At its plenary session on 24 February, the EESC adopted an opinion on the Commission's Communication outlining orientations for a reform of the economic governance framework. While the EESC agrees on the need for a swift agreement ahead of the Member States' budgetary processes for 2024, it also stresses that many details are yet to be finalised.
In an opinion adopted on 23 February, the EESC commented on the Commission's Communication on the 2023 Annual Sustainable Growth Survey, which outlines the economic and employment policy priorities for the EU for the coming 12 to 18 months.
One year from the start of the war in Ukraine – Impact of the war on people in Ukraine and in the EU, linked to the adoption of EESC resolution on "Ukraine: One year after the Russian invasion – the European Civil Society Perspective", with Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Centre for Civic Liberties and Lora Pappa, Founder and President of the Greek NGO METAdrasi – Action for Migration Development
Supporting labour market developments: how to maintain employability, boost productivity and develop skills, especially in SMEs, in the context of the European Year of Skills 2023 and linked to the adoption of the related SOC/722 own-initiative opinion
Just one day before the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a resolution calling for Ukraine's swift accession to the EU in full respect of enlargement principles. The EESC supports establishing a special international tribunal on crimes of aggression against Ukraine, and points out that support to civil society must continue for "as long as it takes".
EESC plenary debate on One year from the start of the war in Ukraine – Impact of the war on people in Ukraine and in the EU, linked to the adoption of the EESC resolution on Ukraine - One year after the Russian invasion – the European Civil Society Perspective
At its plenary session on 22 February, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a debate that warned about companies' growing struggle to get a skilled workforce and pointed to the pressing need for an all-encompassing skills strategy at all levels. The debate saw the participation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and development (OECD), SMEunited and Social Economy Europe.
At the February plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, called on the European institutions to support the Belarusian people in their fight against authoritarianism. Belarus must not be Putin’s consolation prize: it deserves to be part of the European family. This will only be possible with the active support of all EU institutions.
