting complex tax directives. The ECJ would be the appellate body if a taxpayer or a tax administration challenge the ruling.
Recognises key successes from 2021–2025 but also notes remaining gaps. In this opinion, it outlines priority actions and flagship initiatives for the 2025–2030 period;
Urges the Commission to quickly develop its next action plan with meaningful consultation of persons with disabilities and their organisations;
Calls for stronger, more binding measures than those from 2021–2025, with direct impact and dedicated funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to ensure effective implementation and support.
considers that investment in people and the economy, fair taxation, quality and affordable public services, and targeted support for the most vulnerable—alongside both short- and long-term industrial policy and efforts to boost competitiveness—are essential to mitigating the cost-of-living crisis and protecting against future shocks;
recommends a stronger use of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and civil dialogue to address labour market challenges and improve wages and social protection for workers, in alignment with productivity developments;
acknowledges the importance of wage and minimum wage increases, and highlights the positive impact of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive in driving wage growth
emphasises the necessity for the EU to reduce import dependencies, especially for critical goods like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, and to diversify supply chains by fostering multiple international partnerships;
highlights the urgent need for targeted investments in strategic industries and infrastructure to strengthen economic resilience and bridge productivity gaps among European producers. Such investments should be part of a well-coordinated, comprehensive and adequately financed industrial policy;
recommends expanding trade agreements, particularly with reliable partners in the Global South, and advocates for regulatory efficiency improvements to streamline complex EU frameworks while maintaining high standards;
calls for enhanced financial and technical support mechanisms for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to diversify their suppliers, adopt sustainable business models, and effectively navigate regulatory complexities.
To improve urban mobility and reduce its environmental impact, we must develop Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). The EESC calls on Member States to develop national programmes to assist local and regional authorities with development and implementation of SUMPs through guidance, capacity building and funding, and on the Commission to support the continuation and expansion of CIVINETs
considers energy affordability, carbon neutrality and energy security to be the core objectives of a balanced energy system.
emphasises the need to maintain baseload generation and a diverse clean energy mix to balance supply and demand, including intermittent and constant production, controllable and non-controllable sources and regional energy differences.
