Comité Económico y Social Europeo
The EESC adopted an opinion at its July plenary emphasising the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to raw materials policies. It proposes expanding critical materials lists, ensuring fair energy prices, simplifying permits, prioritising recycling and promoting capacity building in EU raw materials policies.
Adopting a human rights approach to water management, boosting investments in infrastructure and technologies, introducing water consumption labels and price restructuring are among the key recommendations of the six EESC opinions on water adopted at its July plenary. They make up the first wave of EESC proposals for a comprehensive water policy for Europe under its Blue Deal initiative. On 26 October, the EESC will present its Call for an EU Blue Deal to the EU institutions and stakeholders.
At its April plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion requested by the European Commission to gather input from civil society on the impact of the metaverse on society. The document, which examines the business environment, working conditions and development of civil society, suggests that the metaverse will bring with it both opportunities and risks that the EU must address rapidly to create an ethical, safe, and inclusive virtual environment for all.
As water scarcity and pollution continue to pose global challenges, the current EU policy framework seems insufficient. To address this, top-level water experts gathered on 27 February at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to identify possible solutions. The hearing marks the beginning of the EESC's work on water.
The maritime technology sector urgently needs policies and investment to stay competitive in the face of international competition, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has said in an exploratory opinion. Focus should be placed on skills training, finance and market access.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine puts the spotlight on European defence, the European Economic and Social Committee has said in an opinion that it wants to see coordinated action and spending from Member States and a comprehensive European defence industrial strategy.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has held a debate on women's representation and participation in the workforce. The event gathered insights, success stories and best practices from our CCMI members and delegates. The conclusions drawn will make an important contribution to the EESC's ongoing initiative on gender equality.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recommends that Digital Innovation Hubs be reinforced to boost the EU’s innovation capacity as part of the transition to a sustainable future. DIHs provide valuable infrastructure for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that might otherwise struggle to become greener and more digital.
In its July plenary the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called on the European Commission to strengthen the social aspects of key proposals to align EU rules on sustainable products, ecodesign and sustainable textiles.
In a new opinion the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) fully supports the objectives of the European Roadmap on Critical Technologies for Security and Defence, which is particularly timely in view of the war in Ukraine.
