The Commission recently published a Communication on a Renewed Partnership with the ACP Group of countries. ACP-EU relations are currently governed by the Cotonou Partnership Agreement that will expire in 2020, therefore the Commission has published recommendations on what the future structure should be. Last year the EESC already drafted a general opinion on the post-Cotonou framework; this new opinion will have to answer specifically to the Commission's communication.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Renewed partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (Communication)
The EESC is a strong advocate of a fair, well-administered and sustainable development policy at EU level. It is also very committed to the cause of greater tax justice. In recent years, questions have been raised as to whether the international tax policies of the Member States, in particular the concluding of certain types of double taxation agreements, are consistent with EU development policy objectives.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: EU development partnerships and the challenge posed by international tax agreements (own-initiative opinion)
The 2030 Agenda, the new global framework for sustainable development agreed by the UN in 2015, needs to be reflected in EU's development policy, the major orientations of which are set out in the 2005 European Consensus on Development ("the Consensus").
To this end, the Commission issued Communication COM(2016) 740, "Proposal for a New European Consensus on Development: Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future" in November 2016. Interinstitutional negotiations are expected to result in its endorsement in the form of a Joint Statement by the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission, in May 2017.
Download — Γνωμοδότηση της ΕΟΚΕ: Proposal for a new European Consensus on Development: "Our World, our Dignity, our Future” (Communication)
welcomes the African Union’s (AU) commitment to democratic values and to promoting democracy as highlighted in the aspirations set out in the AU 2063 Agenda;
believes that the Global Gateway strategy is of great importance for EU-Africa relations, and reaffirms that it will strengthen economic and political ties, ensuring respect for democratic and social principles;
commits to pursue and improve its activities to promote and support African civil society organisations and social partners by facilitating their establishment, organisation and action and by helping boost their institutional capacity, as a contribution to achieving the EU’s goal of making democracy resilient in Africa.
At its December plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EEESC) hosted a debate on democracy in Africa with representatives from the African Union Economic and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC). Both sides agreed that civil society is the driving force for a successful EU-Africa partnership based on equality, fostering civil and social dialogue.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) today presented a Joint Declaration at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, emphasising the crucial role of civil society in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.
On 17 July, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) represented by its Presiding Officer, Khalid Boudali. The memorandum aims to formalise the partnership between the two institutions and enhance economic and social stakeholder involvement in the Africa-EU partnership.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted on 2nd March the 7th Meeting of the representatives of African and EU economic and social stakeholders, a virtual event where speakers discussed the future of the EU-Africa partnership with a special focus in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.
Relations between the EU and Africa are expected to be reshaped, as envisaged in a new strategy presented in March 2020 by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. ...
