Press releases

  • Reference number
    24/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level debate demonstrating that culture is not a luxury, but a strategic asset for democracy, social cohesion and Europe’s economic resilience. Speakers call for stronger political recognition and sustained investment to turn ambition into action.

  • Reference number
    23/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee warns that expanding supplementary pensions must not weaken public pension systems. In recommendations to the European Commission, it calls for a balanced approach that strengthens both systems. Adopted in April, the EESC’s opinion supports the development of workplace and personal pension schemes, but stresses that they must remain complementary to public pensions. It calls for action at both national and European level to improve labour markets, reinforce public systems and increase trust in additional pension savings.

  • Reference number
    22/2026

    The current geopolitical context is shining a harsh spotlight on the price that Europe is paying for its dependency on third countries, as European Council President António Costa said at a plenary debate with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EU must boost its competitiveness to be able to deliver tangible results in terms of jobs, income and affordable housing.

  • Reference number
    21/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high‑level debate on Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two key EESC opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and a comprehensive EU‑wide ban on conversion practices.

  • Reference number
    20/2026

    Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is not only about making Europe cleaner and more competitive, but also about achieving strategic autonomy. The European Circular Economy Stakeholders platform is set to play a crucial role in this process.

  • On 21st of April, the EESC Workers’ Group brought together experts from the ETUC, S&D MEPs, the Spanish government and the European Commission to examine the current push for competitiveness, the Commission’s proposals on the 28th Regime, also known as EU Inc. proposal and the Quality Jobs Act. 

  • Reference number
    18/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) acknowledges the European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) performance audit report on the EU advisory bodies – the EESC and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) – and values its recommendations.

  • Reference number
    17/2026

    At the 'Your Europe, Your Say!' event, participants put forward proposals to contribute to the EU's next strategy for young people. They called on the EU institutions to pay far more attention to their housing needs, the challenges of the digital sphere and their potential in political and social life.

  • Reference number
    16/2026

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed the emotional well-being of children and young people at the centre of its March plenary session, holding a major three-part flagship debate that brought together EU institutions, international organisations, civil society and youth representatives. Speakers urged a coordinated push for prevention, safer digital spaces and stronger community support to protect young people’s emotional well-being.

  • Reference number
    15/2026

    Dezbaterea desfășurată în cadrul sesiunii plenare a CESE din martie a subliniat importanța unei cooperări civile și militare mai strânse, menită să consolideze încrederea. Mobilitatea militară este componenta-cheie a independenței europene și trebuie să se axeze pe infrastructură, respect social și pe frontiere.