EESC urges bold action to shape the EU’s future in 2025 Work Programme

As the European Commission crafts its 2025 Work Programme, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a resolution to shape its priorities and tackle Europe’s critical geopolitical and socio-economic challenges. The EESC’s recommendations highlight the urgent need to drive long-term competitiveness, social cohesion, and environmental resilience to secure the EU’s global leadership and ensure a prosperous future for all.

EESC President Oliver Röpke emphasized the critical importance of bold and collaborative efforts in shaping the 2025 Work Programme: 'At this crucial juncture for Europe, we must not only address immediate challenges but also set a vision for long-term prosperity. By fostering innovation, ensuring fairness, and upholding our environmental commitments, we can lead Europe toward a brighter, more united future.'

Driving competitiveness with a Clean Industrial Deal

The EESC urges EU institutions to act decisively on Draghi’s report by adopting a Clean Industrial Deal. This strategy would strengthen productivity and competitiveness through massive investments in innovation and sustainable technologies, ensuring the EU remains ahead of global competitors. Crucially, these efforts must preserve the single market’s integrity while addressing gaps in growth and innovation across Member States.

Cutting red tape without cutting standards

Reducing administrative burdens is essential, but it must be done transparently and inclusively. The EESC stresses that reforms should maintain high societal and environmental standards. For SMEs, the ‘think small first’ principle should drive action, with measures like simplified processes, stable legislation, and affordable renewable energy to empower smaller businesses.

Empowering social dialogue and civil society

Social dialogue is a cornerstone of growth and productivity. The EESC calls for civil society to be fully recognised as a partner in shaping and delivering EU policies. A clear strategy and actionable plan for civil society will help ensure that democratic values, just transitions, and social justice remain at the forefront of EU efforts.

Cohesion policies as the foundation for unity

Cohesion funds are vital for closing regional gaps and ensuring economic and social convergence. The EESC advocates for a dedicated Directorate-General for Cohesion to coordinate these efforts while preserving their multi-level governance structure. These funds remain critical to promoting unity and resilience across the EU.

The EESC’s resolution on the 2025 European Commission Work Programme outlines a clear path to tackle today’s challenges while securing a brighter future. By acting boldly, inclusively, and strategically, the EU can position itself as a global leader, delivering competitiveness, sustainability, and social equity. Now is the time for Europe to rise to the occasion and shape a prosperous future for generations to come.

Quotes from the rapporteurs

‘The 2025 work programme comes at a pivotal moment for Europe, which is facing significant challenges. To navigate these, it must regain global leadership, strengthen the European social model implementing the European Pillar of social rights, build a strong cohesion policy and accompany with common, targeted measures the green and digital transitions.’, EESC rapporteur Cinzia Del Rio (Workers’ Group)

‘We urge EU institutions to follow-up on Draghi’s report and act decisively to ensure the EU’s long-term   competitiveness, prosperity for all and leadership on the global stage. Massive investments in innovation and sustainable technologies are necessary to strengthen the EU’s productivity and competitiveness. Therefore, the envisaged Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Fund will be important instruments.', EESC rapporteur Christa Schweng (Employers’ Group)

‘There is no equality or social justice without civil dialogue and empowered CSOs. We urge the European Commission to fully recognise civil society as essential for a democratic, inclusive, cohesive and fair Europe. CSO voices must shape its 2025 work programme and protect European values.', EESC rapporteur Ioannis Vardakastanis (Civil Society Organisations’ Group)