Ευρωπαϊκή Οικονομική και Κοινωνική Επιτροπή
The opinion looks into the needs and measures to ensure more efficient water consumption in the EU by consumers, taking into account the main environmental issues, knowledge gaps and state of play of related technologies.
Following Bureau Decision of 12 December 2022, the CCMI will draw up an exploratory opinion requested by the Spanish Presidency.
EESC opinion: Action plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems
EESC opinion on Decarbonisation of the fishing fleet
The EESC underlines the importance of having accurate, up-to-date data in order to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies on youth and to define good practices which address young people. It believes that the EU Youth Dialogue should be strengthened, involve bodies representing young people meaningfully throughout the policymaking process and take into account the new ways in which young people engage, debate and mobilise. More support should be dedicated to building the capacity of the social partners, particularly among young members, with a view to social dialogue and collective bargaining.
The EESC agrees with the proposal in the final report of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE, May 2022) and the resolution of the EP (9 June 2022), to add a social progress protocol (SPP) to the Treaties. This would help ensure that fundamental social rights are effectively protected in the event of conflict with economic freedoms. The EESC considers the SPP to be essential in order to strengthen the autonomy of the social partners, linking, on the one hand, the proper functioning of the single market and economic freedoms, including fair competition between the Member States and, on the other hand, respect and promotion of collective social rights. A SPP will enable the EU to be a leader when it comes to economic growth, the well-being of its citizens, and robust and sustainable businesses.
This own-initiative opinion highlights the importance of equal treatment of young people in the labour market. It covers key aspects such as access to jobs, education-to-work transition, traineeships and internships, minimum wages, skills, social security, mental health and well-being. The EESC provides recommendations to promote and ensure equal treatment of young people in the labour market while supporting their economic activity through entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.