On 29 April 2026, Ms Antje Gerstein, member of the EESC Employers' Group, was elected President of the Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) section. In this interview is her take on her new mandate.
The European Economic and Social Committee warns that expanding supplementary pensions must not weaken public pension systems. In recommendations to the European Commission, it calls for a balanced approach that strengthens both systems. Adopted in April, the EESC’s opinion supports the development of workplace and personal pension schemes, but stresses that they must remain complementary to public pensions. It calls for action at both national and European level to improve labour markets, reinforce public systems and increase trust in additional pension savings.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been nominated for the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration with its Youth Test initiative.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been nominated for the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration with its Youth Test initiative.
The Award recognises projects from EU institutions, bodies and agencies that have made a tangible difference in the lives of citizens. This year, 48 initiatives are in the running. The Youth Test is nominated in the category Excellence in diversity and inclusion.
Please find the full list of nominated projects here.
The EESC’s Youth Test reflects the Committee’s long-standing commitment to bringing young people into EU policymaking. As the first EU institution to introduce this tool, the EESC ensures that young people’s perspectives are actively considered in selected opinions, with direct involvement in consultations on issues that affect them.
Public voting is now open until 15 June 2026 (midnight CET).
The most popular project will be chosen by public vote. Category winners will be selected separately by the EU Ombudswoman and announced at a ceremony in June. (gb)
This opinion will look into the important role that organised civil society can play to implement the Single Market Strategy and in the overall integration of the EU Single Market.
This opinion examines the Commission’s plans to make EU rules simpler, clearer and better enforced, focusing on design, digital tools, clean‑up of existing laws and stronger implementation, enforcement and single‑market fairness overall.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the European economy but often encounter significant administrative and regulatory challenges that hinder their participation in EU programmes. By looking at the challenges encountered by SMEs, the EESC Opinion focuses on identifying the simplification changes needed to make real and tangible improvements for SMEs. This could include looking at how to increases their involvement in EU initiatives that offer access to finance, innovation opportunities, and essential networks, thereby fostering their growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.
