By Sandra Parthie, president of the EESC Employers’ Group

Across the EU, housing affordability has reached a critical point. The issue extends far beyond rent or mortgage payments – it is also about rising energy bills, renovation and maintenance costs, accessibility needs and access to essential local services.

But affordable housing is not only a social concern: it has become a major economic threat to EU competitiveness. High housing costs are pushing workers out of some areas and are preventing people from moving, creating barriers to employment and exacerbating labour shortages in key sectors. When people cannot afford to live where jobs are located, regional economies lose vitality.

Rental housing remains indispensable for a large share of the population and continues to offer opportunities for owners. In many Member States, individual savers provide a substantial portion of rental homes, while institutional investors increasingly treat housing as a financial asset. This dual development highlights the need to balance the economic and social functions of housing.

Businesses are ready to be part of the solution. Some employers, for instance, even offer housing for their employees. However, construction costs, material shortages, lengthy permitting procedures and financing conditions have all turned into a challenge.

Affordability constraints are not uniform across the EU, with an urban-rural divide and varying local economic conditions, such as high tourist density and short-term rentals. Hence, there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. Place-based responses that are in line with the subsidiarity principle and the fact that housing is a Member State competence are needed.

At the same time, there are some levers the EU can pull to help address the situation, namely through competition law and its exceptions, such as social welfare law and services of general economic interest. European regulatory requirements on the energy performance of buildings are also contributing to a shortage in the supply of housing units.

With the right commitments, Member States can revitalise supply, strengthen competitiveness and secure affordable housing as a pillar of social and economic stability.

'Russia's war against Ukraine has profoundly affected the Baltic countries economically, socially, and psychologically, and made them re-think their economies, education systems, civil and defence preparedness,' he said. 'The EU’s frontline states are the gate keepers of EU's security and democratic resilience in the current challenging geopolitical context.'

President Boland held bilateral meetings with government representatives in all three countries. These included substantial discussions on key EU priorities including defence and security, competitiveness, enlargement and the EU’s next long-term budget. The President conveyed his vision of putting civil society at the heart of Europe.

'A union of opportunities, security and resilience starts with people. Active participation, informed communities and a vibrant civil society are essential to Europe's future,' he said.

The Estonian Minister of Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo concurred on the importance of engaging in civil preparedness and resilience in the face of challenges posed by Russia's aggression

The Latvian Parliament Speaker Daiga Mieriņa discussed cooperation with social partners and civil society and the importance of Latvia's international commitments on gender equality.

Fighting disinformation, the importance of working with young people, and the key role of media and civic participation in building resilience were at the core of President Boland’s discussion with the Latvian Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce.

In Lithuania, during fruitful exchanges with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs (Minister of Europe) Sigitas Mitkus and the Minister of Social and Labour Affairs Ms Jūratė Zailskienė, President Boland underlined the EESC’s willingness to cooperate ahead of and during the forthcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council (in the first half of 2027).

During exchanges with civil society across the three Baltic nations, President Boland made it clear that their voice must be stronger than ever.

'I am very impressed by the bustling civil society in the Baltics and I come back truly energised,' he said. 'The courage, unity and civic engagement in the three countries are an inspiration to all Europeans. This showcase of collective determination mirrors the very values that the EESC represents: democracy, participation and social cohesion in the face of adversity.'

President Boland also met EESC members in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and personally thanked them for their support and guidance in helping to make his first high-level visit a success. 

As the newly elected President of the European Economic and Social Committee I reaffirm the Committee's previous call for a strong and ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework that serves not merely as a budgetary tool but critically also as a core driver to deliver the Union's shared objectives while safeguarding the principles of inclusiveness, partnership and democratic participation that lie at the heart of the European project.

While the Commission's proposal for a simplified and flexible budget for the Union follows the right approach to prepare and react to the multilayered challenges Europe is facing, the proposed simplification and flexibility must be matched by guarantees of inclusiveness and accountability.

The Committee warns against the centralisation of the management of key funds at national level - particularly cohesion, agricultural and fisheries funds – which risks undermining subsidiarity, trust and cohesion.

Such an approach could create fragmentation and competition among Member States, leading to "less Europe" instead of stronger cooperation and solidarity in support of long-term convergence across regions.

The effective functioning of the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) will depend on their ability to maintain a strong link between EU governance and regional and local partners, who naturally know best the economic and social realities where investments are needed. Empowering these partners alongside social partners and organised civil society is essential to ensure that EU funding is efficient, legitimate, and democratically anchored at every level.

It is also worth noting that the pooling of funds which have separate objectives is not advisable.

All of these factors should inform our approach and suggest a need for careful re-assessment.

On the broader issue of financing, the EESC supports a balanced package of new own resources to strengthen the Union’s financial autonomy and resilience, designed transparently and in a spirit of solidarity among Member States.

I believe that only through a participatory and inclusive MFF – one that promotes the economic and social life of everybody - can we continue delivering a Union of opportunities, security and resilience for all.

Under my leadership the Committee – as the direct voice of civil society at the heart of Europe - will engage fully with the other EU institutions in the coming period to help ensure an outcome that reflects the best of what Europe can be.

I welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Democracy Shield package today, which responds to a long-awaited need to strengthen the Union’s democratic resilience, including to new challenges posed by the impact of technological advancements. This initiative is an important step to ensure that citizens and civil society can engage fully and safely in the life of the Union without fear of external interference or internal pressure.

I also underline that the protection and promotion of our shared European values — including the rule of law, free and fair elections, fundamental rights and independent media — must be at the core of this effort. Defending these values is essential to maintain the trust of citizens and their participation in the Union's democratic process, safeguarding the quality of life for millions across Europe, and projecting our model of democracy outside.

The EESC looks forward to analysing the proposal in detail, engaging in discussions and cooperating closely with the European Commission in the next steps of its implementation, particularly on the Civil Society Strategy. As the institution representing organised civil society, we will continue to bring citizens’ voices to the heart of the Union’s policymaking,  engaging closely with Member States and enlargement countries , to help ensure that democracy in Europe remains strong, inclusive, and resilient.
 

A European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) delegation took part in the 2025 World Food Forum flagship event, which was held from 10 to 17 October at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.

The EESC stressed that resilient, sustainable food systems must guide global policy. Regenerative agriculture is central to this shift, but so too is giving young people and youth organisations a real voice in shaping the future.

On 20 October, the EESC, as an observer at the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) – a body hosted and supported by the FAO – brought Europe’s organised civil society directly into global debates on resilience, sustainability and youth engagement.

‘Food policies must go beyond efficiency and yields,’ said Stoyan Tchoukanov, president of the EESC’s Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT). ‘We need resilience through sustainable farming, inclusive governance and youth empowerment’.

Through bilateral meetings with FAO representatives, governments and partners, the EESC strengthened alliances to ensure Europe’s civil society priorities are heard.

The Committee also showcased its growing youth initiatives, including the EU Youth Test and its new Youth Group led by Italian EESC member, Nicoletta Merlo. ‘These platforms are about changing decision-making so that youth and civil society become co-authors of food and climate strategies,’ Ms Merlo said.

By championing regenerative agriculture, youth participation and civil society engagement, the EESC is helping reshape global food policy at a pivotal moment. (ks)

On 13 November, the EESC hosted a high-level conference on ‘Building the workforce of tomorrow: inclusive participation and quality jobs for a competitive Europe’. The debate brought together EU policymakers, social partners, researchers and civil society to address urgent challenges and opportunities in Europe’s labour market, focusing on two flagship reports.

The conference underscored that over 50 million working-age Europeans remain outside the labour market, with women, older people, migrants and persons with disabilities particularly underrepresented. Unlocking the potential of these groups is both a social and economic imperative.

‘Labour and skills shortages threaten to slow Europe’s transition efforts, towards a greener economy and a strengthened independence. The analysis provided by the Commission underpins sound policies to bring more people into the labour market and increase productivity’, Jeroen Jutte, Director for Employment and Social Governance Analysis at the European Commission, told the conference.

‘We need to secure resources and social spending to support employment, social targets and address new challenges. Investing in skills, promoting quality jobs, as well as eradicating poverty and marginalisation remain the key objectives of our joint work with the European Commission’, stressed Cinzia Del Rio, president of the EESC Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship.

The first panel discussed the Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2025 report (ESDE 2025), exploring how inclusive participation can address labour shortages and demographic change. Education and lifelong learning, active labour market policies and social dialogue are crucial for supporting vulnerable groups.

The second panel examined the Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe 2025 report (LMWD 2025), focusing on quality jobs and competitiveness amid structural change and technological transformation. While employment growth has been robust, productivity growth is weak. Labour shortages persist, especially in essential sectors. Boosting productivity through innovation, digitalisation and investment in human capital was emphasised, alongside fair wages and job retention schemes.(lm)

During Gender Equality Week 2025, the EESC’s Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) hosted a pivotal debate on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) My Voice, My Choice, which is calling for safe and accessible abortion across the EU. The debate brought together campaigners, legal experts, Members of the European Parliament, and representatives from the European Commission to discuss the urgent challenge of ensuring reproductive rights and solidarity for all women in Europe.

At the debate, organisers of the My Voice, My Choice ECI described how the initiative was born out of concern for reproductive rights in Europe, gathering over 1.1 million verified signatures and mobilising thousands of volunteers. The ECI proposes an EU fund to cover abortion costs for women and girls unable to access care in their own countries, creating a voluntary mechanism that respects national sovereignty while fostering solidarity. The campaign has become the largest feminist movement in Europe, aiming to make safe and accessible abortion a reality for every woman in the EU.

Barriers to abortion access: legal and practical realities

Speakers at the debate outlined the commitments EU Member States have made under international treaties to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights. Despite these obligations, access to abortion remains uneven, with legal restrictions, time limits, mandatory waiting periods, biased counselling, and criminalisation persisting in several countries. Malta and Poland maintain some of the most restrictive laws. These barriers force women to travel for care or face unsafe procedures and unwanted pregnancies, disproportionately affecting adolescents and marginalised groups. The ECI’s proposed mechanism would alleviate financial burdens and support women in need, without interfering in national laws.

The debate also addressed political challenges, including opposition from certain groups. MEPs stressed that abortion must be safe and legal, and told the participants that the Parliament’s FEMM Committee had passed a draft resolution supporting the ECI. The resolution calls for the right to legal and safe abortion to be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, recognising its centrality to democracy and European values.

Impact of the ECI and next steps

The European Commission confirmed at the debate that the initiative is under evaluation, with a response expected by March 2026. The proposed mechanism respects Member States’ competences and operates as an opt-in system, aiming to fill a legislative gap in cross-border healthcare. (lm)

The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) to ban conversion practices in the EU collected over 1.2 million signatures in just six days, showing widespread public backing for putting an end to attempts to change or suppress an LGBTIQ+ person's identity. During Gender Equality Week 2025, the EESC’s Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) held a debate on the initiative, urging the EU to ban conversion practices and emphasising the need to protect the dignity and rights of all LGBTIQ+ people.

'This is a testament to the widespread support among EU citizens for ending these harmful practices,' campaigners Mattéo Garguilo and Caleb Stocco said during the debate, which brought together EU officials, civil society and campaigners, reflecting strong support for action. The initiative will be formally submitted to the European Commission, leading to hearings and a response by May 2026.

The timing of this ECI aligns with the launch of the new EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to protect LGBTIQ+ people from violence and discrimination, with banning conversion practices as a key focus. However, only 8 of the 27 Member States currently have such bans, and enforcement is inconsistent. The ECI calls for a comprehensive EU-wide ban, robust enforcement and support for victims.

The reality and impact of conversion practices

Conversion practices – attempts to change or suppress an LGBTIQ+ person’s identity – are condemned internationally. They take many forms, from pseudo-psychotherapy and religious rituals to physical and psychological abuse. The 2023 LGBTIQ survey found that 24% of respondents had experienced some form of conversion practice, with trans and non-binary people affected in particular. The consequences are severe: psychological and physical harm, increased risk of addiction, depression and suicide. These practices violate fundamental human rights and dignity.

Barriers and challenges

Barriers include hidden practices, lack of awareness, and inconsistent enforcement. Vulnerable groups – young people, those with disabilities and ethnic minorities – face higher risks. Conversion practices occur across all age groups and are often perpetrated within families.

Speakers called for a multi-faceted approach: criminal bans, anti-discrimination laws, child protection, public policy initiatives and victim support. Collaboration, clear guidance for Member States and adequate funding for organisations supporting victims are essential. The EESC debate made clear that conversion practices are a present and pressing issue, violating European values and human rights. Their eradication requires concrete political choices, robust legal frameworks and sustained civil society engagement. (lm)

Goodbye 2025! Next year, we’re continuing at full speed

Dear readers,

I am humbled and happy to address you for the first time since stepping into my role as vice-president for communication. As we reach the close of 2025, I also feel privileged to write this final editorial. Year ends are a perfect opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on what we have achieved together. I am not alone in believing that, for our Committee, this has been an exceptional year shaped by determination, dialogue and a deep commitment to the people of Europe.

In 2025, in our opinions and events, we focused on issues that touch everyday lives: affordable housing, EU enlargement, the cost of living and many other topics. These are not distant policy debates — they are the concerns people talk about at their kitchen tables, on the way to work, or while trying to plan for the future. And they have guided much of our work.

This autumn also marked a new chapter for us. With our new leadership we set out a clear direction: civil society should sit at the heart of Europe’s decisions. Our new president has brought fresh energy, with a strong emphasis on fighting poverty and ensuring that no one is left behind. It is a reminder of why our Committee exists: to bring the voices of people, organisations and communities directly into EU policymaking.

End-of-year editorials are also a perfect opportunity to reflect on what still lies ahead — and I can already tell you we’re not slowing down. Next year, we will continue to work at full speed, making sure that the concerns of Europe’s citizens — social fairness, economic inclusion, democratic participation and sustainability — remain front and centre.

I am also happy to share that two of our flagship events will be back in 2026.

From 2 to 5 March 2026, we will hold our third Civil Society Week. The 2026 edition is entitled ‘People, Democracy, Resilience – Our Future!’ We will bring together civil society representatives from all over Europe to talk, exchange ideas and work together on solutions. It is a place where challenges are acknowledged and where hope and creativity often take over.

Then, on 19 and 20 March 2026, we welcome young people to Brussels for our top youth event, Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS), under the theme ‘Giving Youth a Voice’. Taking place since 2010, it has already become the hallmark of the EESC, and it is truly special: this year it will bring together 137 students, teachers and young adults for two days of real, hands-on participation. They meet each other face-to-face, debate the issues that matter to them, and turn their ideas into recommendations that feed directly into our work and the work of the EU institutions. Watching young Europeans step into democratic life with such passion is one of the highlights of our year.

Looking back, one thing is clear: Europe is stronger when people are heard. And looking ahead, we want to make that space even wider. As we move into a new year, our Committee will remain a place where people’s voices shape policy, where different perspectives are welcomed, and where resilience is built together, step by step.

I hope you will enjoy reading the final issue of our newsletter this year. As well as bringing you news about the EESC, we are shining a spotlight on housing — a topic that has shaped so much of our work this year. To do it justice, we give the floor to those who know it best — the policy makers, experts, advocates and practitioners working on the ground. Their insights remind us of the real impact policies have on people’s daily lives.

Thank you for reading, for engaging and for being part of this community. We look forward to continuing the journey with you in the year ahead.

Marija Hanževački

EESC vice-president for communication