The EESC considers that the Commission proposal on the topic of the EU wine policy comes at a crucial time for the wine sector and the Committee will therefore carry out a detailed analysis of the proposal and draft an opinion aimed at assisting the EU institutions and all stakeholders.
As emphasised in the Letta and Draghi reports, the two main challenges of EU R&I policy are: i) reversing the declining productivity of the EU economy and closing the competitiveness gap with other global scientific and economic powers; and ii) reducing the fragmentation of the European research area to allow for the free circulation of scientific knowledge, research and innovation referred as the ‘fifth freedom’ in the Letta report.
In early 2026, the Commission is expected to publish the European Research Area Act (ERA Act). EESC’s input through this own-initiative opinion (OIO) is intended to shape the ERA Act, ensuring that it supports a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and digital transformation, and aligns with these strategic visions.
Download — Mnenje EESO: Looking to the future of EU-UK relations: 2026 Review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) from a civil society perspective
The opinion examines how regulatory simplification and the integration of digital tools in law-making can enhance the legislative process. It looks into how innovative, technology-driven solutions can reduce administrative burdens and foster a more business-friendly environment across Europe.
The opinion will examine the impact of regulatory interventions on value chains, identify key challenges, and propose a new approach to ensure effective and balanced policymaking.
In this own-initiative opinion the EESC supports the Commission’s plans to achieve simplification, reduce the administrative burden and enhance the competitiveness of the European economy. The Committee considers that tax simplification should promote giving cost-efficient information, improving the use of and exchange of information between tax authorities. The Committee recommends that an impact assessment should be undertaken for every proposal in order to properly assess the concrete implications for taxpayers and companies of new legislative initiatives. Furthermore, the Committee also recommends conducting competitiveness checks of new legislative initiatives in the field of taxation, including for SMEs, to ensure that the new rules actually support the planned objectives of the Commission in terms of simplification, decluttering and reduction of the administrative burden. Finally, the EESC proposes that a system of advance rulings at EU level be introduced.
