The purpose of the opinion is to contribute to the further development of the foresight in the EU policy-making. The opinion will comment on the Commission's 2023 Annual foresight Report, which focused on the sustainability and people's wellbeing at the heart of Europe's Open Strategic Autonomy.
European Works Councils (EWCs) are information and consultation bodies which ensure that employees are involved in decisions related to transnational issues. They concern companies with over 1,000 employees operating in at least two EU or European Economic Area countries. The current Directive 2009/38/EC sets out the procedures for establishing EWCs and informing and consulting them on transnational matters. The proposed revision aims to strengthen the role of EWCs by facilitating their creation, promoting more meaningful information and consultation, and ensuring they have the necessary capacity to carry out their work. It also seeks to improve the gender balance of EWCs.
Rengiamos (updated on 12/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 19/03/2024
An efficient intellectual property rights system is a staple of any solid industrial strategy. However, counterfeiting not only leads to losses of revenue for IP rightsholders, but also poses significant risks to consumer safety, public health and the environment. The initiative taken by the Commission with its Recommendation on measures to combat counterfeiting and enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights will aim to protect the integrity of the single market. The cross-border nature of the trade in counterfeit goods and their online dissemination means that Member States alone cannot do this. EU intervention is therefore the best course of action.
Rengiamos (updated on 11/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 13/02/2024
According to Article 175 of the TFEU the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, every three years, on the progress towards achieving economic, social and territorial cohesion.
The 9th report which covers the first period (2021-2023) of the programming period 2021-2027 will include a record of progress made towards achieving economic, social and territorial cohesion, including the socio-economic situation of regions as well as the integration of EU priorities. It will also include, where appropriate, an indication of future EU measures and policies necessary to strengthen cohesion, as well as to deliver EU priorities.
Rengiamos (updated on 10/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 15/02/2024
The aim of the opinion is to draw attention to the impact of the non-Schengen status of Bulgaria and Romania and neighbouring EU-countries on the Single Market, to assess the impact of non-Schengen membership on the competitiveness of these countries and the potential costs/benefits of Schengen for them, and to propose recommendations for policy-makers on how to address the negative effects of non-Schengen on the Single Market.
Rengiamos (updated on 08/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 30/11/2023
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) was asked by the Commission to produce an opinion on the new plan. It aims to look at the plan from the civil society perspective and explore means of concrete inclusion of social partners and civil society organisations in its implementation.
New growth plan and Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans
The exploratory opinion requested by the Commission will focus on General Purpose AI models and the systems based on these models, their use by institutions, bodies and businesses and the impact they have on economy and society. Its aim is to support the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act, in particular as regards General Purpose AI and their governance. It will, more specifically, contribute to the preparation of the codes of practice in relation to General Purpose AI, provide recommendations on the next steps in the field and engage in the global discussions around General Purpose AI and their governance.
Rengiamos (updated on 04/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 15/02/2024
A comprehensive approach is needed to revive EU competitiveness, requiring a reconsideration of the regulatory framework. Competition policy, particularly market definition, is sometimes criticized for hindering European companies' growth.
Rengiamos (updated on 04/04/2024) - Bureau decision date: 18/01/2024
This subject of this own-initiative opinion is multidimensional, requiring from the opinion to address a wide spectrum of subtopics, while having a clear and logical thread.
Rengiamos (updated on 26/03/2024) - Bureau decision date: 16/01/2024
