EESC adopts resolution on the Commission’s 2027 work programme, highlighting competitiveness, resilience and sustainability as priorities

Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical instability, multiple social fractures and an accelerating climate change crisis, the Committee has set out key recommendations for the European Commission, which is expected to adopt its 2027 work programme in October.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted its Contribution to the European Commission’s 2027 work programme. At its June plenary session, the Committee presented its yearly resolution channelling the structured input of European organised civil society directly into the EU’s forthcoming legislative and political roadmap.

In the document, the EESC identifies strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, resilience and capacity for sustainable growth as its primary concern. To this end, the Committee recommends fostering a strong, innovative and business-friendly economy that enables companies to invest, innovate and create quality jobs across Europe.

The EESC also strongly encourages policymakers to place people at the heart of change. The EU should pursue this objective by reinforcing the European social model, promoting social and civil dialogue and inclusion, and ensuring fair digital, energy and green transitions based on workers’ rights, skills development, social and civil dialogue and equal opportunities.

Focus on businesses, people and the environment

The resolution was drafted by Marcin Nowacki, Carlos Manuel Trindade and Corina Andrea Murafa Benga and is structured around 6 pillars:

1) A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness

Referring to the Draghi and Letta reports, the EESC calls for deeper integration of the single market for services by revising and modernising the EU framework for services, reducing fragmentation through regulatory simplification and cross-border administrative procedures and strengthening enforcement tools.

2) A new era for preparedness, including European defence and security

The Committee recommends scaling up European defence capabilities through the timely implementation of EU-level flagship projects, while leveraging dual-use innovation to strengthen Europe’s civilian and defence capabilities.

3) Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model

The EESC stresses the importance of implementing the new action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights to promote equality, improve employment and social inclusion and, in line with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on the EU's legislative priorities for 2026, promote high-quality jobs.

4) Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature

In the Committee’s view, greater operational visibility should be given to health, care and mental well-being in 2027, within a One Health approach that acknowledges the triple planetary crisis (pollution, climate, biodiversity). This should include follow-up action on online safety, the mental health of children, young people and older people and the impact of AI, digitalisation and the ‘always on’ culture, alongside investment in climate adaptation and nature-based solutions to reduce health risks.

5) Upholding liberal democratic values

The EESC calls on the Commission to fully implement the EU Strategy for Civil Society through the meaningful involvement of civil society organisations, grassroots actors and cross-border networks.

6) A global Europe for the future: leveraging our power and partnerships

Finally, the Committee recommends upholding international law, multilateralism and diplomacy, respecting the UN Charter, and avoiding military escalation while working towards peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts.

Quotes by the EESC resolution’s rapporteurs

‘EU businesses need a clear and predictable regulatory environment to invest, innovate, and create jobs. This EESC Resolution is a call to focus EU action where it matters most: cutting unnecessary burdens, strengthening the Single Market, and supporting Europe’s economic resilience.’

Marcin Nowacki, EESC’s Employers’ Group

‘The EU needs a model that balances competitiveness and social progress. We call for a strong industrial base, innovation, and a deeper Single Market, with people remaining at the heart of Europe’s transformation. Green and digital transitions must be fair, securing quality jobs, equal opportunities and strong workers’ rights.’

Carlos Manuel Trindade, EESC’s Workers’ Group

‘Bearing in mind the triple planetary crisis - climate, biodiversity and pollution - and its impact, civil society organisations in the EESC urge the European Commission to place wellbeing, affordability, equality and civic freedoms at the centre of its 2027 agenda, measuring the success of our European model beyond GDP.’

Corina Andrea Murafa Benga, EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group