European Economic and Social Committee

Nuclear energy plays a key role in decarbonising Europe. ♻️    We underline that nuclear energy is an essential component of a clean, reliable and diversified energy mix, helping to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and support the industrial transition.    That's why we call on the European Commission to: 🔸 promote the development of innovative fuel cycle facilities;  🔸 apply the same investment facilities as for renewables, recognising their complementarity;  🔸 speed up procedures through streamlined State aid, licensing and access to EU funding.    Learn more: link.europa.eu/CxmHYg 📊 Data: Eurostat, 2023. ℹ️ Germany shut down its remaining nuclear power plants in April 2023.    #StrategicAutonomy EU Energy 

Our Youth Test gives young people a real say in EU policies. It assesses how new EU law proposals impact young people. Since its implementation, we have: ✅ ensured that youth perspectives are systematically included in our opinion-making; ✅ confirmed that meaningful youth participation is a cornerstone of European integration; ✅ been praised by the European Parliament and inspired the European Commission’s Youth Check. More information → link.europa.eu/cfxTk7 #YouthTest #Youth

Did you know that we issue around 170 opinions annually? 🇪🇺     Through them, we bridge the gap between European policies and tangible economic, social and civic needs.     We act as a bridge between the EU and its citizens, bringing it closer to the people.     Learn more about our activities: link.europa.eu/X4fJWg    #EUCivilSociety 

Do you know how many people in the EU live with a rare disease?    Vote below and then check the comments for the correct answer, and to discover how we continue leading Europe’s efforts to tackle rare diseases. 👇    Source: European Parliament   #EESCstories 

The first plenary session of 2026 is coming up!    On 21-22 January, our members will debate pressing issues and vote on recommendations for several EU legislative proposals.    The highlights in a nutshell:  🇪🇺 debates on the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, artificial intelligence, and the European Citizen's Initiative "My Voice, My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion";  🇪🇺 votes on a regulation for Erasmus+, the EU Social Fund, the Common Agricultural Policy, and the "Connecting Europe Facility" funding instrument.    Find out more information here → link.europa.eu/YfXNFJ     #EESCPlenary

A home is more than just a roof over your head: it is warmth, safety, dignity, and a right that everyone deserves. 🏠 Through our daily work, we aim to ensure that opportunities for everyone to access affordable and decent housing are truly valued. We are committed to:  🏘️ continuing to support the EU Affordable Housing Plan and the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights;  🏘️ coordinating civil society action to tackle homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis;  🏘️ pushing for inclusive housing policies to ensure that no one is ever left behind.  Find out more about our priorities for a fairer Union 👉 link.europa.eu/c3gtBC #AffordableHousing #SocialJustice 

For a Europe that is free and democratic. 🇪🇺    We welcome the European Commission's proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes (2028–2034) to strengthening democracy and justice in Europe.    In the pursuit of a free and democratic Europe, we call for:  👉 robust support for civil society; 👉 enhanced democratic participation; 👉 a stronger European Area of Justice.   We also urge for the recognition of advocacy as an essential part of civil society’s work and call for operating grants across all AgoraEU strands.    Read our full opinion here ➡️ link.europa.eu/Yyv7fn    #AgoraEU #EUJustice 

"We are grateful to Pope Leo for using his powerful voice to spread a message of inclusion." — President Séamus Boland.    His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received our President at the Apostolic Palace in Rome to discuss social justice and inclusion. From the eradication of poverty to the defence of democracy and the protection of the most vulnerable in society, many topics were addressed during the private audience.    Our President also took the opportunity to highlight the pivotal role of civil society in knitting together individuals and communities, building bridges, and combating prejudice.    He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to lead efforts to shape policies that put people and communities first, ensuring that hope, fairness, and solidarity remain at the heart of the European project.    Read the full story here → link.europa.eu/9kwYT3     📷 ©️ Vatican News   #EUCivilSociety 

On 1 January 1981, 45 years ago, a 10th country joined our Union: Greece. 🇬🇷 🇪🇺    It became eligible after the military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974.    EU membership strengthened Greek institutions and opened new horizons for citizens' daily lives through investment in new infrastructures and access to the Single Market.     Since then, Greece has been part of major EU milestones and was among the first countries to adopt the euro.    Learn more about our Greek members here: link.europa.eu/7Bf9d6    📸 Signing ceremony of the Treaty of Accession, 28 May 1979, Athens ©️ European Communities    #EUHistory 

How well do you know the 2026 EU’s capitals and the values they represent?    Across the EU, cities are awarded for the impact they create locally:  🇫🇮 🇸🇰 Oulu and Trenčín are European Capitals of Culture;  🇵🇹 Guimarães is the European Green Capital;  🇪🇸 Zaragoza won the Access City Award;    🇫🇮 Tampere is the European Capital of Smart Tourism;  🇫🇷 Grenoble Alpes Métropole won the European Capital of Innovation Award.    These cities show how culture, sustainability, tourism, and innovation help shape Europe’s future.  📷 ©️ Shutterstock, Getty Images    #EUCapitals Grenoble-Alpes Métropole Oulu2026 - European Capital of Culture 2026 Trenčín 2026 European Green Capital Award Tampereen kaupunki - City of Tampere