Improving living and working conditions across the EU: the role of organised civil society
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Location
Warsaw
Poland
The 2025 Annual meeting of presidents & secretaries-general of the ESCs of the EU & the EESC was held on 25-26 June 2025 in Warsaw. Co-organised with the Polish Councils, the Social Dialogue Council (RDS) and the Council for Public Benefit Activity (RDPP) under the 2025 Polish Presidency of the Council, the debates were dedicated to "Improving living and working conditions across the EU: the role of organised civil society".
At its June plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a resolution contributing to the European Commission’s 2026 work programme. It outlines a wide-ranging set of proposals to boost competitiveness, strengthen strategic autonomy, enhance social cohesion and renew democratic life.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) became the first EU body to formally endorse the Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society, backing the European Commission’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights. This move sends a clear signal that urgent, concrete action is needed to close persistent gender gaps.
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.
