The European Social Fund (ESF) is the EU's main instrument to promote and strengthen social cohesion in Europe's societies by investing in Europe's people, their future and preparedness. The EESC's opinion welcomes the proposal to establish the ESF within the National and Regional Partnership Plans for 2028–2034, but calls for a stronger social dimension, clearer governance, and reinforced partnership structures. The EESC insists on protecting the ESF's distinctive role in supporting quality employment, skills development and social inclusion while ensuring that funding remains adequate, targeted and complementary with other EU instruments.
The EESC welcomes the proposed Home Affairs funds for migration, border management and internal security for 2028–2034, but warns that, taken together, they reflect a strong shift towards security and control that risks marginalising integration, inclusion and fundamental rights. While acknowledging the need for effective border management, returns and internal security, the EESC stresses that migration policy must prioritise legal, safe pathways, respect for EU and international law, and robust individual protection. The Committee calls for independent monitoring of fundamental rights at borders, stronger commitments to legal migration and integration, and strict human-rights compliance in cooperation with third countries. Ultimately, the EESC argues that the EU’s legitimacy in migration, border and security policies depend on its ability to defend democratic values and fundamental rights.
On September 17, Ukrainian civil society representative Vasyl Andreyev took part in the panel discussion titled “From Kyiv to Tirana: Civil Society Shaping Europe’s Future.” Joined by peers from Serbia, Moldova, and Türkiye, the session was held as part of the EESC End of Mandate event. The panel highlighted the crucial role civil society plays in driving Europe’s enlargement process and promoting democratic development. Moderated by Pascale Joannin, Director-General of the Robert Schuman Foundation, the discussion underscored the importance of cooperation between candidate countries and their European partners in building a democratic future for the continent.
A conference held in Denmark by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlighted the vital role that artificial intelligence could play in offering new forward-looking solutions to treat rare diseases.
