On behalf of the Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee, I wish to express our deepest condolences after the tragic train accident that occurred yesterday late afternoon in the Andalusian province of Córdoba, which has claimed so many lives and left many people seriously injured.
At a time of growing geopolitical, economic and social uncertainty, the EESC’s Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) is opening the year with a high-level debate on how Europe can strengthen its autonomy, resilience and preparedness.
The event will feature a keynote speech by Nicolas Schmit, former European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights (2019–2024), focusing on Europe’s future competitiveness, preparedness and resilience.
The EESC has adopted an opinion pointing out that nuclear energy is an essential component of the clean energy mix which is needed to phase out fossil fuels. The Committee calls on the European Commission to include key regulatory and financial enablers in order to make the planned investment possible, and to enhance transparent dialogue with civil society.
At its December 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an own-initiative opinion on Facilitating the potential of permanent materials in the EU circular economy. The opinion stresses the importance of steel, aluminium and glass – materials that retain their properties through multiple recycling cycles – for achieving a truly circular EU economy.
In an opinion that was adopted at its December plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urges the European Commission to radically strengthen the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), calling for a strategic pivot away from last-minute emergency response and toward comprehensive disaster prevention. The warning comes as Europe faces increasingly volatile climate extremes, cyber-physical threats, and geopolitical instability.
At its December 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion supporting the European Commission’s proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes for 2028–2034. The EESC calls for robust support for civil society, enhanced democratic participation, and a stronger European Area of Justice, in the pursuit of a free and democratic Europe.
In an opinion that was adopted at its December plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urges the EU to step up public and private investment in space, with the end goal of reinforcing strategic autonomy and promoting innovation. The Committee also advises increasing the funds allocated to the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (covering 2028–2034).
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has endorsed the European Commission’s new strategy to overhaul the single market, while calling for fully-fledged implementation of single market-related measures and effective enforcement of EU legislation.
