The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) believes that tackling the social question is absolutely crucial to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development in the EU. The implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires merging the social with the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, bringing about a systemic change and overcoming the silo thinking prevalent in current EU strategies. The "new deal" announced by the Commission President-elect should therefore be a Green and Social Deal ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral Europe.

Fisheries, aquaculture and algae cultivation are crucial to increasing sustainable aquatic food production in the EU, promoting food security and creating economic growth and sustainable jobs. The potential of the blue bio-economy remains untapped in the EU. The EESC therefore recommends introducing pan-European pilot projects, and based on their results tapping the sector's full potential with the involvement of both local stakeholders and the scientific community. 

Farming can only be continued if our natural resources are preserved, warns EESC

The EU needs to put greater emphasis on short supply chains and agroecology in farming in order to preserve its agriculture and make it more resilient to new challenges, such as climate change. Agroecology is also a way to secure our food supply, make our food healthier and as such raise its value. Short supply chains will help smaller farms to increase their income and enliven rural areas.

The President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Luca Jahier is in Shanghai for the 17^th meeting of the EU-China Round Table, bringing together the EESC and the China Economic and Social Council (CESC).