The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level debate demonstrating that culture is not a luxury, but a strategic asset for democracy, social cohesion and Europe’s economic resilience. Speakers call for stronger political recognition and sustained investment to turn ambition into action.
On 29 April 2026, Ms Antje Gerstein, member of the EESC Employers' Group, was elected President of the Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) section. In this interview is her take on her new mandate.
The European Economic and Social Committee warns that expanding supplementary pensions must not weaken public pension systems. In recommendations to the European Commission, it calls for a balanced approach that strengthens both systems. Adopted in April, the EESC’s opinion supports the development of workplace and personal pension schemes, but stresses that they must remain complementary to public pensions. It calls for action at both national and European level to improve labour markets, reinforce public systems and increase trust in additional pension savings.
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).
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)
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.
