The EESC warns that a weak long-term EU budget would undermine competitiveness, cohesion, agriculture and democracy. The Committee calls for a stronger, fairer and future-proof multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028 to 2034.
In a debate with the Commissioner for Democracy, Michael McGrath, the EESC warned about ongoing efforts to silence, discredit and weaken those who stand up for democracy, social justice and fundamental rights, and expressed its readiness to join forces with the Commission to protect Europe’s civil society and fight polarisation
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) must be involved from the outset in the European Commission’s initiatives to step up engagement with civil society. The EESC’s upcoming study on Mapping civil dialogue practises in the EUinstitutions and its 2025 Civil Society Week (17-20 March) can provide valuable input, according to the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group.
Conference on 'Turn up the volume for civil society! Key actions for the EU's new political cycle' organised by the European Economic and Social Committee's Civil Society Organisations' Group on 3 March in Brussels.
Promoting the Roma community's political participation at the local level and empowering them to become active members of society are two main aspects of the current EU Roma strategic framework. Whilst some members of the Roma community serve as mayors or deputy mayors, in most Member States the Roma are not represented in the local decision-making process, and are at times deprived by direct and indirect, legal and extralegal means from exercising their own political rights. The hearing will discuss the obstacles faced by the Roma community which hinder them from becoming active citizens, and the changes that are needed. It will also look at good practices from municipalities where actions are being taken to enhance the Roma community's representation and inclusion.
