At its March 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion on how to ensure social inclusion and independent living for persons with disabilities through high‑quality, specialised social services. Building on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030, and years of civil‑society advocacy, the Committee sets out a clear roadmap to close the gap between commitments and reality.
Volunteering plays a central role in building resilient and inclusive societies that are better prepared for existing and future challenges. This public hearing will gather institutional actors, civil society organisations, social partners, and experts to reflect on the role that volunteering can play in the “whole-of-society” approach to preparedness (called for by the European Commission). Discussions will feed into the related EESC Opinion (SOC/864).
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted two new opinions warning that Europe’s defence ambitions risk falling short unless its industrial base becomes more integrated, better funded and easier to coordinate across Member States.
