In this opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. At the same time, the EESC warns of persisting political instability, high levels of inflation and high interest rates, which reduce citizens' purchasing power and businesses' competitiveness and affect investment decisions. These difficulties could jeopardise the implementation of employment policy guidelines in the Member States, the achievement of the European Pillar of Social Rights and 2030 targets. The Committee believes that it is all the more necessary to strengthen both the role of the social partners and their involvement in designing and implementing employment, social and economic reforms and policies, including by building their capacity.
The construction sector is a strategic pillar of the EU economy and a key enabler of the green and digital transitions. It has a direct impact on housing, transport, energy and climate-resilience infrastructure across Europe. Strengthening innovation and digitalisation is therefore essential not only to decarbonise the economy by 2050, but also to reinforce the EU’s industrial autonomy, productivity and global competitiveness in a sector that underpins many strategic value chains.
This timely opinion will examine civil society proposal on how to reform climate governance, including decision-making processes, negotiation frameworks, and the participation and impact of civil society organisations at global climate summits. It will also assess how international climate litigation is shaping climate negotiations and may further influence the governance of the UNFCCC, particularly in the light of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 23 July 2025.
Download — Dictamen de la Sección del CESE: Reforming climate governance in light of recent international judicial decisions
Download — Dictamen de la Sección del CESE: Energy storage as systemically important infrastructure for a sovereign, affordable and resilient European Energy Union
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the European economy but often encounter significant administrative and regulatory challenges that hinder their participation in EU programmes. By looking at the challenges encountered by SMEs, the EESC Opinion focuses on identifying the simplification changes needed to make real and tangible improvements for SMEs. This could include looking at how to increases their involvement in EU initiatives that offer access to finance, innovation opportunities, and essential networks, thereby fostering their growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.
The opinion deals with the 28th Regime legislative initiative whose purpose is to provide companies, especially innovative ones, with a single set of rules to invest more easily and operate in the Single Market.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Ensuring affordable and stable energy for the European energy-intensive industries using the example of the chemical sector
Download — Dictamen de la Sección del CESE: Ending forced sterilisation of women with disabilities: Alternative pathways to the decriminalisation of EU criminal offences through anti-discrimination law and conditionality of funds
