The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been nominated for the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration with its Youth Test initiative.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been nominated for the 2026 European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration with its Youth Test initiative.

The Award recognises projects from EU institutions, bodies and agencies that have made a tangible difference in the lives of citizens. This year, 48 initiatives are in the running. The Youth Test is nominated in the category Excellence in diversity and inclusion

Please find the full list of nominated projects here.

The EESC’s Youth Test reflects the Committee’s long-standing commitment to bringing young people into EU policymaking. As the first EU institution to introduce this tool, the EESC ensures that young people’s perspectives are actively considered in selected opinions, with direct involvement in consultations on issues that affect them.

Public voting is now open until 15 June 2026 (midnight CET).

Vote here: Award for Good Administration 2026

The most popular project will be chosen by public vote. Category winners will be selected separately by the EU Ombudswoman and announced at a ceremony in June. (gb)

UN Water Conference 2026

Download — EESC-2026-00500-00-00-PA-TRA — (CCMI/0254)

Minutes - ECO section 8.4.2026

Download — EESC-2026-01144-00-00-PV-MTR — (Minutes)
Reference number
22/2026

The current geopolitical context is shining a harsh spotlight on the price that Europe is paying for its dependency on third countries, as European Council President António Costa said at a plenary debate with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EU must boost its competitiveness to be able to deliver tangible results in terms of jobs, income and affordable housing.

Reference number
21/2026

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high‑level debate on Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two key EESC opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and a comprehensive EU‑wide ban on conversion practices.

Document type
Minutes
  • Minutes of the 604th Plenary session
  • Minutes of the 604th Plenary session - Annex I
  • Minutes of the 604th Plenary session - Annex II
  • Minutes of the 604th Plenary session - Annex III
  • Minutes of the 604th Plenary session - Annex IV

The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) aims to support industrial transformation, strengthen strategic value chains, and accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies, but its implications and impact across different sectors raise concerns.

European Competitiveness Fund
DG GROW – Executive Vice-President SÉJOURNÉ 

Permanent materials – Facilitating the potential of permanent materials in the EU circular economy
DG ENV – Commissioner ROSWALL