Public services should not primarily be regarded as a cost to public finances, but as a strategic investment in democracy, social cohesion, economic development and the functioning of the EU. This is the core message of an opinion adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on how the sector can adapt to new challenges in the EU.
At its September plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted key opinions on the European Commission’s long-awaited railway Passenger Package. The Committee recommends focusing on protection, transparency and inclusiveness for passengers, backing the establishment of a single digital booking system and multimodal mobility platforms.
With the UN's targets still off track for 2030, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is calling for faster action. In a Resolution on the EU's priorities for 71st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW71), the Committee highlights persistent barriers to women's economic independence and leadership, widespread gender-based violence and the need for stronger cooperation between EU institutions, Member States, social partners and civil society.
The 2026 EU Organic Awards have once again rewarded outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects across Europe’s organic value chain. The winners offer a tangible example of the social farming model promoted by the European Economic and Social Committee: farms that create jobs, enable workers to reach their potential and help rural communities thrive. In a newly adopted opinion, the EESC urges the European Commission and Member States to give such initiatives long-term support.
At the September plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council reiterated their intention to act as steadfast partners in defending the role and model of participatory democracy which are embodied in them. The end goal: helping to shape a better future for Europeans.
At a high-level debate with European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on 23 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) backed simpler EU rules but called for stronger evidence, clearer safeguards and greater democratic scrutiny of the Commission’s better regulation plans.
Rural areas are essential to Europe’s prosperity and resilience, yet many people living there have poorer access to services, jobs and infrastructure. In an opinion adopted at its September plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee calls for a practical, EU-wide ‘rural proofing’ tool to ensure that policymakers assess the impact of decisions on rural communities from the outset. This approach should also shape the next EU budget and National and Regional Partnership Plans.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has welcomed the winners of the 2026 edition of the EU Organic Awards, celebrating three outstanding businesses that are helping make organic food more accessible, innovative and sustainable across Europe.
The winners were announced in Brussels on EU Organic Day, 23 September, during the official EU Organic Awards ceremony.
