Strengthening EU economic security

Background 

Economic security has become a central concern for the EU in a context of growing geopolitical tensions, economic coercion, supply-chain disruptions and pressure on the rules-based international order. 

In this opinion, the EESC considers economic security to be the EU’s preparedness, resilience and response capacity to address risks and disruptions caused by geopolitical and geoeconomic developments to the EU economy, and their impact on the economy, people and society.

Therefore, the EESC:

• Argues that economic security should be a core strategic objective of the EU and requires urgent, integrated and coordinated action across policy areas, supported by clearer responsibilities and stronger capacity to anticipate and manage risks;
• Emphasises that the EU must strengthen its internal economic foundations, including competitiveness, innovation and production capacity, macroeconomic stability, secure access to key inputs, skills, and a well- functioning of the single market;
• Highlights the need for stronger public and private investment and financing to support innovation, industrial development and secure, sustainable value chains;
• Calls for open, sustainable and rules-based international trade and the development of new global partnerships with trusted and like-minded countries;
• Underlines that economic security policies are closely linked to comprehensive security and should involve social partners, civil society and academia, ensuring democratic legitimacy and practical effectiveness.

Additional Information

• EESC section: External Relations (REX)
• Opinion number: REX/614- EESC
• Opinion type: Optional
• Referral: JOIN(2025) 977 final
• Rapporteur: Milena Angelova, Employers – GR I, Bulgaria 
• Date of adoption by the section: 22 May 2026
• Date of adoption in plenary: 17-18 June 2026
• Result of the vote in plenary:180 in favour/ 0 against/ 1 abstentions

Contact 

Millie Tsoumani – Press Officer, Email: Amalia.Tsoumani@eesc.europa.eu 

Marco Ristori – Policy Officer, Email: Marco.Ristori@eesc.europa.eu