Euroopa Majandus- ja Sotsiaalkomitee
Water is a vital but an increasingly scarce resource. As the global population grows, so does the demand for water. The problem is global, but also concerns our continent: in summer 2022 Europe saw the most severe droughts in 500 years. Almost two thirds of European citizens consider water quality and/or quantity in their country to be a serious problem. Climate change will further affect the availability, quality and quantity of water. …
The 14th EESC civil society prize will reward effective, innovative and creative initiatives carried out on the territory of the EU which support people with mental health conditions and promote an environment fostering mental well-being on an individual or collective basis. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2023, 10 a.m. (CEST).
The hearing aims to gather the views of different civil society actors on the steps the EU should take to establish a comprehensive, just transition policy framewor.
The EESC has repeatedly emphasized its support for more genuine sources of own revenue for the EU budget. This has become all the more important in the current higher interest rate environment that has left a gap in the EU budget for the repayment of the money the Union has borrowed on capital markets. The public debate will focus on the Commission´s proposal for a next generation of own resources and the related policy proposals of the EESC.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, that is, investing which takes ESG factors into account when making investment decisions is becoming an important part of mainstream finance. ESG ratings provide an opinion on a company or financial instrument’s sustainability profile or characteristics, exposure to sustainability risks or impact on society and/or the environment. The public debate will discuss the Commission´s legislative proposal to improve the reliability, comparability and transparency of ESG ratings, and the EESC´s related policy proposals.
The European Economic and Social Committee is organising a major conference on Rare diseases and European reference networks under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council and in cooperation with the authorities of the Basque Country. It will take place on 11 October 2023 in the Euskalduna Conference Centre in Bilbao, Spain.
In order to attract talents and a skilled workforce, close cooperation must be developed between regional authorities, social partner organisations, employment services, and education and training providers. Social dialogue needs to be used effectively in order to attract companies to disadvantaged regions and ensure good quality jobs, good wages, job security via standard employment and access to social protection, and lifelong learning opportunities.
This is a hybrid conference. Participants can either join the conference at the EESC in-person or follow from remote. Please register for in-person and remote participation.
Small and medium-sized urban areas play a significant role in sustainable development and territorial cohesion in Europe and represent an essential part of the EU Urban Agenda. The following side event by the EESC together with Eurotowns will focus on the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU on how to foster the potential of small and medium-sized cities in order to promote territorial cohesion in all places. Moreover, it will also explore the role of civil society partners on further promoting the values of cohesion in these urban areas.
