This conference brings together representatives from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and youth councils and other organisations across the Western Balkans and the European Union to examine the pivotal role of young people in EU accession negotiations.
The cooperative model has proved its ability to establish competitive companies rooted in inclusivity and worker participation. As the EESC’s opinion stresses, it is becoming increasingly important to maintain industrial capacity within the EU, in the interests of its security and strategic autonomy.
The EESC Workers' Group stands in solidarity with the two Portuguese trade unions CGTP (General Confederation of Portuguese Workers) and UGTP (Union of the General Workers) who have called for a General Strike on 11 December 2025 to protest against the government's proposed labour law reforms.
On behalf of the Workers’ Group at the European Economic and Social Committee, I want to express our full support with the Italian workers and the CGIL, who are organising a general strike for Friday 12th December.
