Public Procurement was better framed in successive EU regulations and, with a view to more accessible and transparent access to it, the procedures were formulated in a more supportive manner. Its importance will continue to increase, both at a national level in the Member States and at a more local level.
Several challenges remain Particularly at the national level, the size and volume play to the advantage of larger companies that can rely on experience and expertise when drawing up files. At a more local level, there are opportunities for MSMEs and, even more specifically, for companies in the social economy. These opportunities require active attention and guidance from both the requesting and offering parties.
In this opinion, the EESC calls for a sustainable EU Food Policy that supports farmers' incomes, protects food security and strengthens crisis management. Proposals include introducing tools and mechanism to strengthen the position of farmers and devising an EU-wide system of public insurance against natural disasters.
The EESC stresses the urgent need to adapt strategies for work-life balance taking into consideration the shifting demographics, new forms of work, flexible working arrangements and rising care demands, also in view of the 2027 revision of the Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers. While looking at the increased demand for care services, it recommends the Council asks the Commission to develop a Care Toolbox with indicators for long-term care. Highlights that despite some progress, women still bear most unpaid care work, contributing to the “feminisation of poverty” as women leave their jobs or reduce their working hours to care for relatives or children. Stresses that care work and financial security of families and workers should be seen as an investment benefiting society and the economy and not as an expense.
Download — Parecer do CESE: Ensuring a needs-based work-life balance for all: How adequate flexible working conditions can support intergenerational solidarity and the empowerment of women
The employment guidelines, proposed by the Commission and approved by the Council, set common priorities and targets for national employment policies. Despite strong labour market performance in 2023, growing labour and skills shortages are hindering economic growth and competitiveness, potentially slowing green and digital transitions. Inequalities in the labour market persist, and artificial intelligence is reshaping work and employment structures. Social protection systems must adapt to this evolving landscape. In this opinion, the EESC stresses the importance of upward convergence, enhancing the European Semester's role in coordinating economic policy, and strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining. The EESC also calls for greater involvement of social partners in employment reforms, boosting labour supply, improving access to quality jobs, and addressing staff shortages.
The European Union’s ambitious climate targets have significantly impacted resource and energy-intensive industries (REIIs), which are crucial to the EU economy. These industries face rising costs due to high energy prices, carbon pricing, and regulatory changes. This opinion reflects on the optimal solutions to maintain the competitiveness of EU industry in face if the rising energy prices and the costs required to support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The EU Youth Test at the EESC was applied to this opinion.
Consumers are increasingly mindful of environmental and social issues when buying products, emphasizing the importance of information on product origin and distribution in their decision-making process.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) was asked by the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU to produce an exploratory opinion on paving the way to EU accession for the Western Balkans, underlining the benefits of the future enlargement to the region from a holistic point of view.
