The opinion analyses the legislative proposal on the EU Business Wallet which aims at enabling secure digital identification, data sharing and legally valid notifications across the EU. Its purpose is to help economic operators manage regulatory requirements, cut administrative burdens and compliance costs. By ensuring interoperability with national systems, it also aims at supporting cross-border business, boosting SME competitiveness, fostering trust in digital interactions and advancing the EU’s digital single market.
The EESC underlines that artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (AM) can improve the quality of employment and working conditions if they respect the human-in-control principle. They can strengthen occupational safety and health, enhance work organization, work-life balance and skills development. The EESC also draws attention to risks related to OSH, data use and underlines the importance of ensuring transparency, explainability and fairness in the use of AI and AM. Finally, the EESC underlines the central role of social dialogue and collective bargaining at all levels in this field.
Download — EGSZB-vélemény: Enhancing quality in employment and working conditions by introducing and promoting related tools (incl. AI) and strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining
The Cyprus Presidency has asked the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to draw up an exploratory opinion aimed at analysing how affordable housing initiatives can integrate measures to reduce energy costs for families and support vulnerable households.
This opinion explores modernising grids, adopting smart technologies, expanding connections and investing in storage and transmission innovation. It aims to improve integration and reliability to build a resilient European energy system in collaboration with neighbouring regions.
The EESC welcomes the proposed Home Affairs funds for migration, border management and internal security for 2028–2034, but warns that, taken together, they reflect a strong shift towards security and control that risks marginalising integration, inclusion and fundamental rights. While acknowledging the need for effective border management, returns and internal security, the EESC stresses that migration policy must prioritise legal, safe pathways, respect for EU and international law, and robust individual protection. The Committee calls for independent monitoring of fundamental rights at borders, stronger commitments to legal migration and integration, and strict human-rights compliance in cooperation with third countries. Ultimately, the EESC argues that the EU’s legitimacy in migration, border and security policies depend on its ability to defend democratic values and fundamental rights.
The debate on new own resources should evolve beyond technical adjustments and become a strategic reflection on how to strengthen the EU’s financial autonomy, cohesion and competitiveness. The EESC encourages the European Commission to further refine the overall design of the proposed own-resources package to make it ambitious, balanced and future-oriented.
The European Social Fund (ESF) is the EU's main instrument to promote and strengthen social cohesion in Europe's societies by investing in Europe's people, their future and preparedness. The EESC's opinion welcomes the proposal to establish the ESF within the National and Regional Partnership Plans for 2028–2034, but calls for a stronger social dimension, clearer governance, and reinforced partnership structures. The EESC insists on protecting the ESF's distinctive role in supporting quality employment, skills development and social inclusion while ensuring that funding remains adequate, targeted and complementary with other EU instruments.
