Sustainable development

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  • On Thursday, 16 January 2025, from 09:30 – 12:15 (CET), the European Economic and Social Committee will host an event organised by Pro(to)topia and the Club of Rome focusing on metrics for sustainable prosperity in the European Union. 

  • Greater use of digitalisation in the construction and housing industry and the involvement of social economy actors in housing provision can bring opportunities to address current challenges in the area of housing affordability and sustainability in Europe. Since housing is not just a need but a human right, a pan-European response to the various challenges is needed, according to a conference organised by the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 21 November, at which a new EESC study on the subject was presented.

  • The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is actively participating in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11–22, 2024. Representing the voices of civil society, the EESC is committed to ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are included in global climate solutions. 

  • An initiative of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group in cooperation with Friends of the Earth Europe
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    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) presented the photo exhibition ‘Powerful Encounters: Picturing an end to energy poverty’ on the initiative of its Civil Society Organisations’ Group and in cooperation with Friends of the Earth Europe. The work of photographer Miriam Strong was exhibited from 4 to 16 December 2024 at the EESC’s premises in Brussels.

  • Published in
    8 pages

    This resolution presents recommendations of the European Economic and Social Committee to the legislature 2024-2029. They are based on discussions with social partners and civil society organizations from all walks of life, including young people during the first EESC Civil Society Week, and contain a comprehensive set of actionable steps to strengthen and safeguard democratic principles.

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    4 pages

    Between 20-23 September, EESC President Oliver Röpke led a delegation of the European Economic and Social Committee to the United Nations Summit of the Future, which took place in New York. The event, a cornerstone in discussions about the future of multilateral cooperation, focused on urgent global challenges including sustainable development, peace, security, and digital governance.

  • New mandate, new challenge - reaffirming TSD amid economic security ambitions

    The third edition of the EESC Civil Society Forum on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) took place on Thursday, 5 December, from 13:45 to 17:30 at the EESC premises in Brussels. Under the theme "New mandate, new challenge: reaffirming TSD amid economic security ambitions," this year's Forum focused on ensuring that the EU's economic security agenda is consistent with and delivers for TSD. As we welcome a new EU Commission, this is the moment to influence policy direction and ensure that trade policy fosters resilience and security alongside long-term development and social justice for all partners. 

  • Protecting the most vulnerable in European societies 

    In this issue:

    • Our members reflect on ways for protecting the most vulnerable in European societies;
    • Guest articles by Carlos SUSÍAS RODADO (European Anti Poverty Network), Sirpa RAUTIO (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights), Rocío URÍAS MARTÍNEZ (European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless) and Rainer HUB (National Network for Civil Society in Germany);
    • Report on our recent conference on intergenerational solidarity in the EU;
    • Interview with rapporteur Pietro Vittorio BARBIERI on the new EESC opinion on 'Caregivers'.
    • Civil Society Organisations' Bulletin - October 2024
  • On 15 November the EESC will host a pivotal event focusing on the benefits of organic food and the critical role of public procurement in advancing sustainable practices. This event will bring together representatives from cities, national governments, and institutions to discuss the future of organic farming and its impact on farmers, workers, the climate, and the environment.

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    Study
    53 pages

    This study explores effective practices for youth participation in policy and decision-making processes, providing a comprehensive overview of what youth participation means and its key characteristics