At a high-level debate with European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on 23 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) backed simpler EU rules but called for stronger evidence, clearer safeguards and greater democratic scrutiny of the Commission’s better regulation plans.
Rural areas are essential to Europe’s prosperity and resilience, yet many people living there have poorer access to services, jobs and infrastructure. In an opinion adopted at its September plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee calls for a practical, EU-wide ‘rural proofing’ tool to ensure that policymakers assess the impact of decisions on rural communities from the outset. This approach should also shape the next EU budget and National and Regional Partnership Plans.
Minutes of the NAT Section meeting of 11 September 2025
The mass influx of more than 80,000 people into the Spanish city of Ceuta on 30 July, caused more than 140 deaths and alarming humanitarian consequences. The EESC Workers’ Group reiterates its condolences and grief and asks for immediate EU action to ensure respect of fundamental rights.
