A just transition for Europe | EESC calls for fair and inclusive green policies 
In its recent opinion, the EESC underscores the urgent need to ensure that no one is left behind as Europe reshapes its economy to meet ambitious climate goals.  Recommendations advocate for a comprehensive just transition policy package for the world of work, emphasizing flexibility for member states to tailor solutions to their unique circumstances. Social dialogue and collective bargaining are identified as cornerstones of this transition, ensuring that workers have a voice in shaping workplace changes and managing restructuring processes. Read more 

As 2024 comes to a close, we looked back and summarised in a beautiful infographic some of our key activities and success stories of our work in the past year. 👋Check it out here!

EESC Youth Delegate to COP | Applications open in January!
The EESC, in cooperation with European Youth Forum and Generation Climate Europe, will soon launch a call for applications for the next EESC youth delegate to COP. The youth delegate has a mandate of two years and actively participates in the strategic work of the EESC on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The youth delegate will be supported by a youth task force and be a full member of the EESC delegation at the UNFCCC COP. More info

EP study | The role of commodity traders in shaping agricultural markets 

A recent study by the European Parliament gives an overview of the intricate dynamics of agricultural trading and its broader socioeconomic implications, from the impact of commodity traders to the ramifications of financialisation. The study quotes the EESC opinion on the role of speculation in the food price crisis and provides many recommendations in line with the EESC opinion, including a windfall tax on excessive profits which may help alleviate rising food prices. Read more 

EESC event | rural pact debate – The role of circular economy and bioeconomy in supporting sustainable agri-food systems to promote sustainable rural/urban development in the EU  

On 15 October, in line with its commitments to the Rural Pact, the EESC organised a thematic debate to explore innovative approaches that support the balanced development of rural and urban communities. The event discussed how circular bioeconomy can address pressing challenges such as rural depopulation, economic inequalities, and climate change while governance and partnerships can leverage the development of innovative approaches in rural areas. 

🎬Video recording 

EESC news | Climate change is an existential threat and an economic opportunity for the EU   

In a recent set of recommendations adopted in October, the EESC called for immediate measures to combat climate change, while highlighting the economic opportunities it also presents. By investing in sustainable practices and promoting a collaborative global approach, the EU can mitigate the risks associated with climate change. Read more

EESC news | From waste to resource: the EU must strengthen circularity in waste management  

Recycling and the recovery of strategic raw materials from waste should be stepped up: this would reduce the waste going to landfill, but would also help the EU to lessen its dependence on third countries for raw materials. While the EU’s primary objective should be to reduce the amount of waste produced through prevention, another priority essential to a sustainable economy should be to treat waste as a mix of raw materials. Read more

EU circular talk | Circular Bioeconomy Transformation Methodologies 

On 21 November, ECESP organised an EU circular talk on the circular bioeconomy transition. The BIOTRANSFORM project has developed innovative methodologies and tools to support this transition at regional level. The webinar aimed to engage regional managers, experts and stakeholders to share good practices, gather feedback and explore opportunities for replication and scaling.  🎬Video recording 

EU circular talk | Revision of the Waste Framework Directive: Enhancing textiles EPR schemes through inclusive governance 

On 19 November, ECESP organised an EU Circular Talk on how best to align waste management practices with sustainability goals. The webinar took a closer look at the proposed changes to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles and highlighted the role of inclusive governance in meeting the sustainability targets. 🎬Video recording

European Commission study | Estimating the climate change mitigation potential of CAP Strategic Plans 

A recent study by the European Commission concluded that the 19 CAP Strategic Plans for the 2023-2027 period have the potential to significantly contribute to climate objectives in the land sector, with an estimated mitigation potential up to 31 million tonnes of CO2e per year, mainly in carbon sequestration and reduction of emissions from soil. Crop rotation or diversification, expansion of cover crops, and conversion to organic farming are the three farming practices that contribute the most to the estimated mitigation potential (overall 78%). Read more 

European Commission | European Board on Agriculture and Food | Application now open 

One of the recommendations of the strategic dialogue is the creation of a European Board on Agri-food (EBAF), a new group very similar to the European Food Policy Council previously proposed by the EESC. This board aims at sustaining a new culture of dialogue, trust and multistakeholder participation, among the actors of the food supply chain and civil society, as well as with the Commission. A call for applications to form the Board's membership is now open. It will be composed of maximum 30 member organisations representing the farming community, other actors of the food supply chain, and civil society. Deadline: 8 January 2025 

Read more 

European Commission | A medium-term outlook on the prospects for agricultural markets and income 

The EU agricultural outlook, published annually, provides projections for major EU agricultural markets until 2035. The projections are based on a set of assumptions drawn from the latest OECD-FAO outlook, including macroeconomic conditions, the agricultural and trade policy environment, and international market trends. The projections reflect average trends that agricultural markets are expected to follow in a given macroeconomic environment, assuming no changes to existing policies. Read more 

Systems Transformation Hub | Building a Secure and Thriving Europe: A Systems Approach to the 2024–2029 EU Strategic Agenda 

In early December, Systems Transformation Hub shared a policy brief with President Von der Leyen and her cabinet outlining 5 key policy recommendations aiming to set the EU on a path towards a resilient economy that both respects the needs of European citizens and ensures that Europe meets its environmental and climate objectives. Recommendations include a shift to complement GDP with broader wellbeing metrics in all EU economic and fiscal assessments and developing an EU land-use strategy for resilience. Read more 

European Environment Agency | Briefing: Solutions for restoring Europe’s agricultural ecosystems 

Published in the context of the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) and the recently-adopted Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), this briefing presents evidence-based examples of key options to help restore Europe’s agro-ecosystems and ecosystem services and enhance agricultural resilience and productivity.  Key messages include scaling up biodiversity-friendly farming practices and combining adequate financing with coherent policy incentives.

Read more 

European Environment Agency | Report: Europe's state of water 2024: the need for improved water resilience 

According to a recent report by EEA, Europe's water is under significant pressure, presenting serious challenges to water security. Member States have reported that the most significant pressure impacting both surface and groundwaters arises from agriculture, resulting from water use and pollution from the intensive use of nutrients and pesticides. Changes in farming practices and new technologies can help ensure continued productivity while enabling agriculture to reduce pollution and adapt to lower water use.

Read more

FAO report | Leveraging climate technologies to transform agri-food Systems 

Climate technologies are a key enabler to support climate action and the sustainable transition of agrifood systems. The report highlights the needs for robust technology assessments in all stages of agrifood value chains, supported by capacity-building programmes and targeted financing. Identifying suitable and correct skill sets, especially for smallholders and vulnerable segments of the population, will be essential. 

Read more 

Advanced course | Promoting decent working conditions in fisheries 

Combining expert-led lectures, practical work, on-board fishing vessels exercises, and case studies, this course will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to develop strategies that promote safe, decent working conditions and advance equitable social practices across fisheries value chains. The course is aimed at managers in fisheries administrations or institutions with responsibility for social issues in the sector, as well as for fishery and labour inspectors, technical advisors, and other specialists engaged in labour standards, working conditions, and social protection in fisheries. Read more

Have your say!

Citizens and businesses can share their views on new EU policies and existing laws.

All initatives here.

16 December 2024 | NAT section debate | 15:30

Tools to support EU farmers' income

16 January 2025 | Partnership event

New Metrics for Sustainable Prosperity - Options for GDP+3 

28 January 2025 | Partnership event

Europe in the face of climate insecurity

29 January 2025 | NAT section debate | 10:00

Agenda 2030 on sustainable development: where do we stand and what is the role of sustainable food systems in the implementation of the SDGs? 

30 January 2025 | NAT section debate | 16:00

The future of EU rural policies and the role of the European Rural Parliament (ERP), 10 years after its creation

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