The EESC issues between 160 and 190 opinions and information reports a year.
It also organises several annual initiatives and events with a focus on civil society and citizens’ participation such as the Civil Society Prize, the Civil Society Days, the Your Europe, Your Say youth plenary and the ECI Day.
Here you can find news and information about the EESC'swork, including its social media accounts, the EESC Info newsletter, photo galleries and videos.
The EESC brings together representatives from all areas of organised civil society, who give their independent advice on EU policies and legislation. The EESC's326 Members are organised into three groups: Employers, Workers and Various Interests.
The EESC has six sections, specialising in concrete topics of relevance to the citizens of the European Union, ranging from social to economic affairs, energy, environment, external relations or the internal market.
Migration has been a key issue in European affairs and media throughout 2016. Civil society has played a major role in supporting public authorities, which otherwise would have been unable to cope with the sheer number of migrants and refugees reaching Europe.
Civil society has played a vital role in contributing to a more humane migration crisis management. Without the response of various NGOs, charities and individuals, the tragic humanitarian situation which has unfolded in many European countries could have been much worse. The EESC position on migration …
Transition to a circular economy is a must if we are to protect our planet, but also if we are to increase the competitiveness of European industry. This is a long-term process that will require numerous initiatives at European, national and regional level. Companies see the circular economy as an opportunity. "Going green" is beneficial not only for the environment, but also for businesses, providing real savings in terms of raw materials, water and energy.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is not like other EU bodies. It is a unique forum for consultation, dialogue and consensus between representatives from all the different sectors of "organised civil society".
This 'easy-to-read' brochure describes the EESC, its missions, its role in the European Union decision making process, how it functions and its activities.
The EESC Permanent Study Group on Sustainable Food Systems aims to contribute to the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU. This leaflet presents its main priorities and ongoing work.
The presence of mass immigration in the Southern Mediterranean region of Europe requires the development of new instruments in the field of social security coordination. Many of the existing problems associated with coordinating social security systems have been resolved, until now, through bilateral agreements between Member States and MED countries. However, it is practically impossible for all 28 Member States to individually initiate negotiations with all MED countries or vice versa.
The 10th Civil Society Media Seminar will be organised at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna from 24 to 25 November 2016, looking at how European institutions, member states, civil society and media are communicating migration and try to with the help of the speakers and an engaged audience to formulate useful advice for a clearer and more targeted communication to counteract polarisation within European societies and strengthen solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and within European Member States.
Road transport is a crucial part of the European Union's single market and of its economy as a whole. At the same time, it is a vital economic sector in its own right, employing about 5 million people across the EU, generating close to 2% of EU GDP, and directly impacting on the quality of life of millions of European citizens. The EU road transport sector has developed significantly over the years, benefiting trade, the economy and freedom of movement. However, the success has had dark sides too and the sector today faces considerable challenges.
Position paper on the role of culture in the EU and the EESC's actions in this field, with special focus on the study Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe, recently published by the EESC Various Interests Group, and the conference A hope for Europe! Culture, cities and new narratives organized by this Group on 20-21 June 2016.