The EESC points out the need for digital skills programming to be more targeted towards training older people and other disadvantaged groups;
calls for the EU Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 to include effective strategies to improve training and adapt the skills of employed and unemployed workers in all sectors, regardless of company size;
calls for efforts to promote and facilitate the adjustment of existing learning programmes to include the skills needed for the dual digital and green transitions.
believes that the EU can and should increase its global competitiveness by implementing a comprehensive policy framework with administrative, legislative, normative, and economic measures.
believes that the consumers need to be informed and empowered to play an active role in achieving green transition goals, including awareness, recognition, and proper end-of-life management of bioplastics. Clear labeling can help facilitate this.
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supports the Commission's initiative to revise packaging and packaging waste legislation due to the increasing negative impact of packaging waste on health, economies, and the environment. While packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety and food quality, the EESC also welcomes a revision that balances environmental concerns with consumer safety.
highlights the need to avoid imposing unnecessary administrative or operational burdens on SMEs when transposing the updated regulation into national legislation. It is crucial to consider appropriate deadlines for effective implementation, especially for affected industries and consumers.
underlines that the algae can help combat climate change and meet the needs of a growing global population in various ways. They can be grown in freshwater and eutrophicated water, thermal bath wastewater, and other types of wastewaters to serve environmental or energy purposes, showcasing the diversity of their potential uses.
believes that the EU possesses advanced scientific and technological expertise in microalgae, even in landlocked countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. This knowledge can support the development of a European algae sector and help increase public awareness and market acceptance.
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believes that with Russia's war in Ukraine and potential accession to the EU, it is crucial for the EU and its Member States to uphold the right to a healthy environment. The EESC highlights the pressing need to enhance environmental protection to protect fundamental rights in the EU and beyond, particularly given the environmental harm resulting from the war in Ukraine.
believes that Russia's actions constitute ecocide and is urging for the inclusion of "ecocide" as a criminal offense in EU law.
The EESC proposed to make sure that the relevant European and national legislation is fully implemented and enforced so as to reduce precarious work and the prevalence of the associated mental health problems;
to adopt specific legislation on preventing psychosocial risks at EU level;
to combat identified work-related psychosocial risks at the source.
The EESC considers the Social Imbalance Procedure (SIP) an opportunity to enhance the coordination of national efforts to improve their social governance and reduce social inequalities within a country and between Member States
underlines that the SIP should be integrated into the European Semester, throughout its different phases
calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider making existing rules for funds allocation (including the ESIF, RRF and others) more flexible.
The opinion stresses that wood is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional building materials, emitting fewer carbon emissions and promoting forest conservation through sustainable management.
Education and training in timber construction can create job opportunities in rural areas.
Wood is an ideal material for earthquake-prone areas due to its anti-seismic properties.
1) Citizens and businesses will only actively support the transition to a long-term sustainable transport system if it is implemented in a way that is financially acceptable and socially feasible. Otherwise, there is a serious risk of failure and social unrest.
is pleased with the Commission's commitment to allot financial and human resources from EU funds to address wildlife trafficking;
highlights the significance of implementing effective and discouraging measures against wildlife trafficking, suggesting that the current level of sanctions proposed by the Council under the Environmental Crime Directive is insufficient and must be increased;
recommends the establishment of consistent structures in all Member States;
