A secure and competitive electricity supply is the vital foundation that the EU needs to put in place as it seeks to protect its citizens and successfully revitalise its industry.

That is the firm conviction underpinning the opinion drawn up by Christophe Béguinet on Energy connectivity, electricity grids, which was adopted at the EESC’s February plenary session.

In the exploratory opinion, which was requested by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union to re-examine the EU’s ambitions for developing cross-border energy connectivity, the Committee assesses the future of the EU’s energy system and more specifically its electricity infrastructure. 

The opinion also identifies steps that need to be taken to make the energy system more efficient and solidarity-based for the benefit of all consumers – both individuals and businesses.

‘Our energy system is a true cornerstone of European integration and securing its future demands an immediate common European response,’ said Mr Béguinet. ‘Our ambition and our mission are clear: we want to guarantee consumers access to quality, low-carbon, and above all affordable, electricity.’

To achieve these results, the Committee has put forward a number of recommendations, structured around three main pillars: a forward-looking mindset, a comprehensive approach and bolstering the security of the electricity grid. (mp)

The EESC continues to shine a spotlight on the housing crisis and is ready to offer fresh recommendations on what can now be defined as a genuine emergency specifically impacting young people and the most vulnerable in our societies.

‘Housing is first and foremost a social issue,’ said EESC President Séamus Boland, speaking at the EESC's February plenary session, ‘but it is no longer only that. It is an economic issue. A demographic issue. A competitiveness issue. This is why tackling the housing crisis is one of the key priorities of my term of office.’ Mr Boland also pointed out that in some Member States house prices and rents had gone up by more than 100% and that young Europeans were having to postpone becoming independent.

In his view, ‘the reality is unfortunately harsh: Europe is facing a housing emergency. An estimated 1.28 million people in Europe live on the street, in shelters or in temporary accommodation. In Brussels alone – the capital that should embody our collective European project – nearly 10 000 people are experiencing homelessness’.

During the plenary debate, Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, thanked the EESC for its work and for adopting the opinion entitled For a European Affordable Housing Plan – the contribution of civil society in September 2025, ‘which was instrumental in helping us to shape our final plan’. He added: ‘Now that we have our final plan, we must put it into action. We must harness all of the political tools and proposals so that we can support Member States, regions and local authorities to deliver more affordable, sustainable and quality housing’.

Mr Jørgensen listed the Commission’s next steps:

• delivering the Affordable Housing Act as soon as possible;
• continuing to work on a housing simplification package;
• focusing on financing – another cornerstone of the plan – and launching the pan-European Investment Platform later this year;
• stepping up work with Member States to assist young people and students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds; and
• providing an extra political push and enabling closer high-level cooperation by launching a housing alliance and organising a housing summit this year.

The EESC will put forward specific recommendations at its March plenary session when it adopts the opinion entitled Tackling housing scarcity through affordable, sustainable and family-oriented housing policies, which is currently being drafted by rapporteur Thomas Kattnig. (mp)

The External Relations Section (REX) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a debate on 23 February to address the alarming deterioration of trade union freedoms in Belarus. Despite sustained international pressure and the appointment of an International Labour Organization (ILO) special envoy in June 2025, the Belarusian authorities continue to refuse any dialogue aimed at restoring compliance with fundamental labour standards. Around twenty trade unionists remain imprisoned.

The debate brought together representatives from EU institutions and the ILO Special Envoy for Belarus, Lelio Bentes Corrêa. A central moment of the discussion was the personal account from Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, who was recently released from prison and forcibly deported to the EU. 

Describing the system of governance in Belarus as 'extremely cruel and vindictive', Mr Yarashuk said that even after his release he continues to cope with the consequences of deportation and confiscation of documentation. He warned that Belarus has become 'one of the ten most dangerous countries for workers and trade unionists', noting that the authorities had effectively eliminated the remaining trade union freedoms in 2022 through prison sentences and repression.

REX section president Stefano Palmieri underlined: 'Despite several releases of political opponents, the situation remains difficult. Beyond the detention of people there are also new forms of repression such as the removal of children from the families of targeted trade unionists.' 

The ILO Special Envoy Lelio Bentes Corrêa explained that his mandate included engaging with the authorities to secure the release of detained trade unionists and restore recognition of the legal standing of independent trade unions. 'However, the Belarusian authorities have so far refused to recognise my mandate or enter into dialogue. To date, around twenty trade unionists remain imprisoned, while their families continue to face intimidation and pressure', said Mr Corrêa.

The EESC has steadily increased its engagement with Belarusian civil society in exile and with political prisoners since the fraudulent presidential election of August 2020. This has included statements, opinions drafted in cooperation with Belarusian experts, debates, and an online exhibition. The EESC's solidarity efforts gained renewed momentum in June 2025 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Belarusian democratic forces.

Participants concluded that the objectives remain clear: to secure the release of all imprisoned trade unionists, restore freedom of association, and re-establish independent trade unions in Belarus. (at)