The EU’s rule of law crisis and the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee

In the EU’s rule of law politics, the three main institutions – the Commission, the Council, and the Parliament – have understandably taken centre stage. While they are undoubtedly the key players, the activism of the EU’s consultative bodies, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), has gone largely unnoticed. The CoR represents local and regional authorities, while the EESC brings together employers, trade unions, and civil society – constituencies that are directly affected by democratic backsliding. Local and regional governments in opposition-run regions risk being cut off from national funding, while social partners and NGOs face repression and shrinking civic space. Against the backdrop of the EU’s rule of law crisis and the Union’s evolving responses, this paper examines how both institutions have engaged with these issues. It draws on the analysis of opinions and official documents, as well as expert interviews with members and secretariat staff. Preliminary findings suggest that most rule of law–related opinions are own-initiative, indicating that the topic has become a priority. The EESC has even established a dedicated Working Group on the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights. Yet, despite sharing a building and similarly feeble institutional positions, cooperation between the two bodies remains limited.