The opinion therefore pleads for the gender dimension to be incorporated into the National Reform Plans (NRP) and the European semester and for the Community Funds to invest more in gender equality. It highlights the important role of the social partners in achieving the needed gender mainstreaming and that of the Commission in providing the necessary gender indicators. It calls for common efforts to promote gender equality in society, eliminate structural inequalities and change gender roles.
Download — EESC opinion: The gender dimension in the Europe 2020 strategy
The EESC shares the Commission's view that the use of cloud computing (CC) in Europe needs to be developed. Nevertheless, the Committee recommends that the European Commission (EC) also promotes the development of European "digital energy" production (i.e. the emergence and strengthening of European suppliers of CC infrastructure). This could be achieved through relevant allocations of the structural funds and by launching appropriate European projects, as well as by informing European users and businesses on the dangers stemming from current international regulation when using the services of non-European CC suppliers.
Ms Benedicte Federspiel (Various Interests - Gr. III - Denmark) and Mr Ivan Vol…
Plenary session number
486
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The EESC believes that the Commission has paid too little attention to the unintended negative side-effects of the Single Market. The consequence could be a further undermining of the Single Market rather than a new dynamic. The Commission should demonstrate a more realistic approach by communicating in a well-balanced tone. In addition to key actions the EU and the Member States must step up their efforts to overcome the financial, economic and budgetary crisis and to release the full potential of the Single Market. The EESC would very much welcome the fast application of the measures proposed in the Communication on the Governance of the Single Market to improve the overall implementation of EU rules.
The EESC considers that the EU's underlying objectives for the renewed EU-Pacific development Partnership are ambitious, but believes that the implementing arrangements, which mainly concern environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in the region, are not clear. Synergies are needed with other organisations to address the impact of climate change, which has a cross-cutting impact on national and multilateral policies as well as social and economic repercussions. Issues associated with the impact of climate change should be incorporated in the area's comprehensive environmental policies and ensure coherent behaviour and actions. To this end, the active involvement of all local stakeholders is necessary.
Download — Towards a renewed EU-Pacific development Partnership
The present opinion seeks to assess the Rio+20 conference in the light of the EESC's proposals and to identify prospects for follow-up measures. The EESC was heavily involved in the preparations for the 2012 UN conference on sustainable development (Rio+20). The success of this conference will become clear solely by means of follow-up measures at local level. The additional opinion aims to take stock of the conference and to set priorities for the future.
Download — EESC Opinion: Rio+20 - Current situation and future prospects (additional opinion)
