As discussions on the European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme gather pace, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has underlined the need for a competitiveness agenda that delivers both economic strength and social progress.
As discussions on the European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme gather pace, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has underlined the need for a competitiveness agenda that delivers both economic strength and social progress.
By the EESC Workers’ Group
‘Europe’s competitiveness cannot be built at the expense of workers. The digital, green and energy transitions must be fair transitions, based on quality jobs, skills, social dialogue, equal opportunities and strong workers’ rights’, the EESC states in its contribution to the 2027 Work Programme.
The EESC argues that Europe’s resilience and sustainable growth depend on a strong industrial base, innovation, investment and a deeper single market. At the same time, it stresses that people must remain at the heart of Europe’s transformation, with quality jobs, social dialogue and workers’ rights forming essential pillars of future policy.
The Committee calls for the European Pillar of Social Rights to be implemented in full and supports measures to strengthen fair labour mobility, digital workers’ rights, skills development and social conditionality in EU funding and public procurement. It also highlights the importance of the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, stronger protection against risks linked to algorithmic management, and greater investment in vocational education and training.
Alongside social priorities, the EESC advocates a modern industrial policy focused on affordable energy, secure supply chains, critical raw materials and strategic infrastructure. It also calls for adequate resources in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), ensuring that competitiveness, cohesion, social progress and the green transition receive balanced support.
The Committee further emphasises that tackling poverty, improving access to housing and essential services, as well as strengthening health, care and mental well-being are crucial to Europe’s democratic resilience. According to the EESC, sustainable prosperity will only be achieved if economic growth goes hand in hand with social inclusion and a better quality of life for all Europeans.
By Konstantinos Diamantouros, EESC Employers' Group member
The MFF remains a key tool to support EU priorities, especially at a time when Europe’s investment needs are growing. While the majority of funds will come from mobilising private investment, public resources will also be crucial.
The MFF remains a key tool to support EU priorities, especially at a time when Europe’s investment needs are growing. While the majority of funds will come from mobilising private investment, public resources will also be crucial.
By Konstantinos Diamantouros, EESC Employers' Group member
Against this backdrop, the MFF proposal marks an important step forward. First, it places a stronger emphasis on competitiveness, especially through the creation of the European Competitiveness Fund and the reinforcement of Horizon Europe, which can help position industry, research and innovation at the heart of EU growth. Second, the expansion of the Connecting Europe Facility has the potential to enhance transport and energy networks and contribute to lowering energy costs.
In addition, the performance-based approach for national and regional plans is welcomed, provided that the ‘reforms for investments’ logic is aligned with cohesion policy objectives and does not introduce macroeconomic conditionality. On external action, the increase in funding for Global Europe is also a positive step, as it can strengthen the EU’s global role, diversify value chains and enhance security.
At the same time, there are areas of concern. As outlined in the EESC opinion on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, we oppose the idea of merging cohesion policy, ESF+, agriculture, fisheries, migration and security into a single fund, as this risks creating competition between priorities which could undermine the long-term planning needed for the seven year period of the MFF. We therefore call instead for a clearer structure, with predictable funding for each policy area.
The proposed Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) as a new EU own resource also raises concerns: first, because further taxation may run counter to the EU’s competitiveness agenda; and second, because it is a levy based on turnover rather than profit.
Overall, the proposal moves in the right direction, but the final budget must safeguard cohesion, involve social partners, avoid harmful conditionality and ensure fair financing that supports competitiveness.
The European Life Science Strategy along with the Strategy on Research and Technology infrastructures with focus on the treatment of rare diseases DG RTD – Commissioner ZAHARIEVA
Priorities including housing, competitiveness, tech regulation, and better including citizens in democratic decision making among areas of joint work launched.
recommends adopting the Circular Economy Act (CEA) as a fully-fledged Act to signal the EU’s commitment to systemic change. It calls for a clear mapping of all related legislation, strategies and action plans to ensure a coherent framework for the circular transition.
considers incentives for well-functioning secondary raw material markets and circular business models, including reuse, repair and remanufacturing, to be at the heart of the Act. It also calls for stronger public procurement, reform of extended producer responsibility schemes, improved material traceability, wider use of eco-design and better working conditions. Traceability, certification, harmonised labelling and technical standards are seen as essential to building market confidence and scaling up circular solutions.
recommends establishing a regularly updated repository of circular economy good practices through the European Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform (ECESP), linked to indicators and monitoring frameworks. It stresses the importance of formally recognising transition brokers and ensuring that civil society, cooperatives and social enterprises are active partners in a fair and inclusive circular transition. The Committee also highlights the strategic role of the ECESP in identifying barriers and accelerating implementation.
