The Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) is one of the six specialised sections of the EESC. The primary task of the section is to draw up and propose for adoption by the EESC Plenary Assembly opinions reflecting the views of organised civil society in the following areas of EU policy-making:
- In the field of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the ECO section covers coordination of economic and fiscal policies within the European semester, initiatives to deepen and complete the architecture of EMU following the economic crisis, and other issues relating to economic governance, with a view to ensuring stability, growth and employment.
- The remit of the ECO section covers the financial perspectives, own resources and the budget of the European Union as well as statistical questions.
- In the field of taxation, the ECO section is responsible for dealing with problems relating to tax harmonisation and the approximation of laws.
- It also addresses issues relating to the stability, functioning and integration of the financial and capital markets.
- The ECO section also covers cohesion, regional and urban policy matters aimed at reducing economic, social and territorial disparities in the EU and promoting growth and employment.
In addition to drawing up opinions, the section regularly organises public hearings and thematic debates on topical issues in its areas of competence. Furthermore, the ECO section members often participate in various events in Brussels and across the EU, thus maintaining close contact between decision-makers and civil society representatives.
Twelve section members make up the ECO Bureau, which is responsible for coordinating the section’s work. The section has appointed a standing study group to draft specific opinions related to the economic and fiscal governance of the euro area.
The activities of the ECO section members are supported by the ECO secretariat.