Making the EESC the facilitator and guarantor of participatory democracy activities

The study commissioned by the European Economic and Social Committee, examines strategies to address the pressing challenges of housing affordability and sustainability across the EU. It focuses on two key areas: the role of digitalization in the housing sector and the contribution of social economy initiatives. Key findings include: Digitalization's Role: The study highlights how tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and AI can streamline planning, improve energy efficiency, and enhance building management. Case studies from Denmark, France, and the Netherlands illustrate successful digital solutions. Social Economy Contributions: Localized, community-oriented housing solutions, like cooperatives and social rental agencies, demonstrate the value of non-profit initiatives in creating affordable, resilient, and sustainable living environments. Examples include projects in Austria, Poland, and Spain. Policy Recommendations: Medium-term goals (by 2030) include harmonizing EU-wide housing policies and integrating digital platforms. Long-term strategies (by 2050) emphasize developing inclusive housing models and leveraging digital innovations. The study concludes that addressing housing issues requires a holistic approach, combining economic, environmental, and social strategies while fostering cooperation among local, national, and EU stakeholders.

The Mediterranean region is warming 20% faster than the global average, and population growth, tourism, and industrialisation are increasing pressure on its energy resources, which remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Despite vast renewable energy potential, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries use only a small share of RES. Decarbonisation is essential to addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable growth. Local and regional authorities (LRAs) are key to accelerating an inclusive energy transition. Recommended actions include: - Developing tailored energy transition plans aligned with national and international goals. - Investing in capacity-building and training for local energy management. - Expanding beyond solar energy to include wind, bioenergy, and offshore renewables. - Collaborating across networks to share expertise and promote decentralised solutions. - Engaging communities through awareness campaigns and participatory decision-making. - Offering incentives to attract private investment and streamline processes. - Fostering international cooperation to share resources and innovation. By empowering local actors and promoting collaboration, the Mediterranean can lead a just and sustainable energy transition.

The publication is an educator's guidebook designed to inspire and support discussions between youth and elderly participants about shaping the future of urban environments. Created as part of the "Future for All" project by CASE (Center for Social and Economic Research), this guidebook uses Warsaw as a case study but provides adaptable insights for cities globally. It is funded by the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism (2014–2021). The guidebook delves into critical themes, including: Demography: Addressing the implications of an ageing population, declining birth rates, and migration patterns for urban planning and social cohesion. Migration: Exploring the integration of diverse populations and fostering intercultural and intergenerational understanding. Climate Change: Highlighting urban sustainability through public initiatives like green spaces and waste reduction. Digitalisation: Emphasizing smart city development while bridging the generational digital divide. Central to its approach are intergenerational activities that foster collaboration and mutual understanding, with a focus on scenario planning, problem-solving, and community engagement. This resource equips educators with tools to promote critical thinking and inclusivity, encouraging young and older citizens alike to actively shape resilient and sustainable urban communities.

We are pleased to present our report, &#8220;In the Shadows: Ukrainian Domestic Workers in Poland,&#8221; developed in collaboration with CARE International, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty and social inequality. The research focuses on a frequently overlooked topic – the domestic sector and excluded female emigrants working as domestic workers. We conducted our study in &hellip; <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/making-the-eesc-the-facilitator-and-guarantor-of-participatory-democracy-activities/">Continued</a>

This study was prepared as part of a project on E-services for citizens at local and regional level in EaP countries commissioned by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) under the specific contract No CDR.17081 implementing multiple framework contract for studies in the field of external relations No CDR/2022/B3/1/1-CIVEX-RELEX. The aim of the study &hellip; <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/making-the-eesc-the-facilitator-and-guarantor-of-participatory-democracy-activities/">Continued</a>

This briefing paper provides an initial analysis of selected measures proposed by Germany, France, Italy and Poland in their respective Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), and focuses on the areas of competitiveness, business environment /entrepreneurship, and (re)industrialisation. As the analysis has shown, targets and milestones set for the majority of the analysed measures seem to &hellip; <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/making-the-eesc-the-facilitator-and-guarantor-of-participatory-democracy-activities/">Continued</a>