At its October plenary session, the EESC adopted a package of three opinions on EU economic governance, providing European decision-makers with new input for the ongoing discussions on deepening Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the next European Semester exercise.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, attended the EESC plenary session on 17 October 2018, engaging in a debate with members on the main external threats and challenges for the EU. EESC President Luca Jahier, highlighted the important role played by the EU as a major humanitarian aid donor, but also recalled that civil society organisations are willing to be part of this effort
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An amazing opportunity to exchange views and a wonderful learning experience. The Jubel Festival, the very first festival on European democracy in Belgium, took place on Saturday 22 September 2018 in Park Leopold in Brussels. EESC members Pierre Jean Coulon, Ronny Lannoo, Thierry Libaert and Daniel Mareels contributed to a fruitful meeting on the future of Europe, one that was particularly relevant in view of the upcoming European elections.
Despite an overly complicated ECI tool, one million signatures collected for diversity in Europe
At its plenary on 20 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) invited the initiators of the European Citizens' Initiative Minority SafePack – represented by Loránt Vincze, president of the Federal Union of European Nationalities – to present their request, which is aimed at improving the protection of national and linguistic minorities in Europe
EESC President Luca Jahier and European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc engaged in a fruitful debate on mobility at the EESC plenary session on 20 September 2018. An adequate regulatory framework for a well-functioning Single European Transport Area, digitalisation in land transport technology, better interoperability between the various existing electronic road toll systems and investment in clean electricity were at the heart of the debate with EESC members.
Commissioner Oettinger joined EESC plenary to discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027
The EESC has received 150 applications for its Civil Society Prize, which this year celebrates innovative initiatives promoting identities, European values and cultural heritage in Europe
Last chance to compete for the EESC Civil Society Prize 2018 on identities, European values and cultural heritage in Europe! Applications closing soon
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is inviting organisations and individuals who work for a better Europe to put themselves forward for the Civil Society Prize, which this year is promoting initiatives to do with European values, identities and cultural heritage. The deadline is 7 September 2018.
The European economy loses over 2% of productivity per year due to a mismatch of skills, according to a recent study commissioned by the European Economic and Social Committee. This means a loss of 80 eurocents for each hour of work. The situation will get even worse in the future due to demographic trends and ongoing technological developments, if no reforms are undertaken.
Migration was one of the main topics during the discussion with the Austrian EU-presidency. While members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomed the title "A Europe that protects" they called on the presidency to put European values at centre stage and be a real bridge builder between all EU Member States.
