Reimagining the design of cities, communities and housing is essential to face the current challenges. Civil society organisations have a key role to play in steering this transformation. Sustainability and the right to housing must be at the heart of future strategies. The EU could contribute to this by increasing European funding for affordable housing and supporting the social economy.
Conference of the EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group in the framework of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Copenhagen, Danish Society of Engineers (IDA), 2 July 2025
At its June 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a forward-looking opinion on the future of the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, calling for a more ambitious and binding approach for the 2025–2030 period.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a pivotal opinion addressing the growing threat of social exclusion and marginalisation driven by the erosion of purchasing power. This opinion, part of the EESC’s broader cost-of-living crisis package, focuses on the social dimensions of the crisis and outlines a comprehensive strategy to safeguard vulnerable populations and reinforce Europe’s social fabric.
Following a debate in plenary with European Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted an own-initiative opinion urging the European Commission to deliver a more ambitious and fairer action plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
As the voice of organised civil society, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plays a crucial role in shaping policies that impact social and economic aspects within the European Union. The EESC's Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) is preparing two key opinions: one will tackle the fight against poverty head-on, while the other looks at revising the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) tirelessly defends the rights of the LGBTIQ community through a series of strategic actions and initiatives. In alignment with the European Commission’s LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, the EESC has adopted a set of measures to combat discrimination and promote equality across the EU. In the context of Pride Week, here is an overview of the main opinions that fall under the Strategy.
believes it is crucial to include persons with disabilities throughout the process of designing, developing, assessing and implementing new technologies and AI-based applications. This involvement is key to mitigating potential discriminatory risks;
invites the Member States and the EU to audit and evaluate to what extent AI applications are inclusive in critical fields;
believes further follow-up is required to protect persons with disabilities from the harmful application of supposedly limited risk systems, particularly in the field of employment and recruitment;
underlines the importance of ensuring the general accessibility of services and goods that apply new technologies and AI based solutions
Despite progress in gender equality, millions of women across Europe still face violence, discrimination and barriers to equal opportunities. From under-representation in leadership to the alarming rise in gender-based violence, urgent action is needed. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) High-Level Forum on Women’s Rights brought together leading voices to address these pressing issues and outline key priorities ahead of the upcoming UN Commission on the Status of Women session.
