European Economic and Social Committee

No one should be afraid to be who they are. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we urge for a world free from inequalities, discrimination, violence, and stigmatisation against the LGTBQIA+ community. We need to keep working on inclusive laws and policies. All Europeans, and everyone around the world, should feel safe and have their fundamental rights upheld, regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Aligned with the European Commission's LGTBIQ strategy, we are committed to combat discrimination and create an equitable future for all. Read our opinion: europa.eu/!BW43rC   #IDAHOBIT #EU4LGBTIQ #UnionOfEquality

We speak up for mental health!    What better way to join the European Mental Health Week than by shining a light on our #CivilSocietyPrize winners.     Two months ago, we rewarded EU initiatives supporting people with mental health conditions and fostering mental well-being:    1️⃣ 🇮🇪 ‘AgeWell’ by Third Age Foundation.  2️⃣ 🇫🇮 ‘Lapinlahden Lahde’ by the Pro Lapinlahti association.   3️⃣ 🇸🇰 ‘Crazy? So what!’ initiative by Integra.   4️⃣ 🇫🇮 The World of Recovery games, created by the  Lilinkotisaatio.   5️⃣ 🇮🇹 ‘Telling Stories for Good’ by Animenta organisation.    Find out more about them → europa.eu/!rFTNXk    #HealthUnion #MentalHealthWeek #MentalHealth

Somewhere over our bridge, there is love. 🌈    Tonight, our premises in Brussels reflect the colours of diversity to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.    We are united in diversity.     #IDAHOBIT #UnionOfEquality

Inclusion starts with accessibility.    We celebrate the Global Accessibility Awareness Day by promoting the importance of accessibility for everyone both online and offline, regardless of their disability.     Recently, the European Parliament gave a final green light to the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for people with disabilities. This is a huge step towards removing obstacles and ensuring that citizens with disabilities can enjoy freedom of movement.     Both cards will be issued in physical and online formats and the access to information will be guaranteed by a fully accessible website in all EU languages and formats.    Your voices were heard, see more 👉 europa.eu/!fpPdtk    #EUDisabilityCard #EUParkingCard 

🗨️  "The EU is taking an important step towards a common culture of integrity and ethics and I am glad that we are an integral part of this endeavor." – EESC President Oliver Röpke.     Today, the EU launches the Interinstitutional Ethics Body.    The new EU body will establish common minimum standards for ethical conduct across the eight participating institutions. Key features:  🌟 Integrity: Promoting ethical behavior.  🌟 Transparency: Regular reports on ethical standards in internal rules.  🌟 Accountability: Holding institutions to these standards.    More information 👉 europa.eu/!V6grcB    #EthicsBody #EUDemocracy #EuropeanUnion 

We believe that the heartlands of Europe hold the key to its future prosperity.   In our own initiative opinion adopted at the April #EESCPlenary, we reaffirm our commitment to rural communities and the EU's long-term vision for rural areas (LTVRA). Key Highlights: 📜 Proposing a European charter of rights and responsibilities for a comprehensive EU rural strategy. 🌟 Advocating for continuous evolution of the Rural Action Plan and Rural Pact to meet dynamic rural needs. 💡 Emphasising inclusivity in decision-making, engaging stakeholders at all levels. 🔍 Establishing a European rural observatory for valuable insights into rural dynamics. 🚜 Promoting dedicated funding mechanisms and improved access to resources to support rural enterprises and projects. Discover more: https://europa.eu/!ytbmBb #RuralDevelopment #RuralPact

Curious about how our decision-making process works? 🗳️ 🇪🇺 During Open Day 2024 we offered an up-close view through a speed voting activity. If you missed the event, don't worry! You can now have a look at it on our YouTube channel. Get a firsthand look at how members from our three groups collaborate. ↓

Your concerns have been heard. The regulation on instant payment in euro has entered into force, and we are pleased to see that it includes the recommendations from civil society that we compiled in our opinions. What does this mean? → From now on, you can transfer money within ten seconds at any time of the day inside the European Economic Area. → Banks will enable instant payments in euros without exceeding the charges of standard transfers. → You will be notified before any transaction to prevent fraud. Read our opinion: europa.eu/!CWjH47 #EUCivilSociety

Empowering young leaders is paramount to us!   Here's what being our youth delegate to EU UNFCCC COP involves:  🌱 Participation: Engage in strategic and preparatory work before, during, and after UNFCCC COP meetings.   🌱 Guidance and Assistance: A youth task force, comprising partners like the European Youth Forum and Generation Climate Europe (GCE), will help you throughout your mandate.   🌱 Financial Support: Reimbursement for participation in meetings and missions will be provided.   Are you passionate about climate action? ✍️ Eligibility: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, nationals and residents of EU member states, proficient in English, and available for a two-year commitment.   📅 Application: The next selection process opens in December 2024.   More information 👉 europa.eu/!GcBtxR   #COP29

We want to bring the #WesternBalkans closer and faster to our Union.       We welcome the provisional deal reached by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans!     It's a new financial instrument to support:  🤝 the Western Balkans’ partners in tackling socio-economic and fundamental reforms;  📈 accelerate economic convergence with the EU;  🇪🇺  the partners' enlargement process.    The facility amounts to 6 billion euro for 2024-2027.    We reiterate the importance of ensuring that the EU's focus on stability and geopolitical interests does not come at the expense of the rule of law and democracy.    Our opinion 👉  europa.eu/!wfDjpb    #EUEnlargement #StrongerTogether