In this opinion, the EESC acknowledges the aim of the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy to provide a comprehensive framework for EU action. However, it considers the Strategy imbalanced, prioritising control, containment and return over a genuinely comprehensive, rights-based migration policy. It recommends that the Commission rebalance the Strategy by placing equal emphasis on regular migration pathways, integration and inclusion policies, and the protection of fundamental rights.
In this Opinion, the EESC stresses that the Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 requires strong political commitment and calls for stronger action against racism, discrimination and xenophobia. It recommends binding mechanisms, reinforced monitoring, stricter enforcement with effective penalties, and national plans in all Member States. The EESC supports sustainable funding, including for civil society, and stronger action in housing, health, education, work and online hate.
In this opinion, the EESC welcomes the Commission communication on the Quality Jobs Roadmap and points out that the sustainable competitiveness of the European Union, productivity, innovation and social progress must be mutually reinforcing. Job quality is key for the resilience of the European economic and social model.
The EESC considers that any European initiative must be built around social dialogue and collective bargaining in order to adapt responses to circumstances on the ground, assist transformations, increase predictability and involve workers in changes.
The opinion assesses the revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation to evaluate its practical functioning and propose ways to simplify, broaden and clarify the EU State aid framework.
Download — Avizul CESE: Observations from the Business Community and Civil Society on the Revision of Regulation EU n. 651/2014 on State Aid (General Block Exemption Regulation – GBER)
The EESC welcomes the Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act (DNA). Strategic analyses, including the Letta, Draghi and Niinistö reports, and the Commission Communication ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ also make the point that a cutting edge digital network infrastructure is critical for the future competitiveness of the EU economy, security and social welfare. The availability of high-quality, reliable and secure connectivity for end users and for key economic sectors is a must. Connectivity is not just access. It is about real-time data exchange, vital for the EU to be able to achieve its broader digital goals and for supporting a truly connected, prosperous society.
Growing resource use is driving the triple planetary crisis, pushing the EU beyond planetary boundaries and leaving many Member States off track for the 2030 circular material use target. Demand-side measures and ambitious primary material reduction policies are essential to reverse this trend and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy.
This exploratory opinion will feed into the work of the European Commission during the preparations of the Circular Economy Act.
Download — Avizul CESE: Strategy to support the eastern border regions to address their specific challenges and support them in the reorientation of their local economy
Download — Information report: The point of view of organised civil society in the EU Member States on national reform and investment proposals and their implementation (2025-2026 European Semester cycle)
