The social dimension of the EU economy is a fact, not something that needs to be created. The nature of the single market is social; many of the benefits it creates are par excellence part of the social dimension.Improving Europe’s competitiveness and stimulating greater growth are just two essential conditions needed to further develop the social dimension of the EU. A strong economy resolves the problem of high unemployment much faster than new funds or administrative measures could.
Nearly 200 communications experts from civil society organisations, EU and national public administrations, and the worlds of academia and the media met in Brussels for the 7th annual civil society media seminar organised by the EESC in partnership with the European Parliament.
With a critical juncture already fast approaching,the Greek Presidency of the EU represents an opportunity that Europe cannot afford to miss, a chance to influence the direction of change and build a Europe that feels more tangible and familiar to its citizens. At the elections next May,the public will elect a new European Parliament. These elections will also tell us whether or not Europe has managed to convince its citizens that it is effective and that the European venture has been reinvigorated.
Summary of the discussion during the extraordinary meeting of the Employers' Group. The discussion on boosting industry and competitiveness in Europe took place during the Extraordinary Meeting of the Employers’ Group in Brussels, Belgium on 13th November 2013. The discussion on re-industrialisation of Europe took place during the panel organised by the Employers’ Group in the framework of the European Forum for New Ideas on 26th September 2013 in Sopot, Poland.
Planned obsolescence is associated with a form of industrial production that relies on a minimum renewal rate for its products. Although product renewal is necessary, certain abuses need to be addressed. The EESC would like to see a total ban on products with built-in defects designed to end the product's life.
