The EESC is the EU Institution that represents the voice of European organised civil society. Its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT

Section) is responsible for a broad range of issues, such as the common agricultural policy (CAP), food sustainability, environmental protection, the circular economy,

the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change. The NAT section is made up of more than 100 key players from civil society,

including farmers, representatives of workers and companies in the food sector, environmental NGOs and consumer organisations.

Besides its opinions on legislative proposals produced by the European Commission, the Section also organises numerous hearings and conferences to gather the views

of civil society. It has a huge network of contacts within the EU institutions, national authorities, economic and social partners and NGOs. The Section’s recent work has

covered practical topics such as the post-2027 CAP, the sustainability of the EU agri-food sector with future enlargement, the impacts of sustainable rural/urban develop-

ment, sustainable and resilient food systems at times of growing crises, a strategy for biodiversity, the implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change and

the just transition to a more sustainable European future.

For example, what would happen if Ukraine joined the EU? How would this affect agriculture?

If Ukraine were to join, 50% of Europe's agricultural land would be located there, fundamentally changing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Therefore, the Committee has decided to take a more indirect approach.

For example, in the case of the CAP, they tried to influence it early on—when the new Commission took office—so they could help shape the CAP with a stronger focus on social priorities.

The imbalance within the EU across the entire agricultural value chain.

For example, harvest workers earn very little. Overall, there is too little money in the value chain, which is why farmers are heavily dependent on subsidies.

Employers

Workers

Civil Society Organisations

Some members are also farmers themselves.

It’s an unique institution.

The members are proposed by the member states and then it’s validated by the council.

It makes a crucial part of democracy possible.

The EESC is an EU body that advises the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the EU. They are legally obliged to consult the EESC when passing new laws on a wide range of topics in the following domains: industry, public health, social policy…

The EESC issues own-initiative opinions on topics members believe to be important and in the interests of EU citizens. The EESC also produces exploratory opinions, requested by EU lawmakers when they want an overview of civil society’s views.

-> improvement in monitory and evaluation system to have the possibility to adapt if needed

ector.