Cillian Lohan is the new President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The Group appointed the environmentalist for the 2025-2028 term. Peace, democracy and resilient communities will take centre stage during his presidency.
At a time when the EU is grappling with slow productivity growth and rising global competition, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a set of recommendations highlighting the important role trade unions can play in helping Europe close the productivity gap, especially with the United States. The opinion argues that boosting productivity is not just about investing in technology and capital, but also about empowering workers, strengthening social dialogue and supporting workplace innovation.
Across Europe, rising rents and house prices are putting decent housing out of reach for many. In response, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted an opinion calling for urgent action, stressing that affordable housing must be a cornerstone of EU cohesion policy, as the crisis threatens both social inclusion and economic competitiveness.
With energy bills up, housing out of reach, and food prices still rising, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a set of civil society-backed recommendations to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Part of a broader EESC package, the opinion outlines urgent EU and national actions to protect vulnerable groups, promote fairness and build long-term economic and social resilience.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted two complementary opinions in plenary that lay the groundwork for a more prosperous, resilient and financially empowered Europe. By supporting the Commission’s strategy for a Savings and Investments Union (SIU) and calling for a comprehensive push to improve financial literacy across the EU, the EESC is highlighting the need to combine more integrated financial markets with citizen empowerment. Together, these twin efforts aim to unlock untapped capital for investment, deepen the Single Market and enable all Europeans to benefit from informed financial choices.
The EESC’s June plenary saw the adoption of an opinion urging the bloc to diversify and innovate its energy system to ensure stability and move to decarbonisation.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a new opinion urging the EU to place reindustrialisation at the heart of its response to the cost-of-living crisis. This is part of a broader EESC strategy aimed at tackling Europe’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis through a series of sectoral and umbrella opinions. The Committee argues that a stronger industrial base is key for securing quality jobs, boosting innovation and strengthening Europe’s economic resilience.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted two opinions calling for bold EU steps to protect public health by boosting cybersecurity in hospitals and securing supplies of critical medicines. These challenges demand concrete investment, smarter cooperation, and a rights-based approach that puts people’s well-being first.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted an opinion supporting the European Commission’s ambition to simplify tax reporting obligations across the EU, reduce administrative burdens, especially for SMEs, and improve the effective use of tax information by authorities. The EESC stresses that simplification must avoid creating loopholes or unfair tax shifts, while also calling for harmonised rules, clearer guidance and enhanced digitalisation.
At its June plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a resolution contributing to the European Commission’s 2026 work programme. It outlines a wide-ranging set of proposals to boost competitiveness, strengthen strategic autonomy, enhance social cohesion and renew democratic life.
