On the occasion of the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) reaffirm their unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
On the occasion of the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the principles of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Hybrid workshop organized by the Network of the Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the EU (INSULEUR) in partnership with the EESC #EESCPartnership
Location
EESC
Brussels
Belgium
Islands are on the front lines of climate change, yet they remain underrepresented in policy discussions. Their unique vulnerabilities-geographic isolation, extensive coastlines, and economic dependence on tourism and maritime transport-make adaptation a top priority. Research shows that economic losses for islands could more than double under all climate scenarios, threatening their economic and social stability.
Finland has several structures in place for Roma participation, including a National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs. It was currently in its third National Roma Policy, covering 2023 to 2030. Schoolbooks in Romani were also available and the Roma community generally enjoyed access to social services at par with the rest of the population. However, spending cuts and the lack of resources to implement the actions planned within the National Roma policy were cited as major concerns.
2024-11-19 & 20- The Roma - Mission report from country visit to Finland
The General Secretariat for Social Solidarity and Fight against Poverty acts as the National Roma contact point in Greece. In Greece, the Roma are not recognised as a minority. Municipalities play a crucial role in bringing about change in the Roma community's living situation. Whilst there were some positive examples, this was not the situation in all areas. Continuity in funding and sufficient human resources were indispensable to ensure that successful programmes were kept. Concrete plans on housing and to address the problem of settlements were needed.
2024-02-06 & 07- The Roma - Mission report from country visit to Greece
Tourism is a powerhouse for the EU economy which can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. It is time to rethink the way tourism works and move beyond sustainability towards regenerative tourism – where destinations don’t just survive but thrive.
The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth acts as the National Roma contact point in Germany. New developments include the appointment of a Federal Commissioner against Antigypsyism and for the Life of Sinti and Roma and the setting of an Antigypsyism Monitoring and Information Office in 2022. More efforts were needed to encourage Roma to report antigypsyistic incidents, as well as more opportunities for open and wider consultation with Roma organisations to better cater for the difficulties encountered by the Roma population.
2023-12-07 & 08 - The Roma - Mission report from country visit to Germany
emphasises the urgent need to enhance European competitiveness while maintaining sustainability and social cohesion. The EU must act decisively to stay competitive without compromising environmental sustainability, workers’ rights or regional balance. The EESC advocates for growth aligned with social and territorial cohesion;
calls for greater investment in key areas such as social infrastructure, digital transformation and energy transition. The EESC emphasises the need for substantial investments in modern infrastructure - education, research, digitalisation and renewables - to sustain Europe’s economic strength and competitiveness and tackle demographic, technological and climate challenges;
stresses the need for the EU to drive global economic transformation rather than just preserve past achievements. Europe is at a crossroads: it can either take a proactive role in global economic transformation or risk falling behind. The EESC therefore calls for the proactive adaptation of the single market, reduced reliance on non-EU supply chains and stronger strategic industries.
