The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an own-initiative opinion on the European Citizens' Initiative "My Voice, My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion". The EESC has expressed full support for the initiative and calls on the European Commission to submit a proposal for financial support for Member States that would allow anyone in Europe who still lacks access to safe and legal abortion to safely terminate a pregnancy, in accordance with national law. The EESC further stresses that denial or obstruction of abortion care constitutes institutional gender-based violence.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: My Voice, My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion
In line with the European Commission President’s political guidelines, the initiative will aim to boost new industrial uses of AI and improve public services’ delivery, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Apply AI Strategy – strengthening the AI continent
The opinion focuses on the proposal for a new funding programme on Single Market and Customs for the period 2028-2034. With € 6.2 billion (double the funding compared to the current long-term EU budget), the reinforced Single Market and Customs Programme will combine several previously standalone programmes (Single Market Programme, Customs, Customs Control Equipment Instrument, Fiscalis and the Union Anti-Fraud Programme) into one coherent strategy that should preserve EU economic security.
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The European Social Fund (ESF) is the EU's main instrument to promote and strengthen social cohesion in Europe's societies by investing in Europe's people, their future and preparedness. The EESC's opinion welcomes the proposal to establish the ESF within the National and Regional Partnership Plans for 2028–2034, but calls for a stronger social dimension, clearer governance, and reinforced partnership structures. The EESC insists on protecting the ESF's distinctive role in supporting quality employment, skills development and social inclusion while ensuring that funding remains adequate, targeted and complementary with other EU instruments.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Establishing the European Social Fund as part of the National and Regional Partnership Plan
In this opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) outlines its recommendations regarding the proposed regulation for the Erasmus+ program spanning 2028 to 2034. The recommendations include the following: • Establish a clear distinction between Youth, Education and Training, and Sport. • Ensure transparent budget allocation between Youth and Vocational Education and Training (VET). • Implement measures to safeguard youth participation and support the Solidarity Corps. • Develop strategies to enhance inclusion across the program. • Strengthen initiatives to improve skills, thereby facilitating better outcomes in the labor market.
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, Luca JAHIER (Civil Society Organisations - GR III/Italy)
Plenary session number
602
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Presentation of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) by Mr Constantinos Masonos, co-chair of the MFF Ad Hoc Working Party
This exploratory opinion will focus on the comprehensive evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives that the Commission has envisaged to carry out; such evaluation will look into whether the current rules are fit for purpose or not. The EESC opinion aims at contributing to this exercise reflecting the perspective of civil society.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Review of the European public procurement legal framework
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund
The EU Competitiveness Fund, part of the Multiannual Financial Framework, will streamline support for innovation and industrial development by merging existing programmes, simplifying access – particularly for SMEs – and guiding investments across key sectors with unified rules and a shared financial toolbox.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Competitiveness fund
