EESC - European Economic and Social Committee

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EESC - European Economic and Social Committee

We are the EU’s civil society assembly.

Our members represent civil society organisations from the different sectors all across Europe, including employers, trade unions, professional and community associations, youth organisations, women's groups, consumers, environmental campaigners and many more. As a consultative assembly, we advise EU decision-makers and ensure that civil society across the continent has a voice in Europe’s develop

ment. Our 329 members work on specific recommendations to the EU, called ‘opinions’ - suggesting changes to planned laws or addressing problems where they see them arise. We are a unique forum for consultation, dialogue and consensus between these people, who all keep their jobs in their organisations back home.

07/06/2026

Safe food starts with smart policies.

On World Food Safety Day, we reaffirm that food safety is a shared responsibility. By combining science, innovation, and public participation, we can build food systems that are resilient, sustainable, and trusted by all.

We continue to focus on:
🔸 simplifying food and feed regulations while maintaining high EU safety, health and environmental standards;
🔸strengthening the role of civil society in the monitoring and enforcement of the legislation;
🔸ensuring strong safeguards for new agricultural technologies and pesticide use.

Our work: link.europa.eu/DcJjr9

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

06/06/2026

Civil society is essential for building trust between the EU and the Western Balkans.

This is why on 29th May, we held a conference on enlargement in Vienna. Enlargement strengthens Europe’s security, economy, and democratic resilience and brings benefits to citizens both in the EU and in the Western Balkans.

Therefore, as our President Seamus Boland said: "Civil society must be at the heart of this process."

Learn more: link.europa.eu/jc4dDq

📊 Eurostat

06/06/2026

Happy National Day, Sweden! Grattis på nationaldagen, Sverige! 🇸🇪

Sweden’s story with civil society organisations dates to the late 19th century, when popular mass movements began to emerge inspired by similar developments abroad.

Did you know that the country:
🇸🇪 has 12 representatives in our Committee, 4 of whom represent civil society organisations;
🇸🇪 had 54% of its population aged 16 to 24 involved in some form of voluntary activity, according to the latest survey.

EU-kommissionen i Sverige

05/06/2026

Happy Constitution Day, Denmark! Glædelig grundlovsdag, Danmark! 🎉

Denmark’s civil society thrives with diverse initiatives committed to social, environmental causes!

Did you know that Denmark has:
🇩🇰 9 representatives in our Committee;
🇩🇰 the Civil Society in Development .DK as its largest member-based organisation for global civil society work;
🇩🇰 36% of its young people aged between 16-35 actively engaged in voluntary work?

EU i Danmark

04/06/2026

A circular Europe is not a future ambition or simply an environmental imperative: it is a strategic necessity.

This was one of the key messages of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder
Platform Conference held in April.

Over two days, policymakers, businesses and civil society representatives explored
how a competitive and fair circular economy can strengthen the single market,
reduce resource dependencies and turn this ambition into action.

The message was clear: circularity will only scale if it becomes a core part of the
single market. To succeed, we must move from policy ambition to practical
implementation, ensuring the transition is both competitive for industry and fair for
Europeans.

These discussions will help shape the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, calling for:
♻️ stronger markets for secondary raw materials;
🔧 greater support for reuse, repair and remanufacturing;
🤝 a just transition with civil society at its core.

Find out more: link.europa.eu/7X6dkW

03/06/2026

Where will your next cycling adventure take you?

Whether it is a daily commute, a weekend ride or a cross-border journey, cycling makes our health, cities, and environment better.

For many years, we have promoted cycling culture and infrastructure across Europe. In our recommendations, we have long supported:
🚲 more investment in cycling infrastructure;
🚲 better integration of cycling with public transport;
🚲 high-quality cycling networks across Europe;
🚲 stronger support for cycling in mobility, health and environmental policies.

If you are planning your next cycling adventure, explore the European Cycling Lexicon we developed in collaboration with the European Cyclists' Federation and discover key cycling terms in different EU languages.

Read more: link.europa.eu/q6Fbcv

🗺️ Routes: EuroVelo

02/06/2026

Happy Republic Day, Italy! Buona festa della Repubblica, Italia! 🇮🇹

Did you know Italy has its own national advisory body for economic and social subjects? It’s called the National Council for Economics and Labour (CNEL).

The CNEL was established in January 1957 and is currently composed of 64 members, including social forces, non-profit representatives, and experts. The Council carries out its duties based on an annual program approved by the Assembly, utilising specialised commissions to draft documents that are ultimately forwarded to the Government and Parliament.

It aims to:
🇮🇹 provide opinions, surveys, evaluations, proposals, and reports on the economic situation, labour market developments, and collective bargaining structures;
🇮🇹 maintain and update the National Archive of Collective Labour Agreements for the private and public sectors;
🇮🇹 monitor the levels and quality of central and local public services provided to businesses and citizens, producing an annual report for Parliament and the Government.

By offering expert consultancy on critical political, economic, and social planning acts, the CNEL plays a vital role in shaping both domestic and EU-related policies for Italy.

Read more: link.europa.eu/q8wnTJ

Commissione europea – Rappresentanza in Italia

01/06/2026

Europe is PROUD. 🌈 🇪🇺

Over one third of LGBTIQ+ people in the EU have experienced discrimination.

Pride Month is not only a celebration of love, identity, courage, and community. It is also a reminder that, every day of the year, we must work to make Europe a place where everyone can live freely, openly, and authentically, and where safety and fundamental rights are never optional.

That is why we actively supported and welcomed the European Commission’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, calling for:
🌈 stronger action against discrimination, violence, harassment, and exclusion;
🌈 inclusive access to healthcare, education, and employment;
🌈 a legally binding EU-wide ban on conversion practices, recognising them as hate crimes and ensuring a uniform level of protection across the EU.

Find out more: link.europa.eu/mMyvX7

EU Justice and Consumers

31/05/2026

Six out of ten Europeans say they are optimistic about the future of the EU.

The 2026 Spring Eurobarometer shows increasing trust in the EU and highlights citizens’ satisfaction with the way democracy works.

📊 72% of people believe their country has benefited from EU membership;
📊 73% see the EU as a place of stability in a troubled world;
📊 81% support a common defence and security policy;
📊 76% support continued assistance to Ukraine until a just peace is achieved.

At the same time, the cost of living remains the main concern for citizens, while perceptions of the economic situation have weakened slightly.

These findings reflect the relevance of our most recent work, from military mobility and preparedness to the cost of living, and confirm the importance of civic dialogue in shaping Europe’s future.

🔍 Data from the Standard Eurobarometer 105 Spring 2026.

Read more: link.europa.eu/W4K4W6

30/05/2026

Happy Statehood Day, Croatia! Čestitamo Dan državnosti! 🇭🇷

Did you know Croatia has its own primary advisory body for national public policies and strategies? It’s called the Economic and Social Council (GSV).

It was established in 1994 as the highest form of tripartite social dialogue in the country, bringing together the Government, employers, and major trade union associations. The Council seeks consensus when deciding regulations under its “Program of Work” but allows each party to submit their own opinion if a consensus cannot be reached.

It aims to:
🇭🇷 protect and promote economic and social rights, as well as the interests of workers and employers;
🇭🇷 conduct harmonised economic, social, and development policies, while encouraging and implementing collective agreements;
🇭🇷 foster a partnership in the process of designing, adopting, and implementing European and national public policies, laws, and regulations.
By fostering a true partnership between the state, employers, and unions, the GSV plays a vital role in shaping the economic and social landscape of Croatia.

Read more: link.europa.eu/gMJ6BQ

Europska komisija u Hrvatskoj

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Telefoon

+3225469011

Website

http://eesc.europa.eu/

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