Unit 5. Other institutions and organisational bodies of the European Union

Step 3. European Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions

European Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions

The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions represent consultative bodies in the EU institutional system, which produce non-binding opinions on specific EU legislation. Please note that they are not EU institutions but rather specialised forums that represent important interest groups in the EU and have purely consultative character.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is the oldest EU consultative body. It was established in 1958 to include economic and social interest groups in the creation of the common market and to provide newly formed European institutions with support and voice from key socio-economic actors. In this regard, Members of EESC represent three main interest groups: 1) workers, 2) employers, and 3) other groups (the representatives and stakeholders of civil society, particularly in the economic, civic, professional and cultural field). All these groups work together and produce comprehensive advice regarding EU legislation in policy areas of social and economic importance.

(Source: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/about )

Now watch this video to learn about the European Economic and Social Committee.