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 — Opinia EKES-u: 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.
In this opinion, the EESC fully supports the priorities identified by the Commission and reiterates the need for a cohesive European response. The EESC also stresses that removing barriers is key and that regulatory simplification must take place with full respect for social and workers’ rights. Finally, it calls on the Commission to put forward legislative proposals to address regional supply constraints.
Download — Opinia EKES-u: Sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive 2004/37/EC: extending the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work
Download — Opinia EKES-u: Strengthening European values in candidate countries by supporting the public service sector and empowering social partners and civil society organisations
The new state aid framework aims to draw from the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, a crisis measure to help countries support industry in the fallout from the pandemic and the Ukraine war. The new framework seeks to accompany the Clean Industrial Deal by setting out how Member States can design State aid measures to support its objectives, and will be in force until end 2030.
The Defence Readiness Omnibus reflects the priorities set out in the White Paper for European Defence-Readiness 2030, which recognises that the Union’s current regulatory framework must be adapted to enable rapid capability development and deployment. The package includes a Commission Communication and a series of legislative and non-legislative proposals, covering both defence-specific and broader regulatory areas. It aims to remove bottlenecks in public procurement, permitting, reporting obligations, and cross-border cooperation.
