The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), at its 600th plenary session, adopted an opinion emphasizing that EU enlargement is a value-driven process. The opinion stresses that social partners and civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential for advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in candidate countries. The EESC calls on the European Commission to direct EU funding toward strengthening CSOs, actively involve social partners in EU-level dialogue, and use tools such as the Growth Plans to reinforce social dialogue. It also strongly urges the EU to address the growing pressure on civic space and independent media within its enlargement policies, and to promote transparent public services for greater public trust. Read more here.
Source: EESC
