At the request of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the EESC is drawing up this opinion to suggest recommendations on how to tackle inequalities, foster upwards social convergence and strengthen social security systems and ensure its long-term affordability, in an EU economic governance framework/European Semester defined around debt sustainability, productive investments and reforms. This opinion is also focusing on the implications of such a framework for the European Semester, and the further strengthening of the social pillar herein. Finally, the opinion also looks at ways of continuing to further develop fiscal instruments that have a stabilising role at the European level, based e.g. on the experience of SURE.
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Download — EESK atzinums: Boosting long-term inclusive growth through reforms and investment
The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU: Opportunities and Challenges
In this issue:
Our members write about their expectations and proposals for the Spanish Presidency
Guest articles by Lourdes Márquez de la Calleja (Director of Alliances and International Relations at Fundación ONCE) and Victoria Ortega (President of Unión
Profesional and First Vice-President of CEPLIS)
Comment on the proposed reform of the European electricity market by rapporteur Jan Dirx
Interview on measures to fight stigma against HIV with rapporteur Pietro Vittorio Barbieri
In the coming months, the Spanish Presidency will have a crucial role to play at Europe’s helm. The European Economic and Social Committee will work closely with the Presidency in building a more resilient, inclusive and safer Europe, one that delivers for its citizens and effectively tackles the challenges ahead.
Healthcare must be people-centred and valued as a social investment, not a 'cost', concluded a conference organised by the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the EESC at the House of Europe in Stockholm on 25 May 2023. For this to happen it is necessary to change mindsets socially, economically and politically. Building on cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, EU Member States need to join forces to build resilient and sustainable health and care systems that leave no one behind and value the work of care workers, civil society organisations and volunteers.
The ECO Section organizes this public hearing to discuss on the current framework on resolution and insolvency, supervision, and bank deposit insurance scheme, and its reform. This event will bring institutional actors and civil society. Its conclusions will feed the work on the EESC opinion on the reform of the bank crisis management and deposit insurance framework.
As Sweden takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the ongoing crises of the war in Europe, the accelerating energy crisis and economic stagnation continue to be among the main political focus points. Our shared aims are to safeguard sustainable growth and competitiveness, while executing the green and digital transition and define our standing in the world and the well-being of our citizens.
The EESC is committed to contributing to the Swedish presidency and to working together to restore much needed balance and stability in Europe.
