EU enlargement is a key priority for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The Committee considers enlargement to be a geostrategic investment in a strong, stable, secure and united Europe, grounded in shared democratic values.
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of almost EUR 2 trillion (around 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income on average) for 2028-34, intended to support a more independent, prosperous, secure and resilient Europe. The proposed MFF would increase budget flexibility to allow a faster response to unexpected developments and emerging priorities. It would also simplify and better harmonise funding programmes so citizens and businesses can more easily identify and access opportunities. National and Regional Partnership Plans would be used to better reflect local needs by linking investment with reforms and strengthening cohesion outcomes. The framework aims to boost competitiveness by supporting supply-chain security, scaling innovation, and sustaining leadership in clean and smart technologies. It also proposes a balanced package of new own resources to help ensure sufficient revenue while limiting pressure on national public finances.
The next Multiannual Financial Framework: perspectives from national Economic and Social Councils
The European Public Diplomacy Days – EPDD – will be held from 30 September to 2 October 2026 and will bring together various different European Union (EU) institutions working on public diplomacy and international people-to-people initiatives. The idea is to share best practice and exchanging ideas.
Besides the EU institutions, there will be contributions from civil society, networks of regions and cities, cultural projects, academics and other practitioners from across the world.
As the world celebrates the International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026), experts from across Europe gathered at an EESC hearing to underline the vital contribution that volunteers make to building resilient, prepared and cohesive societies. The hearing, organised as part of the EESC's work on the forthcoming opinion on the role of volunteering for European preparedness, explored how volunteering strengthens communities before, during and after crises.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion evaluating the implementation of the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive. While the Directive has strengthened legal protections and established reporting channels across the EU, the EESC warns that significant gaps remain between legal provisions and their practical application.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion evaluating the implementation of the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive. While the Directive has strengthened legal protections and established reporting channels across the EU, the EESC warns that significant gaps remain between legal provisions and their practical application.
Drawing on evidence from Denmark, France, Italy, Latvia and Romania, the evaluation found that implementation remains uneven across Member States and that practical obstacles continue to discourage reporting. Stakeholders highlighted uncertainty about procedures, inconsistent enforcement and delays in handling cases, while fear of retaliation remains one of the main reasons individuals choose not to come forward.
The EESC acknowledges that the Directive has marked an important step forward by strengthening protection mechanisms, establishing multiple reporting channels and increasing cooperation between competent authorities. However, more action is needed to ensure that whistleblowers receive effective protection in practice.
‘The European Commission has identified significant delays in transposition and numerous gaps in national implementation. This risks compromising the effectiveness of the Directive and creating legal uncertainty for those wishing to report violations of European Union law.
It is essential to promote a true culture of legality and transparency. In many contexts, those who report irregularities or violations are still perceived negatively. Instead, we must recognise the civic value of whistleblowers, who contribute to the protection of the public interest, democracy and fundamental rights,’ said EESC rapporteur Giulia Barbucci.
The Committee calls for stronger safeguards against retaliation, including preventive measures, financial assistance and access to independent advice. It also urges Member States to allocate sufficient resources to the authorities responsible for whistleblowing procedures, improve professional training and ensure reporting systems are independent, confidential and accessible. The EESC further recommends exploring shared reporting mechanisms to help smaller organisations meet their obligations.
The opinion highlights the important role of trade unions, civil society organisations and the media in supporting whistleblowers and promoting transparency. The EESC advocates their closer involvement in designing and monitoring whistleblowing systems. Beyond legal reforms, it also calls for awareness-raising, better information on whistleblowers’ rights and improved data collection to assess the effectiveness of existing measures and identify remaining weaknesses.(lm)
