The reform and investment proposals as part of the 2024-2025 European Semester cycle

OPINION European Economic and Social Committee The reform and investment proposals as part of the 2024-2025 European Semester cycle _____________ The EESC’s recommendations on the reform and investment proposals formulated as part of the 2024-2025 European Semester cycle (own-initiative opinion) ECO/652 Rapporteurs: Konstantinos DIAMANTOUROS Javier DOZ ORRIT Luca JAHIER EN Advisor Olivier Cédric VAUZELLE (for the rapporteur) Plenary Assembly decision 11/7/2024 Legal basis Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure Adopted in section 15/4/2025 Adopted at plenary session 30/4/2025 Plenary session No 596 Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions) 152/0/2 1. Conclusions and recommendations The EU has to deal simultaneously with enormous geopolitical challenges in the field of foreign, security and defence policy, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, statements and actions of the new US administration in relation to trade, NATO, territorial ambitions and other areas, as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. At the same time, the EU must significantly improve the productivity and competitiveness of its economy while achieving the objectives of the Green Deal and strengthening social cohesion through the European Pillar of Social Rights. Addressing these challenges requires strong political and civic support, active participation of organised civil society, good governance, greater unity and integration, and...