Founding of European Economic and Social Committee

The European Economic and Social Committee is an advisory body of the European Union, set up by the Treaties of Rome which created the European Economic Community. It brings together representatives of employers, trade unions and other civil society groups, such as consumer, farming and environmental organizations, from all the member states. The committee, which meets in Brussels, gives opinions on proposed EU legislation to the Commission, the Council and the Parliament, which are consulted on a wide range of matters and can ask for its views, though they are not binding. It is intended to give organized civil society a voice in the EU's decision-making and to help connect European institutions with citizens.

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