On 12 June 2014, the Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council codifying Council Regulation (EC) No 673/2005 of 25 April 2005 establishing additional customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the United States of America.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: Imports of certain products originating in the United States of America (codification)
The EESC has played an important role in strengthening an informed civil society debate on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) through a number of TTIP-related opinions, adopted in 2014 and 2015, covering issues such as labour rights, investment protection, impact on SMEs, among others.
It is important under the present circumstances that the EESC, in order to maintain its position as a key civil society player in the TTIP debate, react to the textual proposals for TTIP negotiations on essential topics such as the sustainable development chapter, regulatory cooperation, investment and services. This will have the advantage not only of setting up the EESC position on major negotiating chapters but also of presenting concrete recommendations and pointing out the need to involve civil society in the implementation of those chapters.
Download — Stellungnahme des Ausschusses: The position of the EESC on specific key issues of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations (own-initiative opinion)
The own-initiative opinion will focus on the impact of the TTIP on SMEs and reflect on the provisions that would need to be included in the TTIP in order to take account of the specific character of SMEs in the negotiations and implementation of an eventual EU-US agreement. The opinion will also look at how to increase the awareness of SMEs as to existing support services and programmes, and particularly about the new business opportunities that may arise with this agreement.
Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the investment policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union. The EU is aiming to include therefore in the new trade and investment agreements provisions on investor protection and investor to state dispute settlement (ISDS) which will replace existing Bilateral Investment Agreements (BIT) signed by Member States and will grant the same level of protection to all EU investors.
Download — Investor protection and investor to State dispute settlement in EU trade and investment agreements with third countries
In the light of the ongoing EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is drafting an own-initiative opinion on "The position of the EESC on specific key issues of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations". In this framework, the EESC is organising a public hearing, to be held at the Committee premises on 30 June 2016, beginning at 9 a.m.
The main purpose of this event will be to exchange views with representatives from the European Union institutions involved in the TTIP negotiations, as well as from civil society organisations and consultancy firms, in order to gather relevant information and deepen understanding of the matter. The four sessions will focus on the following topics: 1) Regulatory cooperation, good regulatory practices, technical barriers to trade; 2) Services; 3) Investment protection and the Investment Court System (ICS); 4) Trade and sustainable development.
Exploring the evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) within the European Union, this study delves into technological advancements, market dynamics, and regulatory challenges. It highlights the EU’s position in the global GenAI ecosystem, revealing significant US dominance, while uncovering sector-specific opportunities and risks across industries such as automotive, renewable energy, and education.
In my capacity as President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Joe Biden for his election as the 46th President of the United States of America, as well as to Ms. Kamala Harris as Vice-President.
Our members comment on the results of the US presidential election and reflect on their possible impact;
Guest articles by Lennart NILSSON (General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives - COGECA), Beatriz ABELLÁN MERELO (Foundation for European Progressive Studies - FEPS) and Francesca CARLSSON (European Environmental Bureau - EEB);
Report on our recent conference on protecting Europe's most vulnerable through sustainable and affordable housing;
Interview with rapporteur Anastasis YIAPANIS on the new EESC opinion on 'Advanced materials for industrial leadership'.
Civil Society Organisations' Bulletin - December 2024
