The focus of current informal discussions in the Council is on how cohesion policy can adjust to the new circumstances following the unforeseen shocks that Europe has faced in the last years without losing its long-term development goals. The Spanish Presidency refers to "Cohesion policy 2.0" in this context, which particularly means that cohesion policy needs to be transformed and become more modern and flexible. Also, it will need to take into account the RRF which will come to an end at some time.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: The Recovery and Resilience Facility and cohesion policy: towards cohesion policy 2.0
This exploratory opinion will be an opportunity to follow up on the EESC work on sustainable food systems, address the causes of obesity as the social determinant of health and provide recommendations for promoting healthier and sustainable diets, healthy lifestyle habits and protection of vulnerable children to feed into the work of the Spanish presidency.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Measures to reduce child obesity
The revision of Regulation (EC) 648/2004 will follow-up on the EU chemicals strategy for sustainability. It will adapt the regulatory requirements for detergents to recent developments and socio-economic needs. The revision will also address the weaknesses identified by the evaluation, such as the incoherence of concepts and definitions established in the Regulation with the meaning they gained over time and in practice.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Making available and placing on the market of detergents
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Sustainable water management and climate emergency: circular and other solutions for the EU agri-food system in a future "Blue Deal"
The Green Deal Industrial Plan aims to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the fast transition to climate neutrality.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Green Deal Industrial Plan
In this opinion, the EESC: encourages reforming EU health systems for mental health by focusing on prevention, early detection, and community-based care; recommends that the EU Comprehensive Plan on Mental Health is swiftly transposed in an EU Mental Health Strategy which has a timeframe, funding defined responsibilities and progress indicators. The EESC highlights the importance of considering the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on mental health within the European Semester process and emphasizes the need for increased investments in the health sector as part of National Recovery and Resilience Plans; supports the development of person-centered mental health systems that empower individuals and promote their active involvement in their own recovery, aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Measures to improve mental health
All industries rely on water. Anticipating future risks related to water scarcity as well as quality and increasing pricing of water is vital for industries, particularly for water-intensive sectors. Many industries are increasingly facing the pressure to progressively adopt more water-efficient production processes and reduce their environmental impact.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Water-intensive industries and water-efficient technologies
