As discussions on the European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme gather pace, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has underlined the need for a competitiveness agenda that delivers both economic strength and social progress. 

By the EESC Workers’ Group

‘Europe’s competitiveness cannot be built at the expense of workers. The digital, green and energy transitions must be fair transitions, based on quality jobs, skills, social dialogue, equal opportunities and strong workers’ rights’, the EESC states in its contribution to the 2027 Work Programme.

The EESC argues that Europe’s resilience and sustainable growth depend on a strong industrial base, innovation, investment and a deeper single market. At the same time, it stresses that people must remain at the heart of Europe’s transformation, with quality jobs, social dialogue and workers’ rights forming essential pillars of future policy.

The Committee calls for the European Pillar of Social Rights to be implemented in full and supports measures to strengthen fair labour mobility, digital workers’ rights, skills development and social conditionality in EU funding and public procurement. It also highlights the importance of the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, stronger protection against risks linked to algorithmic management, and greater investment in vocational education and training. 

Alongside social priorities, the EESC advocates a modern industrial policy focused on affordable energy, secure supply chains, critical raw materials and strategic infrastructure. It also calls for adequate resources in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), ensuring that competitiveness, cohesion, social progress and the green transition receive balanced support. 

The Committee further emphasises that tackling poverty, improving access to housing and essential services, as well as strengthening health, care and mental well-being are crucial to Europe’s democratic resilience. According to the EESC, sustainable prosperity will only be achieved if economic growth goes hand in hand with social inclusion and a better quality of life for all Europeans.