EESC believes that there is a need to have a clear and structured view of which funds are targeted to tackle climate change and how they are managed. With an approved budget of over EUR 330 billion in the current programming period, cohesion policy is the largest and most important investment tool in Europe. As 30% of both the Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will need to be spent on projects for decarbonising our economy, cohesion policy has a crucial role in tackling climate change. Moreover, funds will also be made available under NGEU, as the green transition is one of the main targets of recovery and resilience after COVID-19.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Climate Adjustment Fund financed by Cohesion and NGEU
Crypto-assets are a digital representation of value or rights which may be transferred and stored electronically, using distributed ledger technology or similar technology (e.g. blockhain). They are neither issued nor guaranteed by a central bank or public authority, and can be used as a means of exchange and/or for investment purposes and/or to access a good or service. A wide range of crypto-assets exist, encompassing different features and functions, hence presenting different challenges and risks.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Crypto Assets – Challenges and opportunities
The Commission is proposing new EU legislation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online. The proposed rules will oblige providers to detect, report and remove child sexual abuse material on their services. These rules will include risk mitigation measures; targeted detection obligations; effective removal; a solid oversight mechanisms and judicial redress. Together with this proposal, the Commission is also putting forward a new European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids to improve age-appropriate digital services and to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and respected online.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Combating child sexual abuse online package
In the Declaration from the EU-Western Balkans Summit held on 6 October 2021 in Brdo, Slovenia, leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans launched a dedicated Agenda for the Western Balkans on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport - a comprehensive, long-term cooperation strategy that aims to "promote scientific excellence as well as reform of the region’s education systems, create further opportunities for the youth, and help prevent brain drain". ...
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Youth Policy in the Western Balkans, as part of the Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans
In relation to digital taxation the EESC deems it crucial for both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the OECD to be implemented within the EU as soon as it is feasible, achieving a high degree of consistency with the international agreement that will be negotiated within the OECD/G20 venue. The Committee stresses that properly devised international tax laws on digital businesses are instrumental in preventing tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, as well as in designing a fair, stable and progressive taxation system.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Digital taxation
The Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI) package aims to make every aspect of the design, production, use and sale of products placed on the EU market more environmentally-friendly and circular to deliver on the sustainability and climate objectives. The proposals of the package will introduce a new era where sustainable products become the norm as well as Europe's resource independence.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Sustainable products initiative, including Eco-design Directive
