The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has launched work on a major package of recommendations to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, starting with four new opinions adopted at its April plenary session. This marks the first block in a series of eight opinions, each developed by a different EESC section and focused on a specific aspect of the crisis — from economic fallout to social cohesion, employment, sustainability, and more.
The rising cost of living has impacted competitiveness and social costs. Services of general interest (SGIs) can ensure access to essential services for a decent life and can mitigate the impact of inflation and crises due to their non-profit-driven spirit.
The EESC advocates greater scope for long-term investment in social infrastructure and emphasizes the importance of public investment in accessible and affordable housing.
Reducing fossil fuel subsidies can provide short-term support for vulnerable households and more durable solutions for decarbonised electricity and heating systems, renovations and access to affordable SGIs.
Download — EESC opinion: Reindustrialisation of Europe – opportunity for businesses, employees and citizens in the context of the cost-of-living crisis
This own-initiative opinion constitutes the contribution of the ECO section to the 2025 EESC transversal own-initiative opinion package on the cost-of-living crisis, looking at specific economic policy measures that can help make the European economy future-proof.
This own-initiative opinion will examine the impact of single market fragmentation on the cost of living and competitiveness and look into successful EU initiatives to tackle such issues. It will aim at proposing possible solutions, with particular attention to consumer protection, to the cost-of-living crisis.
