The message emerging from COP30 is stark: once again, global leaders have preserved UNFCCC climate governance framework but failed to deliver the urgency demanded by science, citizens and civil society. The summit closed without an agreed roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, a decision that many observers warn leaves the world dangerously off-track for limiting warming to 1.5°C.
The EESC Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) marked Gender Equality Week 2025 with a key debate on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “My Voice, My Choice,” which calls for safe and accessible abortion across the European Union. The event brought together campaigners, legal experts, Members of the European Parliament, and representatives from the European Commission to address the urgent challenge of ensuring reproductive rights and solidarity for all women in Europe.
The EESC Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) marked Gender Equality Week 2025 with a pivotal debate on banning conversion practices in the European Union. The event brought together voices from EU institutions, civil society, LGBTIQ+ organisations and policy experts to address the urgent challenge of eradicating conversion practices and ensuring the protection and dignity of all LGBTIQ+ people across Europe.
The EESC hosted a high-level conference on 13 November 2025, entitled “Building the workforce of tomorrow: inclusive participation and quality jobs for a competitive Europe.” The event brought together EU policymakers, social partners, researchers, and civil society to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s labour market, with a focus on two flagship reports.
As the European Union approaches a pivotal review of its social policy agenda, a new report requested by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) offers a detailed snapshot of the state of play for the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). The findings highlight both significant advances and persistent challenges as the EU strives to meet its ambitious 2030 social targets.
At the World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) delivered a clear message: resilient and sustainable food systems must be the cornerstone of global policy. Regenerative agriculture is part of this vision, but so too is giving young people and youth organisations a real say in shaping the future.
EESC plenary session, 21-23 October 2025, European Parliament
At its October plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will elect its new President and two Vice-Presidents for the 2025-2028 mandate. The new President will announce the work programme of his mandate during the inaugural ceremony, which will highlight topical issues with prominent speakers from EU institutions and Member States.
Press conference with the incoming EESC PresidentSéamus Boland and Vice-Presidents Marija Hanževački and Alena Mastantuono Wednesday 22 October 2025, at 12.30-13.15
European Parliament, Paul-Henri Spaak building, Anna Politkovskaja room, SPAAK 0A50
Europe’s cleantech sector has considerable research expertise but struggles to turn innovation into commercial success. Competition from the US and China makes it harder for Europe to scale up investment and maintain leadership in clean-energy and water technologies. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls on the European Commission to treat cleantech as a distinct industrial sector and take concrete steps to help it grow, create jobs and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
