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The EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group calls on Serbia not to extradite Andrey Gnyot to Belarus

Amalia TSOUMANI — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:52:58 +0000

The Presidency of the EESC's Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group (FRRL) is deeply concerned about the imminent risk of extradition from Serbia to Belarus of journalist Andrey Gnyot (Андрей Гнёт).

EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group concludes a visit to Romania

Maria Månsson — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:54:26 +0000

On 11-12 June 2024, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group of the European
Economic and Social Committee (EESC) concluded a two-day visit to Bucharest.
This visit gave the opportunity to the group of six EESC Members to hear civil society representatives
about key trends in Romania concerning fundamental rights of social partners, freedoms of association
and assembly, freedom of expression (including media freedom), the right to non-discrimination, and
the rule of law.

2024 Euromed Summit: The EESC puts youth involvement front and centre

Gosio Paola — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:18:25 +0000

President Oliver Röpke and EESC members participated in the 2024 Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions, a pivotal event held in Malta on June 18-19. The summit gathered around 120 participants, including representatives of a wide range of CSOs from the Euro-Mediterranean region, EU and MENA government representatives, guest speakers, and representatives from embassies.

The EU’s 2040 climate target sets the course to net zero by 2050

Aikaterini Serifi — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:28:29 +0000

In a bid to lead in climate action, the European Commission has recommended a target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) supported this move during its May plenary by adopting an opinion on EU climate target for 2040. The opinion outlines steps to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with scientific consensus to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The European Economic and Social Committee backs stronger European defence industry, calls for more funding and public support

Giorgia BATTIATO — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:27:10 +0000

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has given a cautious green light to Europe’s revamped defence strategy in three opinions, all emphasising the need for a long-term, strategic approach. However, concerns linger about its financial viability and public buy-in.

Vaccination – a key tool for beating cancer

Laura LUI — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:52:04 +0000

With the number of cancers and cancer-related deaths across the EU rising at an alarming rate, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for due attention to be paid to the need for cancer prevention measures, as about 40% of cancer cases are deemed preventable.

Nuclear medicine top priority for beating cancer

Marco PEZZANI — Fri, 31 May 2024 10:50:23 +0000

The EU must reduce its strategic dependencies in sensitive sectors such as health and critical technologies in order to enable a growing number of patients across Europe to use nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat cancer.

2024 European elections – Public, pluralistic and independent information key to fighting new threats to democracy

Marco PEZZANI — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:12:02 +0000

With just a month to go until the European elections, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) warns European authorities of the urgent need to fight disinformation in order to safeguard democracy. Quality, independent journalism in a thriving pluralistic system remains the first bulwark against malicious campaigns and fake news.

Social dialogue is a cornerstone of our European democratic values, said President Röpke at Europe Day celebrations in Madrid

Katarzyna Novak — Tue, 14 May 2024 08:39:15 +0000

On 9 May, President Röpke celebrated Europe Day in Madrid at an event on "The future of the EU social agenda". Organised by the Spanish Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, the event gathered many prominent speakers. In his intervention, President Röpke underlined that social dialogue is a cornerstone of our European social model and democratic values.

Reform and Growth Facility plan: tangible support for economic development in the Western Balkans

Amalia TSOUMANI — Wed, 08 May 2024 09:05:42 +0000

The EESC has adopted an opinion on the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, at the Commission's request. The plan will support the Western Balkans to speed up regional economic cooperation. This is the first time the EU has focused on economic development and socioeconomic convergence in the region.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: the EESC organises the screening of the Oscar-winning documentary film '20 Days in Mariupol'

Muhammad Imran khan — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:11:31 +0000

Yevhen Tuzov (first from right in the photo), protagonist of '20 Days in Mariupol' and first-hand witness of the destructions provoked by Russia's war of aggression, presents photos of the city before and after the invasion to Oliver Röpke, EESC President (second from right), Lucie Studničná, President of the EESC Workers' Group (first from left), and Olga Komant from the UkraBel association (second from left).

A new bridge unfolds between young Europeans on both sides of the Channel

Amalia TSOUMANI — Mon, 06 May 2024 09:47:54 +0000

Strengthening ties between young people and youth organisations in the European Union and the United Kingdom will have tangible positive effects on a generation of Europeans disproportionately affected by the consequences of Brexit, according to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

EU investment and reform: the key role of the social partners and civil society in inclusive policy making

Thomas Kersten — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:10:01 +0000

Stakeholders want systematic consultation as a driver of growth-led approaches

Strengthening national ownership requires both the close involvement of national parliaments, regional and local authorities, the social partners and civil society, and clearer provisions in EU and national procedures. Together, this will ensure that the new EU economic governance framework and the future European Semester are implemented as effectively as possible. It will also guarantee transparent and inclusive policy making.

Rise in drug trafficking in the EU: the European Economic and Social Committee calls for action

Laura LUI — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:45:56 +0000

©gettyimages.com/ ArtistGNDphotography

Amid an unprecedented surge in illicit drugs available on European streets, the EESC is asking for strategic action to strengthen Europe’s response to drug trafficking

EESC's rural renaissance: paving the path to prosperity in Europe

Aikaterini Serifi — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:29:39 +0000

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) believes that in the heartlands of Europe lie the seeds of its future prosperity. In an own initiative opinion adopted at its April plenary, it underscores its steadfast commitment to nurturing rural communities and reaffirms its dedication to the long-term vision for the EU's rural areas (LTVRA). The EESC proposes a European charter of rights and responsibilities as a step toward a comprehensive EU rural strategy.

Europe Day 2024: European institutions across Europe welcome citizens to their Open Day events

Marco PEZZANI — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:54:52 +0000

On Europe Day, 9 May, the EU celebrates its achievements of unity and long-term peace, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950. A month ahead of the European elections (from 6 to 9 June), citizens will have the opportunity to visit the EU institutions in Brussels and beyond, learning more about what Europe does for and with them. Citizens will be invited to participate in debates, live performances, games and other activities.

EU risks losing ground in critical sectors without bold investments

Giorgia BATTIATO — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:23:39 +0000

In an opinion adopted at its April plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) sounds the alarm on the EU's strategic autonomy, urging the EU to invest heavily in critical sectors such as energy, space and defence, or risk falling behind global competitors like the US and China.

EU corporate taxation: impacts on businesses need more consideration

Thomas Kersten — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:33:30 +0000

EESC April 2024 plenary

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) responds to the Commission proposal to develop a harmonised EU approach to company taxation, recommending improvements to minimise the burden on businesses and ensure global alignment.

President Röpke in Moldova: Disinformation is a weapon for foreign powers to harm our societies

Gosio Paola — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:03 +0000

The EESC President Röpke discussed the fight against disinformation with the Moldovan government, civil society, and local activist in Gagauzia, a region particularly affected by Russian disinformation. He also officially presented the EESC initiative to integrate the representatives of the EU candidate countries, including from Moldova, in the work of the Committee.

EESC President Oliver Röpke signs the La Hulpe Declaration: European Pillar of Social Rights must remain a top priority for the EU and its candidate countries

Gosio Paola — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:19:18 +0000

During today's signing ceremony, President Röpke stressed the importance of promoting social rights and inclusive policies in the EU and candidate countries through the European Pillar of Social Rights. A fair and equitable society requires commitment and investment, he said.