The Economic and Social Committee is an advisory body. Its role is to inform the decision-making institutions of the EU on a broad range of social and economic issues. It is made up of representatives, nominated by the Member States, drawn from of various categories of economic and social activity.

www.esc.eu.int Created by the Treaty of Rome (1957), this consultative body, consisting of 222 members, issues opinions on legislation. The members are appointed by the Council and the membership is roughly proportional to the populations of the Member States. The membership is divided into three equal groups that represent labor unions, professional bodies (accountants, physicians, attorneys, etc.) and other groups.

Established in 1958 as a body consisting of representatives from national governments and both sides of industry. It has negligible powers, but does retain a right to be consulted about proposed measures in its domain.

An advisory body that must be consulted on a range of issues, with a membership drawn from national interest groups such as manufacturers, farmers, employees, carriers...

The European Union's Economic and Social Committee is the consultative assembly of European "social and economic partners". This phrase refers mainly to representatives of business, employers and trade unions.