As part of the preparation of the EESC opinion on an EU Strategy for Islands, the European Economic and Social Committee, in cooperation with INSULEUR, will hold a public hearing in Syros, at the heart of the Cyclades. The hearing aims to bring together local and regional authorities, organised civil society, businesses, academia and citizens to exchange views on both the challenges and the untapped opportunities facing Europe's islands. Beyond discussing issues such as connectivity, demographic change, access to services and climate resilience, the event will highlight the unique assets of islands like Syros, including their strategic location, cultural heritage, blue economy potential, innovation capacity, renewable energy opportunities and sustainable tourism. The insights gathered will contribute directly to the EESC opinion by ensuring that the voices, experiences and aspirations of island communities are reflected in future EU policies and in the implementation of the first European Strategy for Islands which was adopted in June 2026.
Civil society organisations, individuals and private companies can now enter their non-profit projects for the EESC’s prize dedicated to combating poverty in the EU.
The fight against racism in Europe must move beyond good intentions and become a genuine political priority, the European Economic and Social Committee says in its recently adopted opinion on the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030.
Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (9 Iskar Str, Sofia, Bulgaria), and remotely via online platform
Sofia
Bulgaria
On 15 September 2026, the EESC Group on the European Citizens’ Initiative, with the support of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will organise a debate in Sofia on the state of play of the European Citizens’ Initiative in Bulgaria.
The event will bring together ECI stakeholders and communicators, such as representatives of EU institutions, civil society, youth, academia and local authorities, to discuss how awareness, visibility and participation in the European Citizens’ Initiative can be further strengthened at national level.
Participants will exchange experiences, good practices and ideas on how to make this unique EU participatory democracy tool more accessible and impactful for Bulgarian citizens.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has welcomed the European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) as a timely move to strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness, at a time when manufacturing’s share of EU GDP has fallen from 17.4% in 2000 to just 14.3% today.
1. Editorial by EESC President Seamus Boland 2. News from the CSO Members of the Liaison Group 3. News From he EESC 4. EESC Plenary Session 5. Civil dialogue in the EU and European Citizens' Initiatives 6. Citizens' Engagement Platform 7. Link to our members' newsletters
