In September 2016, the EESC adopted an own-initiative opinion on "The rights of live-in care workers". It was a first policy document at the European level dealing with the sector of live-in care work in Europe. As follow-up to this initiative, the EESC will carry out 5 country visits to countries of origin and destination of live-in care workers (United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Poland) to deepen the research on labour and work conditions of these persons and the quality of care delivery. The findings will be presented in a report to be released by the EESC later in 2018.
Events
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High-level conference on "The Multiannual Financial Framework post 2020: Challenges and opportunities" with the participation of representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council presidency.
The Western Balkans Conference was planned as a civil society contribution to the EU-Western Balkans Heads of State Summit, scheduled by the Bulgarian Presidency that took place on 17 May 2018 in Sofia. The Conference gathered EESC members, civil society representatives of the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as Bulgarian officials and members of the organized civil society (including social partners from the Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria). The outcome of the Conference was shared with the participants of the EU-Western Balkans Summit.
The hearing was part of the EESC follow-up work related to its opinion on Improving the effectiveness of EU policies for SMEs, adopted in July 2017.
The main objective of the hearing was to debate the effectiveness and efficiency of EU policies for SMEs and gather valuable input and feedback from Lithuanian stakeholders on the matter with a view to finding ways in which they can be improved. Particular emphasis was put on the recommendations that have been outlined in the EESC opinion with the aim of implementing them at national level.
For the first time in the history of the EU, the Commission will convene a Citizens' Panel to prepare a public consultation on the Future of Europe. On 5-6 May, a group of 80 Europeans will come to Brussels from 27 Member States, and work together to draft a 12-question online consultation. This unique exercise in participative democracy will see citizens shaping the conversation on the Future of Europe ahead of the European Parliament elections in May 2019.
Together with the other EU institutions in Brussels, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opened its doors on Saturday 5 May in celebration of Europe Day. The EESC presented its activities to the public, with a special focus on culture, since 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
The members of the Committee discussed the latest developments in EEA as well as EU/EFTA issues. The Consultative Committee adopted two resolutions on:
- the social aspects of the Mobility Package ("Europe on the move")
- the work-life balance
This event aims to present the outcomes of the EESC opinion on Boosting climate actions by non-state actors and operationalise the proposed dialogue. It will include both plenary sessions and participatory workshops focusing on thematic areas bringing together experts from national and subnational governments, the private sector, financial institutions and leading international and civil society organisations.
Mid-term renewal of the XVth (five-year) term of office
The EESC is hosting its 534th Plenary Session on 18-19 April to mark the end of the Presidency headed by Georges Dassis and welcome a new Presidency for 2018-2020.
The hearing is part of the EESC follow-up work related to its opinion on Improving the effectiveness of EU policies for SMEs, adopted in July 2017.
The main objective of the hearing will be to debate the effectiveness and efficiency of the EU policies for SMEs and gather valuable input and feedback from Greek stakeholders on the matter with a view to finding ways in which they can be improved. Particular emphasis will be put on the recommendations that have been outlined in the EESC opinion with the aim of implementing them at national level. Issues such as access to finance, improving access to markets and internationalisation, promoting entrepreneurship, reducing the administrative burden, simplification, supporting SMEs competitiveness and innovation will be at the forefront. The stakeholders are also invited to express their views on the current definition of SMEs and on its potential need for revision.