European Economic and Social Committee
A próxima reunião do Comité de Acompanhamento ACP-UE tera lugar no dia 16 de março de 2023, um evento coorganizado em parceria com o Conselho Económico e Social de Portugal, com vista a aprofundar a cooperação cordial e frutuosa entre as duas instituições. Esta reunião terá lugar na cidade do Porto e será dedicada à contribuição da sociedade civil para o futuro das relações UE-ACP.
The European Economic Area Consultative Committee held its 31st annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, on 14 and 15 March 2023. The EEA CC members discussed resolutions and reports on energy resilience in the EEA in view of the geopolitical landscape and on the future cooperation of the European Political Community (EPC).
A Social Progress Protocol giving priority to workers’, and social rights over economic freedoms was first proposed by the European Trade Union Confederation in 2008.
This proposal was endorsed in the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe calling for an inclusion of such a protocol in the Treaties, and also the European Parliament approved a resolution, in June 2022, calling for the incorporation of social progress in Article 9 TFEU linked to a Social Progress Protocol.
The upcoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU has asked the EESC for its position on such a protocol, so come shape the advice the EESC will give on a Social Progress Protocol!
The second meeting of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform (CSP) was held on 10 March 2023 in Yerevan.
During the meeting, a debate focused on assessing the state of play of the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. The CSP debated the current challenges in the implementation of the Agreement and in progressing on the reform agenda.
A joint declaration, prepared by both sides, was discussed and adopted.
The EESC organised a hybrid conference on Skills and talents as key drivers for personal fulfilment, economic growth and competitiveness on 10 March 2023 (9:30 to 16:30) in the context of the European Year of Skills.
The conference looked at the current situation in the EU in relation to skills development, with a focus on work-based learning and apprenticeships. It discussed the advantages of dual education and in-work training compared to academic training and how they are preparing the future workforce. It also looked at the EU Talent Pool and discuss how the EU can become a more attractive destination for talented professionals looking for job opportunities worldwide.
This year's YEYS event has a real cultural treat in store for its young audience. The EESC is to host Theatre Navpaky that will be performing a show during the closing session of the event on Friday 24 March. The musical performance is entitled "Svit za ochi" (There, out of sight) and directed by Oksana Terefenko.
The 6th meeting of the EU DAG set up under the EU-UK TCA featured the participation of the UK DAG Chair, Mr. Sean McGuire, to discuss the recent Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland, the situation of both DAGs and future joint steps. A DG TRADE representative presented and discussed with members the technical aspects of Level Playing Field provisions.
In line with its commitments to the Rural Pact, the EESC will organise a thematic debate on renewable energies in rural areas during the next meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT Section) planned on Thursday 9 March (11:00 -12:30).
On 8 March 2023, the fifth meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group was held in a hybrid format. One of the objectives of the meeting was to prepare the European side for the upcoming joint meeting with the Singapore DAG.
Following the adoption of the EESC Information Report on the Implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the Committee is now promoting and giving it a reinforced follow-up using various communication channels, considering the relevance and the perfect timing of the subjects covered in the report.
