On 20 March 2025, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Montenegro convened the 20th Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) in Podgorica. This platform, established between the EESC and Montenegrin civil society, provides a civil society perspective within the EU institutional framework related to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and Montenegro. The JCC enables civil society organisations from both sides to monitor Montenegro's accession negotiations, discuss common interests, and inform the public about the challenges during the accession period.
Promoting the Roma community's political participation at the local level and empowering them to become active members of society are two main aspects of the current EU Roma strategic framework. Whilst some members of the Roma community serve as mayors or deputy mayors, in most Member States the Roma are not represented in the local decision-making process, and are at times deprived by direct and indirect, legal and extralegal means from exercising their own political rights. The hearing will discuss the obstacles faced by the Roma community which hinder them from becoming active citizens, and the changes that are needed. It will also look at good practices from municipalities where actions are being taken to enhance the Roma community's representation and inclusion.
The event is part of the Posting 360 programme and the European Labour Authority (ELA)-led workstream on posting of third country nationals (TCNs). As a follow-up to the 2023-24 workshops on posting, the ELA is launching the ELA Report on contracting chains and recruitment of TCNs in the EU, alongside a discussion on safeguards for posted TCN workers and the role of social partners and civil society in supporting them.
In recent years, overlapping crises – from the lingering effects of the pandemic to the escalating challenges of climate change, increasing living costs, and widening income disparities – have created fertile ground for widespread polarisation. Social instability, economic downturns and widespread discontent, particularly among those who feel unheard and left behind, have further deepened societal divisions.
European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Day 2025 will take place as part of the EESC’s second edition of Civil Society Week, held on 17-20 March, with a focus on the theme of Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies.
The 7th meeting of the EU and the Canada Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs), "DAG-to-DAG meeting", established under the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will take place on 17 March 2025. The Members will discuss the joint priorities in preparation of the thematic debates of the Civil Society Forum and Trade and Sustainable Development Committee Meetings.
A joint statement, prepared by both sides, will be discussed and adopted.
On 13-14 March 2025, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will bring together nearly 100 young participants from youth organisations, national youth councils and secondary schools as well as 37 teachers from EU Member States, candidate countries and the UK for its annual Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) event. This year, YEYS will focus on the role of young people in collectively shaping a resilient future. It aims to equip them to engage in civic action and continue to contribute to participatory democracy activities in their communities and beyond.
On 11 February, the European Commission published its 2025 work programme. Several initiatives in the work programme – initiatives to enhance competitiveness through the promotion of reforms and investments, both private and public, the new the Savings and Investment Union, as well as the next Multiannual Financial Framework, just to name a few – fall in the remit of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). We organise this debate to discuss with representatives of the Commission and the members of the EESC the conditions and actions needed for the EU and its Member States to successfully implement what is outlined in the Commission and achieve the shared goals of the Union.
