The European Commission’s proposal to reform the Union Customs Code (UCC), published in May 2023, set out an ambitious vision: to build a modern, data-centric customs framework capable of managing growing volumes of international trade, while enhancing the EU’s capacity to detect risk, provide product compliance, and protect fiscal revenue.

In seeking to address the European defence sector’s current inability to face rising geopolitical threats, the European Commission presented its Defence Readiness Omnibus. This package of proposals touches defence and civilian policies alike, with the aim of streamlining procurement, removing regulatory bottlenecks, and improving access to funding.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a key advisory body within the European Union composed of three groups: Employers (Group I), Workers (Group II) and Civil Society Organisations (Group III). Its primary role is to provide informed opinions on EU policies and legislation to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. In doing so, the EESC facilitates dialogue between EU institutions and organised civil society ensuring that citizens’ perspectives are reflected in decision-making.