There is a global increase in demand for bioenergy. This is a positive development if managed sustainably. It can contribute to several policy objectives such as agricultural and rural development, climate change mitigation and better energy access and security [...]
The opinion aim to look into options for promoting sustainable production of "food and fuel", and particularly how civil society can contribute. What does the EU biofuel policy mean for European and global food security? What regulatory frameworks are necessary to make it sustainable? What support for implementation is needed? How can the competition of land-use be better managed?
EU energy and climate policy must recognise and be responsive to global markets and international agreements. It also must develop answers when the markets fails to respond to social priorities and deal with the lack of political coherence. The debate on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) exemplifies the tensions represented in such a policy initiative.
Download — EESC opinion: Future of Carbon Capture and Storage in Europe
To address the issue of energy poverty, the EESC calls for a European energy security and solidarity commitment within the framework of a European energy community which would drive forward a truly European policy and aim to: protect individuals and prevent their social exclusion; take action to reduce the factors of structural vulnerability; and encourage everyone to assume responsibility for using sustainable and renewable energy resources.
Download — EESC opinion: For coordinated European measures to prevent and combat energy poverty
The aim of this recast is to allow the EU to attract talented non-EU students and researchers, while taking into consideration a certain risk of exploitation, to which trainees and au-pairs are particularly exposed. The proposal amends two existing directives: 1/ the “Students’ Directive” (Council Directive 2004/114/EC on the conditions of admission of third country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service): extending its scope to remunerated trainees and au-pairs and making mandatory provisions on unremunerated trainees; 2/ the “Researchers’ Directive” (Council Directive 2005/71/EC on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research).
Download — EESC opinion: Entry and residence of third country nationals (recast)
Following a heated debate, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted at its 10-11 July plenary session an opinion on the review of the tobacco directive proposed by the European Commission. In its opinion, the EESC argues that the changes proposed by the Commission will have serious consequences for jobs, the economy and tax revenues, thereby breaching other fundamental EU objectives such as full employment and restored growth. However, the European Economic and Social Committee is also fully aware of the risks that tobacco poses to public health.
Download — Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products
A coherent Industrial Policy requires far better governance – the EESC position. The EESC welcomes very much the focused attention to Europe's industry, as expressed in the Commission's update on Industrial policy of October 2012. The present opinion insists on a change of mind-set in the Member States (MS) and the EU Council. It stresses the need of coherent decision-making on a wide variety of issues, and effective governance at EU level. Only then industrial policy can become a building block of an EU Growth Initiative of which there is still little effective action.
