Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Application of State aid rules for compensating the provision of services of general economic interest (Decision 2012/21/UE and Community Framework) (own-initiative opinion)
Greenhouse gas emissions from aviation activities are increasing significantly. In the absence of further measures, CO2 emissions from international aviation are estimated to almost quadruple by 2050 compared to 2010.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Emissions trading scheme on aviation activities
In the context of the revision of the founding regulations of the three agencies EUROFOUND, CEDEFOP and EU-OSHA, the Committee expresses its views on general principles governing these bodies and puts forward specific comments for each agency. The EESC warmly welcomes the fact that the balanced, tripartite structure of the management board is to be maintained. The Committee considers that tripartism is the expression of an inclusive approach, which respects the importance of the role of the social partners in seeking joint solutions. The EESC believes that the overall objectives of the three agencies should be uniformly and more comprehensively defined as to "support the needs of all EU institutions and bodies, Member States and Social Partners".
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Eurofound, Cedefop & EU-OSHA Regulations
In the opinion on "Inclusive Islands" drawn up at the request of the Maltese Presidency of the EU, the EESC identifies permanent solutions for islands to address their structural difficulties. Europe's islands are home to over 21 million people. They account for approximately 4% of the EU-28's total population. There is therefore an urgent need for the adoption of an integrated policy framework to address the economic, social and territorial cohesion issues faced by European islands. The EESC calls for a greater effort to be undertaken by the EU to recognise the uniqueness of the challenges facing islands.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Islands in the EU: from structural handicap to inclusive territory (exploratory opinion requested by the Maltese presidency)
The EESC is committed to open and fair trade and recognises its value as a driver of growth and jobs. Therefore, the EESC calls for a level playing field between European and third country exporting producers, and for effective trade defence instruments. The EESC supports the Commission's proposal that the dumping margin should be calculated not using the standard methodology, but on the basis of benchmarks that take account of significantly distorted production and sale costs. The EESC points out that in its 2016 opinion on preserving sustainable jobs and growth in the steel industry, it already called for the standard methodology not to be used in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into Chinese imports as long as the country failed to meet the EU's five criteria for market economy status. The EESC welcomes the Commission's intention of using specific criteria to determine whether there are significant distortions in the market situation.
Εγκριθείσα on 29/03/2017 - Bureau decision date: 07/10/2015
The European car industry employs 2.5 million workers. Together they account for 8% of total value added in industry. Indirectly the sector provides employment for 12 million workers. European exports of cars are twice as big as imports, resulting in a large trade surplus. European assembly plants produce one out of three cars worldwide. The sector is highly innovative as it accounts for 20% of industrial research funding in Europe.
Download — Information report: The automotive industry on the brink of a new paradigm? (Information report)
