The EESC supports the Commission's proposal which will allow for the creation of the European Foundation (FE), for which it has called already in 2010 in its own-initiative opinion (INT/498). The EESC recommends adopting the proposal without delay. As an optional instrument, FE will give the opportunity to foundations opting for the statute to work in each EU country without the need to create local structures, provided that the foundation will be recognised in the country of origin of its creation.
The EESC considers that this issue needs to be analysed very thoroughly and placed within an EU framework taking into consideration the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. Special emphasis must be placed on empowering, informing and educating children, families and teachers. The EESC calls on advertisers and sponsors to adopt and apply the highest levels of protection of children's rights.
EESC opinion: Advertising / young people and children
The EESC feels that the triple objective of the Europe 2020 strategy, i.e., smart, sustainable and inclusive-cohesive growth, is generally appropriate; however, in order to achieve it, a well-balanced macroeconomic policy mix and structural reforms together with more and better instruments are needed. The EU needs to show that it has the necessary political will and a specific vision of substantially closer integration. All the funds and programmes should be more tailored to the social goals of Europe 2020, and work on drawing up a European Territorial Strategy must be accelerated. It is vital to ensure much broader involvement of experts and public opinion in preparing decisions.
