The European Economic and Social Committee reached a compromise solution to adopt two opinions on sensitive topics that are at the heart of the debate across Europe: the future of the pension systems and employment for young people. The EESC deplores the lack of attention given to public pension systems, which need to be strengthened as an important component of the social security net.

On 12 of July, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted two opinions on sensitive topics: the future of the pension systems and employment for young people. With regard to the future of the pension systems, the Committee expresses its concern that many countries are responding to the crisis in pension systems by cutting expenditure on pensions and raising the statutory retirement age. In January 2011, the EESC already warned about the risks of linking retirement age to life expectancy.

The Committee agrees with the Commission's idea of extending working life and feels action is needed to remove the obstacles facing those who want to keep working beyond the legal retirement age. In addition, it also recommends that standards on minimum pensions or pension income protection mechanisms be included in future legislation to protect pensioners and avoid major social problems.

On the other hand, the EESC welcomes the Commission's Youth Opportunities Initiative and expresses its willingness to play a part in promoting and implementing it, on the second opinion approved on 12 of July. According to EESC members, the Youth Opportunities initiative - with its focus on young people who are not in employment, education or training - can represent a source of new opportunities but will not create any new jobs without adequate economic and financial support.