In memory of Jacques Delors, former President of the European Commission. Tribute given by Sebastien Maillard, Director of the Jacques Delors Institute and Lorenzo Consoli, EU Correspondent
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In an opinion adopted at its plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has proposed a strategy to address socio-economic challenges facing the EU's islands, mountainous regions, and sparsely populated areas. The EESC is calling for EU action to be taken through cohesion policy, emphasising the need for tailored strategies, reliable data, and specific mechanisms for sustainable growth.
Calls for comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategies to tackle rural challenges like depopulation and inadequate services. It emphasizes employing rural proofing and the EU Youth Test in EU policies to diminish rural-urban inequalities, fostering equal access to services, infrastructure, and opportunities, thereby enhancing rural appeal for young people
Calls for inclusive pathways for generational renewal, promoting intergenerational cooperation and governance. Advocates meaningful engagement of young people in decision-making across all stages and levels. Highlights the importance of initiatives such as the Rural Pact, Erasmus+, and the European Solidarity Corps to empower the youth.
Emphasizes the need for quality employment, education access, entrepreneurship support, and land access for youth in rural areas.
suggests enhancing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027. This involves integrating counter-cyclical elements, aligning CAP instruments with rapidly changing market conditions, and advocating for improved risk management tools in National CAP Strategic Plans
proposes the standardization of contract laws and practices across the food supply chain. This initiative aims to ensure consistency and efficiency among EU Member States, with contracts reflecting the dynamic production costs in primary agriculture. (more)
In the pursuit of a more competitive EU economy, the financial sector – and especially banking – emerges as the backbone, wielding substantial influence over both financing and pivotal transitions towards sustainability. In an opinion adopted in plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights key ways to fortify this sector and reinforce its contribution to the EU's strategic autonomy and transformative goals.
The energy infrastructure, like infrastructure for transporting and distributing energy, cannot be treated like any other commodity and must instead be classified as a service of general interest for the economy and the population.
Particular attention should be paid to defining grid development, including cross-borders interconnections, both onshore and offshore, as critical infrastructure of an overriding public interest, including climate protection as a regulatory objective and, more generally, synchronising the planning of renewable energies and the electricity grid more effectively.
Recognising the rising demand, it is particular important that substantial investments are made in electricity networks to stimulate the European economy and create high-quality (green) jobs.
