The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) takes the initiative to endorse the values enshrined in the 2024 Games in Paris, from the civil society perspective.
The recent IT outage caused chaos for transport and businesses all over the world, and showed just how important it is not to be overly dependent on technology. The advantages of the transition to digital energy must not overshadow the other side of the coin: risks and challenges. Protecting consumers and supporting workers must remain high on the agenda.
Five years after its creation, the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report has become a cornerstone of the EU’s response to the serious challenges Member States face in the area of justice, media pluralism and freedom, anti-corruption, and checks and balances. The EESC president and the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group presidency reiterate the EESC’s full backing for this tool, but also highlight potential improvements that could make it more inclusive and efficient.
The European Union’s upcoming enlargement is poised to be a transformative event. It faces pressing global challenges, such as a new geopolitical environment, climate change and the just transitions in energy and environmental policies. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for meticulous preparation on both sides and for adherence to EU values as new members join.
On 17 July, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Röpke signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), represented by Presiding ECOSOCC Officer Khalid Boudali. The memorandum strengthens cooperation between the EU and Afriican Union civil societies on promoting economic and social development, enhancing civil society engagement, and fostering sustainable development, reaffirming the African Union’s strategic partnership with EU and promoting renewed democratic dialogue.
El Comité Económico y Social Europeo (CESE) ha aprobado un Dictamen sobre la Comunicación de la Comisión Europea relativa a los materiales avanzados, en el que insta a adoptar una estrategia integral para impulsar las capacidades de la UE en este sector crítico. El CESE lamenta la falta de financiación, objetivos cuantificables e indicadores de sostenibilidad.
From 15 to 17 July, an EESC delegation is participating in the High-Level Political Forum in New York – a pivotal event for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation. The HLPF in July 2024 will be the first HLPF under the auspices of ECOSOC after the 2023 SDG Summit. The 2024 HLPF will support the implementation of the Political Declaration and other outcomes of the SDG Summit for advancing the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
The ageing of the population that is affecting all European countries will mean an increase in the number of older people and, consequently, in the number of people affected by some form of disability. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls on the Commission to put the topic of informal carers high on the political agenda and to establish a platform for the exchange of best practices among Member States.
Only nine EU countries criminalise forced sterilisation as a distinct offence, while 13 allow it to be performed on persons with disabilities – and in three of those countries that includes minors. When it comes to the sexual and reproductive health rights of women with disabilities, the EU is far from being a union of equality, an EESC hearing revealed
The Presidency of the EESC's Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group (FRRL) is deeply concerned about the imminent risk of extradition from Serbia to Belarus of journalist Andrey Gnyot (Андрей Гнёт).
