Press releases

  • Reference number
    43/2023

    A new report from the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the growing challenges civil society organisations face in Europe. The report was unveiled on 7 November during the FRRL Group's conference on the current state of the rule of law and its impact on civic space.

  • Reference number
    42/2022

    On 26 October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) unveiled its plan for a comprehensive EU water strategy. The EESC is leading the way as the first European institution to take concrete steps to address the water crisis. Its proposals include: water consumption labels, a Blue Transition Fund, water conditionality in EU fund, and a dedicated EU Commissioner for water.
    Read EESC President Oliver Röpke's Declaration for an EU Blue Deal.

  • Reference number
    41/2023

    Despite many recent breakthroughs and the fact that the EU gender equality index reached record levels this year, much still needs to be done for women to achieve equal rights as men in many domains

  • Reference number
    40

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held the 9th edition of the Western Balkans Civil Society Forum on 19-20 October 2023, just a few weeks ahead of the European Commission's Enlargement Package and the New Growth Plan. The Forum signalled a renewed momentum for the region to join the EU, in view of the current geopolitical situation and a clear commitment of EU leaders to the enlargement policy. Representatives of Civil Society Organisations stressed the need for greater support and safeguarding of civic space to facilitate the essential socio-economic reforms required for EU integration.

  • Reference number
    39/2023

    At its conference in Bilbao, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urged the European Union to launch a European action plan stepping up cooperation between national health systems. The main goal: to provide better diagnoses, treatment and care to patients with rare diseases.

  • Reference number
    38/2023

    In a joint letter with the European Parliament's MEP Water Group, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is calling on EU Heads of State and Government to support an EU Blue Deal strategy as part of the European Commission's upcoming mandate (2024-2029).

  • Reference number
    37/2023

    On 25 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) announced its winners in the three categories of the EU Organic Awards: Best organic food processing SME, Best organic food retailer, and ...

  • The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has slammed the EU for its inadequate support and insufficient funding for civil society organisations working in the area of fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy. With civil society encountering ever more difficulties, the EESC announced that it would monitor the situation of democracy and human rights defenders more closely, both in the EU and in enlargement countries

  • Reference number
    35/2023

    On 20 September 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted a debate highlighting the achievements of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) "Fur Free Europe". At its core, the initiative stands as a resounding call for a fur-free continent, pushing for a total ban on fur farming and on the sale of fur products within European markets.

  • Reference number
    34/2023

    The European Economic and Social Committee has adopted an opinion on the Mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework 2021-27 proposed by the Commission last June. The Committee feels that the proposal lacks the ambition to respond properly to Europe's key challenges. Short-term solutions are needed to address its shortcomings. The debate on the new MFF should start soon.