The EESC has adopted recommendations to tackle Europe’s cost-of-living crisis, stressing the need for both immediate relief and long-term reforms. Rising energy bills, soaring food prices and unaffordable housing are hitting households hard, exposing structural weaknesses in Europe’s economic and social systems.

In its opinion, which is part of a broader EESC package, the EESC calls for urgent EU and national action to protect vulnerable groups, promote fairness and strengthen resilience. 'Although inflation has started to slow, prices remain well above pre-crisis levels. This is hitting not only the most vulnerable but also the backbone of our society,' warned rapporteur Thomas Kattnig.

The EESC argues that short-term support must be combined with structural change, highlighting five key areas: ensuring access to essential services such as housing, energy and healthcare; reforming energy markets and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies; rebuilding Europe's industrial base and supply resilience; simplifying regulation to cut costs without lowering standards; and providing targeted social support, including minimum income schemes and rent subsidies.

The opinion places emphasis on housing, with rapporteur Krzysztof Balon urging a large-scale increase in affordable and social housing and more flexible EU State aid rules. Employment and skills are also central, with calls for fair wages, inclusive policies, support for the social economy and lifelong learning opportunities.

It also stresses the need for a future-ready economy. Rapporteur Krister Andersson underlined that strengthening the single market, promoting investment and managing the green and digital transitions fairly are vital to competitiveness and cohesion. (tk)