The European Economic and Social Committee organized on June 30, 2026, in Brussels, the Annual European Semester Group Conference, with the theme “The European Semester 2026: Driving competitiveness, sustainable growth and social resilience in a strategic budgetary framework.”

The event brought together representatives of the European Union institutions, organized civil society, Member States, and research institutes, providing a forum for dialogue on the European Union’s main economic and social priorities.

Discussions focused on the relationship between the European Semester, the Competitiveness Coordination Instrument, and the future Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasizing the need for better alignment of national and European investments with the Union’s common strategic objectives.

In the context of the 2026 European Semester cycle, the European Commission reaffirmed its objectives of reducing economic dependencies, strengthening competitiveness, and promoting sustainable prosperity. Participants emphasized that achieving these objectives requires enhanced coordination at the European level, mobilizing strategic investments, strengthening the single market, simplifying the regulatory framework, and supporting European businesses in the face of unfair competition and trade imbalances. At the same time, the importance of maintaining a balance between competitiveness, social cohesion, and sustainability goals was highlighted.

The Economic and Social Council of Romania was represented by Anca Simitopol, director of the International Relations and Public Relations Department.

At the same time, the Economic and Social Council of Romania recently submitted its opinion to the European Economic and Social Committee regarding the proposals on the European Union’s future Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028–2034, thereby contributing to the consultation process on the Union’s future budgetary priorities.