The EESC issues between 160 and 190 opinions and information reports a year.
It also organises several annual initiatives and events with a focus on civil society and citizens’ participation such as the Civil Society Prize, the Civil Society Days, the Your Europe, Your Say youth plenary and the ECI Day.
Here you can find news and information about the EESC'swork, including its social media accounts, the EESC Info newsletter, photo galleries and videos.
The EESC brings together representatives from all areas of organised civil society, who give their independent advice on EU policies and legislation. The EESC's326 Members are organised into three groups: Employers, Workers and Various Interests.
The EESC has six sections, specialising in concrete topics of relevance to the citizens of the European Union, ranging from social to economic affairs, energy, environment, external relations or the internal market.
The 2023 edition of the EESC's annual European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) Day took place on 8 June. Participants in Brussels and online joined us to discuss how to upskill citizens for a successful ECI with impact.
In the coming months, the Spanish Presidency will have a crucial role to play at Europe’s helm. The European Economic and Social Committee will work closely with the Presidency in building a more resilient, inclusive and safer Europe, one that delivers for its citizens and effectively tackles the challenges ahead.
Report on the country visit to Croatia – 30-31 March 2023
This report relays the views of Croatian civil society on freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the rule of law.
Focused on the themes of democracy, active citizenship and youth engagement, the annual flagship youth summit "Your Europe, Your Say!" by the European Economic and Social Committee titled "Youth Democracy Dialogues" was held on 23 and 24 March 2023. It saw the participation of 105 students from 35 EU member states and candidate countries and included workshops, a cultural element and two youth plenary sessions.
This study looks at the Conference on the Future of Europe’s (CoFoE) proposals on European democracy and the role of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). It explores different options for institutional reform of the EESC to best serve its purpose and increase citizens’ participation. To do this, the study examines different forms of participatory and deliberative practices, the current functions of the EESC, and the roles and structures of selected National Economic and Social Councils (NESCs).
Report on the country visit to Slovenia – 17-18 November 2022
This report relays the views of Slovenian civil society on freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the rule of law.
Consequences for employment in regions undergoing energy transitions
This study examines the socio-economic situation of three lignite regions in the process of transitioning out of coal mining: Lusatia in Germany, Wielkopolska in Poland, and Upper Nitra in Slovakia. It assesses the effectiveness of various instruments, factors and approaches in creating quality jobs, employment, and economic growth.
The decline of employment in the European agriculture sector increases the need of EU and non-EU seasonal workers at peaks of planting and harvesting activities. EU citizens’ freedom and right to work across the Union allows the proper functioning of the market economy by providing labour where and when it is needed. Still, after 30 years of the single market, once seasonal workers arrive at their destination, they are subject to fragmented, often localised, employment arrangements and rules.
Report on the country visit to Portugal – 6-7 October 2022
This report relays the views of Portuguese civil society on freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the rule of law.