Comité économique et social européen
The EESC's Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) held a debate on 15 November addressing gender disparities in access to financial markets. Studies highlight these gaps, sparking ongoing debates as to their causes. Women-led EU businesses receive only 2% of venture capital, apply for fewer loans and invest cautiously. The talks explored how these disparities affected society and the economy and searched for policy solutions.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has weighed in on the EU's proposal to regulate environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings. In an opinion adopted in October 2023, the EESC emphasises the need for quality standards to combat greenwashing and advocates the mandatory inclusion of the principle of double materiality. The definitions of "ESG ratings" and "ESG rating providers" need to be refined to exclude certain non-commercial activities from the regulation's scope. Additionally, the Committee recommends establishing an EU sustainability agency.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has presented a set of crucial recommendations in response to the Commission's proposed legislative package reforming the European Union's economic governance framework. While the EESC appreciates the intention of simplifying the framework, it advocates for critical adjustments to the proposal. These recommendations come at a pivotal moment, underlining the need for a balanced, adaptable, and sustainable approach to economic governance within the EU.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted in plenary an evaluation report on the implementation of the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a critical temporary instrument – introduced in February 2021 – of EUR 723.8 billion in loans and grants available to support reforms and investments undertaken by the Members States to emerge stronger and more resilient from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the request of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) offers an insightful perspective on the future of cohesion policy. Against the backdrop of evolving challenges such as the pandemic, climate change and digital transformation, the Committee's exploratory opinion highlights key recommendations to shape a "cohesion policy 2.0" that is more adaptable, socially focused and responsive to the needs of European citizens and regions.
The European Economic and Social Committee has adopted an opinion on the Mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework 2021-27 proposed by the Commission last June. The Committee feels that the proposal lacks the ambition to respond properly to Europe's key challenges. Short-term solutions are needed to address its shortcomings. The debate on the new MFF should start soon.
In the wake of recent banking crises in the US and the Credit Suisse case, the EESC has reviewed the Commission's proposal to reform the Bank Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance framework (CMDI). Among other measures, the Committee calls for protecting the interests of smaller and local banks, depositors and taxpayers, and coordinating the CMDI package with the future reform of the State aid Regulation.
In an opinion debated and adopted in plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee renewed its request for reform of the European Semester. The opinion, which draws on a recent consultation undertaken in 23 different Member States, calls for an EU regulation to make civil society involvement in the cycle mandatory.
On 23 March, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted two opinions on the Commission's latest proposals to further develop the EU's Capital Markets Union. Regarding the Listing Act, the Committee recommends that the full listing documentation be published in the national languages to empower local retail investors and help the development of a national retail investment base.
At its plenary session on 24 February, the EESC adopted an opinion on the Commission's Communication outlining orientations for a reform of the economic governance framework. While the EESC agrees on the need for a swift agreement ahead of the Member States' budgetary processes for 2024, it also stresses that many details are yet to be finalised.
