As we conclude our mandate (2020-2025), members of Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society look back on a period marked by extraordinary challenges, unprecedented transitions, and a deepening of our collective understanding of Europe’s future needs. We were part of EESC presidents Christa Schweng and Oliver Röpke's Work Programs contributing to the cross cutting initiatives of youth, an emphasis on gender equality and a fresh approach to enlargement.

Throughout this mandate, we have worked to ensure that the perspectives of workers, consumers, industry, and broader civil society are integral to the development of EU policy. Through our opinions, hearings, conferences, and partnerships, we brought forward proposals rooted in practical experience and social fairness. TEN contributed to crucial debates on the European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package, the REPowerEU plan, and the TEN-T Regulation revision, among others.

As the EU moves toward implementing the Green Deal and further digitalisation, the role of infrastructure – whether physical or digital – will be central. Challenges remain: ensuring investment in clean technologies, reinforcing energy security, bridging digital divides, and aligning infrastructure development with both environmental goals and social needs.

The next mandate will undoubtedly be shaped by the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the evolving security landscape, and the long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. TEN Section will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping these developments with the values of solidarity, sustainability, and social justice.

I extend my sincere thanks to all members of the Section, our rapporteurs, the EESC staff, and our partners across EU institutions and civil society. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the common good have been the backbone of our work!

Baiba Miltoviča 

President of the TEN Section of the European  Economic and Social Committee

AI Implications on European Union Civil Society: Perspectives from Denmark

| Hellerup (Denmark), 15 September 2025

Under the auspices of the Danish EU Presidency, the EESC organised a conference on artificial intelligence and quantum computing with the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA). 

The event explored the development of AI infrastructures, assessed their economic and societal implications, and highlighted cutting-edge applications of Big Data. A particular focus was placed on leveraging AI and data-driven technologies to advance healthcare, especially in the treatment of rare diseases. The conference also showcased the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s pioneering contributions to AI and quantum research. Central to the discussions was the transformative potential of these technologies and the imperative for responsible governance to ensure their benefits are distributed fairly and inclusively across society.

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Civil Society and Radioactive Waste: EURAD2 event

| Bologna (Italy), 10 September 2025

The first EURAD2 (European Partnership on Radioactive Waste Management) annual event was held on 9-11 September in Bologna, focusing on safe and sustainable radioactive waste management. An essential feature in this field is the involvement of civil society, thus a dedicated session on civil society engagement in EU policy was part of the programme. The EESC participated with a nine-member delegation in line with the successful cooperation between DG RTD and the Committee, spotlighting the importance of transparency and inclusion in EU energy governance.

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EESC exchange with the European Maritime Safety Agency

| Lisbon (Portugal), 14 July 2025

On 14 July the rapporteurs of the opinion TEN/832 Towards an EU maritime strategy Ágnes Cser and Tanja Buzek, TEN section president Baiba Miltovica and the president of the study group Martin Hostak visited the European Maritime safety Agency (EMSA) in Lisbon. The visit strengthened the cooperation with EMSA. The four EESC members presented the opinion and engaged in productive discussions with the representatives of EMSA. The EESC sees EMSA as key to improving enforcement of Maritime Labour Conventions and promoting social standards in maritime transport. The visitors were given the opportunity to explore EMSA´s Maritime Support Services Centre, which offers continuous support to ensure two main functions: the uninterrupted functioning of EMSA’s maritime applications and the provision of swift reaction in the event of an emergency at sea.

Housing for All: EESC and NESCs Call for Coordinated Action

| Warsaw (Poland), 25-26 June 2025

At the 25–26 June Annual Meeting in Warsaw, under the Polish EU Presidency, the EESC and 

Secretaries-General of the National Economic and Social Councils of the EU (NESCs) united around a pressing concern: affordable and sustainable housing, including in rural and underserved areas. Speakers called for increased investment, national homelessness strategies, and EU fiscal reform to enable more public housing projects. In particular, Séamus Boland, the President of EESC Group of Civil Society organisations, stressed the need for political will and a European Affordable Housing Plan as outlined in the EESC Exploratory Opinion TEN/848. The call was clear –governments must act now to ensure decent housing, especially for youth, low-income families, and the elderly.

Resilience in Action: Permanent Group on Transport at Urban Resilience Forum

| Rotterdam (The Netherlands), 25-27 June2025

Members of the EESC’s Permanent Group on Transport took part in the 12th European Urban Resilience Forum, held in Rotterdam from 25–27 June 2025. The forum brought together city leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss urgent resilience strategies in a time of climate shocks and growing uncertainty. Key topics included social equity, nature-based solutions, disaster preparedness, finance, and evidence-based governance. This year’s theme – accelerating resilience – highlighted the need for inclusive, cross-cutting action in an increasingly polarised political landscape.

Building Tomorrow: Construction Sector Challenges in Focus

| Brussels, 24 June 2025

The conference "Building Tomorrow: Addressing Europe’s Construction Sector Challenges", held in Brussels on 24 June 2025, tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the EU construction sector. Labour shortages, soaring costs, and the housing crisis took centre stage. Discussions underscored the urgent need for more skilled workers, fairer procurement systems, lower construction costs, stronger protections for workers, and access to affordable, sustainable housing. Speakers from the EESC's TEN Section, alongside the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) and the European Federation of Building Workers and Woodworkers (EFBWW), were united in their message: a resilient, competitive construction industry is essential for Europe’s future. Fair competition and investing in people must be top priorities to safeguard the sector’s long-term vitality.

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Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Roadmap for Fair and Inclusive Transport

| Brussels, 19 June 2025

At its June plenary session, the EESC adopted a strong stance on sustainable urban mobility, urging a shift towards fair, green, and inclusive transport systems. The opinion calls for the widespread roll-out of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), supported by national programmes and EU funding, with CIVINET networks helping drive implementation. Crucially, the EESC insists all voices – workers, employers, civil society – must be involved from the ground up. Urban planning must also go beyond city centres to address the needs of suburban and rural communities. For a truly just transition, affordable and accessible transport must become the norm, not the exception.

Powering a Fair Energy Transition: Fifth EESC Conference on Energy Affordability

| Brussels, 11 June 2025

The 5th EESC Conference on Energy Affordability, Delivering affordable energy in Europe, held on 11 June 2025 in Brussels and co-hosted with DG ENER, stressed the need for inclusive and affordable energy solutions. Participants highlighted the crucial role of citizens, especially in rural areas, in driving the energy transition. Discussions related to secure and accessible energy focused on three pillars: citizen engagement, addressing energy poverty, and boosting sustainable investment. Key topics included energy communities, youth participation, consumer rights, and market stability through energy grid upgrades. The message was clear: an affordable and fair energy transition depends on empowered citizens and targeted investments.

Read more | Key messages

Transport is a Social Right: TEN at ITF Summit

| Leipzig (Germany), 21-23 May 2025

The EESC’s TEN Section actively participated in this year's edition of the International Transport Forum Summit in Leipzig, themed “Transport Resilience to Global Shocks.” With over 1,200 participants from 69 countries, the summit explored how to make transport systems more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive in the face of global disruptions. TEN President Baiba Miltoviča stated: “When it comes to mobility, we need to change the narrative – stop talking about a service; it is a social right.” Accessible and affordable public transport is essential for employment, education, and social inclusion, and it is a key tool in the fight against transport poverty.

TEN at the FISA EURADWASTE & SNETP Forum 2025

| Warsaw (Poland), 12-16 May 2025

TEN President Baiba Miltovica, Vice-President Alena Mastantuono, and Bureau member Philippe Charry represented TEN at the FISA EURADWASTE & SNETP Forum 2025, the 11th edition of the international Euratom research and training conferences on reactor safety (FISA) and radioactive waste management (EURADWASTE). The event took place in Warsaw from 12–16 May 2025, under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Jointly organised by the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN), the European Nuclear Society (ENS), and the ENS Young Generation Network (YGN), the forum gathered a wide range of stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, academics, young scientists, SMEs, and international organisations. Together, they explored the latest advances, key challenges, and future priorities in nuclear safety, reactor technologies, radioactive waste management, and education & training.

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