European Economic and Social Committee

Mark your calendar, our #EESCPlenary is back on 26 and 27 February.    What's on the agenda?  🇵🇱 priorities of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union;  🙋♀️ women's rights;  🧭 EU competitiveness.    Stay tuned for more details on the guests who will be taking part in our debates!    Find out more → europa.eu/!wmRDDQ     #EUCivilSociety 

A united European Union for its civil society! 🇪🇺 ✨ The European Commission recently committed to putting in place a strategy for civil society in its 2025 work programme. We welcome this proposal as we have been advocating for it for a long time, and it is a cause at the heart of our work. We continue to collaborate closely with the European Commission, promoting democratic participation and ensuring this strategy fulfils its potential, supporting protecting, and empowering EU civil society. Read more: europa.eu/!M8gtBT European Civic Forum #EUCivilSociety

Europe's medicine security is a real challenge that requires immediate action.    The Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union has made health security one of its priorities during their current term with a focus on medicine security.     To address this, we recommend:  💊 establishing a new EU mechanism - the Critical Medicines Act;  💊 encouraging the development of innovative production technologies;  💊 promoting the use of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicines produced in Europe;  💊 adopting fair pricing mechanisms.    Read more: europa.eu/!DdqWCQ    #HealthUnion #CriticalMedicinesAct 

Combating the harmful polarisation of European society is paramount for us. Here is a glimpse of the inspiring finalists of our #CivilSocietyPrize:  🏆 the Critical Thinking Olympiad by Slovenská debatná asociácia - a program for students to tackle real-world media challenges; 🏆 Escape Game Extreme Droite by the Formation Education Culture - a game that raises awareness on the dangers of far-right movements; 🏆 the educational programme promoting solutions-based journalism, Prix Européen Jeunes Reporters d’Espoirs by Reporters d'Espoirs / Reporters of Hope. This year we are recognising non-profit projects that show civil society's dedication to countering detrimental polarising content. The final ranking of winners will be revealed on 20 March during our #CivSocWeek 2025. Stay tuned! More info: europa.eu/!hT9hGX #EUCivilSociety

A truly sustainable future must be just and inclusive.     On the World Day of Social Justice, we stress that the transition to low-carbon economies should leave no one behind, especially workers, vulnerable groups, and marginalised communities.     That’s why we are calling for a comprehensive just transition policy package that:  ✅ conducts mapping of skills needs and strategies;  ✅ implements appropriate skills development programmes;  ✅ supports workers through reskilling, job creation & strong social protection;  ✅ integrates just transition initiatives in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Semester.    Our recommendations: europa.eu/!QFW4Jv    #SocialJusticeDay EU Employment & Skills

Today, together with the European Committee of the Regions, we unveiled the bust of Jacques Delors in our building to inaugurate our new communication space. 🇪🇺     A tribute to a visionary who shaped Europe’s future. This new communication space symbolises dialogue, connection, and democratic engagement.     Let’s carry Delors’ legacy forward as we build a fairer, stronger Union.    #EUCivilSociety

Our commitment is clear: artificial intelligence must serve people and uphold democratic values. AI is rapidly transforming the workplace, creating new opportunities, while also posing challenges for workers, businesses and policymakers. We must work towards an AI made in Europe and invest in critical digital infrastructure that ensures fair competition. By collaborating across institutions, sectors and internationally, we can shape an AI that is ethical, inclusive, and truly human-centric. The time for decisive action is now. Learn more: europa.eu/!PPdrPG 📸 How AI sees its relationship with the EU. Visual generated by an artificial intelligence-based tool. #ArtificialIntelligence

As democracy faces threats, civil society and independent media are paramount to defending human rights. Urgent action is needed to support human rights defenders, migration policies, and international justice. The new EU Corporate Sustainability Directive and the Defence Democracy Package are a step forward, but declining support for the International Criminal Court and risks in migration governance undermine progress. We must invest in safeguarding civic spaces, promoting transparency and standing for justice and corporate accountability. Read more: europa.eu/!DrgVpv 🔎 Data taken from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights 2023 report United Nations #HumanRights

It has been over a month since the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union began! 🇪🇺 🇵🇱 The Presidency's emphasis on security in all its dimensions, from economic and energy stability to food security, aligns with our commitment to fostering cohesion, democratic values, and sustainable prosperity. We are collaborating closely on 15 exploratory opinions, aiming to make the European Union safer and more resilient for its civil society. Read more: europa.eu/!rB8Yn7 Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union #Poland25EU

EU’s progress on SDGs is slowing, and urgent action is needed. 📢    A new report from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network shows that Europe’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has slowed. Between 2020 and 2023, SDG progress increased by just 0.8 points, compared to 1.9 points in the previous period.      One of the most pressing concerns is the SDG 2 objective "Zero Hunger". Food security remains a challenge, and our recent study highlights the need for dietary shifts to promote sustainable agriculture and public health.     Read more: europa.eu/!RF6t36    🔍 Data from Sustainable Development Solutions Network   #SDGs #Sustainability United Nations