EESC info

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) discussed the key role that organised civil society must play for a real "rEUnaissance" at an event held on 21 February 2019 that brought together top leaders of EU institutions and civil society organisations from across Europe just over 90 days ahead of the European elections.

Referring to growing Euroscepticism, xenophobia and racism across Europe, EESC president Luca Jahier said that democracy was under attack and that European values were being questioned. "This is not the time for resignation; it is the time to dream and to dare", he said. The EESC has a key role to play: "We give voice to the thousand faces of 'Europe at work'. We have to make sure that this dialogue will never be compromised. The worst thing would be to remain silent. We have instead to make the voice of the 'good ones' heard", he continued. "Whatever it takes, we will dare to act for a sustainable Europe", concluded Mr Jahier.

"We need to protect the biosphere, the air, the oceans, the soil, the forests", said 16‑year‑old Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who made it clear that it was imperative to take action now against climate change. She warned that our planet was only some 11 years away from an irreversible catastrophe. "We are not fighting for the future of young generations only; we are fighting for everybody's future. We have started to clean up this mess and we will not stop until we are done", she concluded.

The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, was supportive of the movement initiated by Ms Thunberg as: "it can bring about change; it has spread to many cities and now there is a common message in the streets of Europe". He also pointed out how the Juncker plan had greatly contributed to raising green investment in Europe during his term of office.

The president of the European Committee of the Regions, Karl-Heinz Lambertz said the event indicated "a common will to work together". "We are all talking about the same thing: rebuilding the Union", he stated, adding that "we should not ignore what has been done, but we need to start with a new move. Our citizens and regions are still the uncharted territory of our democracies. We need to fully involve them in building Europe. We need to reform the Union from the bottom up".

The Civil Society for rEUnaissance event was organised to mobilise civil society in support of European democratic values as enshrined in the Treaties and of charting a course for the future of Europe ahead of the EU elections. BusinessEurope director-general Markus J. Beyrer, ETUC secretary-general Luca Visentini and Solidar secretary-general Conny Reuter participated in the debate along with many other speakers, including Madeleina Kay, aka the 'EU Supergirl'. (mp)

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted the opinion on "For a European Framework directive on a Minimum Income" in which it asked the European Commission to introduce a binding EU framework establishing an adequate minimum income across Europe, tailored to the standard of living in each Member State. 

Such a framework, in the form of a directive, is needed to effectively address the serious and persistent problem of poverty in Europe and to restore the EU's credibility, since the EU commitments seeking to reduce the number of EU citizens at risk of poverty by 20 million have by and large failed, the EESC said.

"The issue of a minimum income is highly political. This is a decision to be made at EU level, and the Commission cannot hide behind the principle of subsidiarity – misused in this case – to decide that it cannot do anything about such an important problem that affects dignity and human rights", said Georges Dassis, rapporteur of the opinion.

"It is important for the EU to do something concrete for people who have nothing. If you are indifferent to their misery now, tomorrow might be too late", Mr Dassis said.

Opposing the proposed use of a binding instrument, the EESC's Employers Group tabled a counter opinion in which its members argued that the minimum income should be tackled at national level.

The counter opinion was rejected and Mr Dassis's own-initiative opinion was adopted with 158 votes in favour, 81 against and 12 abstentions. (ll)

On 20 February, the EESC hosted Commissioner Hogan to talk about the future CAP.Phil Hogan stressed that it was important for the CAP to evolve; aside from food supply, the CAP should also provide other public goods, in exchange for its special position within the EU budget.

As regards the budget, the Commissioner said that "Member States, working in co-decision with the European Parliament, have full freedom to increase their overall budget with a view to keeping the CAP at its current level." He hoped for a swift agreement on the multiannual financial framework (MFF), since farmers needed certainty and stability regarding policy and the budget.

The Commissioner also mentioned the political agreement on a new rule to ban certain unfair trading practices in the food supply chain, to which the EESC made a substantial contribution through its opinion and on which a vote will be held at the European Parliament plenary in March.

During the debate with the Commissioner, EESC member John Bryan said that the EESC supported a strong CAP with a strong budget, as the CAP was important for peace and cohesion.

Maurizio Reale, president of the EESC's NAT section, pointed out that a future CAP must focus more on climate change and that farmers needed to be better protected in free trade agreements.

Peter Schmidt, president of the EESC's Sustainable Development Observatory, stressed that unfair practices in the food chain needed to be addressed more effectively and that the Sustainable Development Goals should be included in our food policy. The same high standards demanded of our producers must be applied to food imports. (sma)

The EESC adopted at its February plenary session an opinion supporting the continuation of the European Peace and Reconciliation Programme (PEACE) in Northern Ireland after the UK's withdrawal from the EU. This continued support is considered as crucial given the sensitivity of the debate on the UK/Ireland border in the context of the Brexit negotiations. 

The opinion, drafted by Jane Morrice, states that "the urgency of the situation created by the Brexit process and the eventual UK withdrawal requires an EU response to safeguard the peace process which matches the new needs of the region in the post-Brexit context". It recommends not only maintaining the PEACE programme as proposed, but also extending its lifespan, as conflict resolution will take time and require longer-term commitment than current funding cycles.

The EESC says consideration should be given to placing a greater focus on communication activities to ensure citizens are fully aware of the positive role of the EU. It also suggests using the WhiteDove brand to symbolise PEACE-funded projects, establishing a link with an opinion to be presented by Jane Morrice at the EESC plenary in March entitled The WhiteDoveWay: Proposal for an EU-led global peace-building strategy. This opinion proposes the establishment of a European path of peace from Northern Ireland to Nicosia, in Cyprus, called the WhiteDoveWay, which would follow the path of the Irish pilgrim Columbanus connecting with other routes such as the Western Front Way and through the Balkans to link the two divided islands on either side of Europe. (dgf)

Economic progress and social stability are two key elements in the fight against Euroscepticism, but they alone are not enough: civil society needs to get involved!

At the presentation of the study Societies outside Metropolises: the role of civil society organisations in confronting populism, held on 20 February 2019 in Brussels, the EESC's Diversity Europe Group reviewed the rise of populism in the EU, analysing how and why it had emerged, and highlighting the key role that civil society can play in countering it.

While economic progress and social stability have an essential part to play in addressing the concerns that give rise to Euroscepticism, these factors alone are not enough. Civil society organisations have to take action to communicate a positive message about the value and importance of Europe and to bring Europe closer to its citizens. "The preservation of liberal democracy is everyone's business," said the President of the EESC Diversity Europe Group, Arno Metzler. "I believe that the only way to counter populism is through our democratic system, the very system that populists are trying to undermine: the EU must not only speak to people, but must actively listen and engage in dialogue. European civil society should help the Union to reach out to citizens, thus preventing and limiting the appeal of populist parties," he continued.

Research shows that economic decline, social instability and limited levels of education are some of the most significant factors behind increased support for populists throughout the EU. However, other more complex and interdependent issues also need to be considered, such as the desire to preserve the status quo and the need to protect traditional values, monocultures or particular identities. (mp)

Food plays a central role in people's lives and must not only be seen from a nutritional or health point of view, but also from an environmental and social angle. To facilitate such a comprehensive sustainable food system, the EESC proposes the introduction of new Sustainable Dietary Guidelines.

"What we eat affects our health and our planet. We need policies to promote healthier and more sustainable diets, and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines must be developed. This is essential to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change" says Peter Schmidt, rapporteur for the own-initiative opinion.

"Promoting healthy and sustainable diets is important in the context of a comprehensive EU food policy. Sustainable Dietary Guidelines and clear labelling schemes, including origin labelling, that take into account cultural and geographical differences between and within Member States would help give a clearer direction to farms, processors, retailers and food services. The agri-food system would also benefit from a new, more transparent framework to produce, process, distribute and sell healthier and more sustainable food at fairer prices," says Maurizio Reale, president of the EESC's Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT).

In order to establish these Europe-wide guidelines, the EESC proposes the creation of an expert group, consisting of relevant professionals and scientists from the worlds of nutrition, public health, food, and environmental and social sciences. This group of experts should draw up evidence-based guidelines within two years. (sma)

In three opinions adopted in February, the EESC endorses the Commission's proposal to temporarily extend the application of EU legislation to address specific problems which could affect aviation and road freight transport in case of a "no-deal" Brexit. 

• Aviation safety

The EESC backs the action plan put together by the Commission to cover a "no-deal" scenario, with specific measures to ensure continued validity of certificates for aeronautical products, parts, appliances and companies. "The EU regulation should only become effective to resolve aviation safety issues which could not otherwise be resolved. The purpose is not to extend the status quo, but to offer a temporary solution to enable the sector to continue to adhere to the highest safety standards until the UK has established national agencies and national legislation to assume the role of a safety agency," said the rapporteur Thomas McDonogh.

• Air services

The Committee also endorses the thrust of the Commission's proposal for a contingency regulation to ensure basic air services and points out that this cannot be seen as an extension of the current rules, in particular Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008, or even as a unilateral withdrawal agreement, because the rights are limited in time and purpose. The author of the opinion, Jacek Krawczyk, said: "The proposed regulation is a temporary solution and represents a contingency plan to reduce the impact of an abrupt Brexit. It is the only realistic way to mitigate possible serious negative consequences to be expected for the aviation sector if the withdrawal agreement is not ratified before 29 March 2019."

• Road freight transport

In addition, the EESC backs the Commission's proposals granting UK road haulage operators the right to move freely within the EU until 31 December 2019, provided that EU carriers are also granted fair, equal and non-discriminatory conditions of competition in the UK. "We very much hope that, by the date of the UK's withdrawal, the British authorities will have decided on a set of equivalent temporary measures, granting EU carriers operating in the UK the same rights as those proposed, on a temporary basis, by the Commission for carriers holding a UK licence, authorising them to provide freight transport between UK territory and the remaining 27 Member States," said the rapporteur, Raymond Hencks. (mp)

Given the mixed results of past reform policies, it is essential that the EU and the Member States conduct an in-depth evaluation. Despite improvements to date, further reforms and political measures are needed to boost growth and strengthen cohesion and the social dimension of policies, says the EESC in its opinion on the 2019 Annual Growth Survey (AGS).

The EESC criticises the Commission's broadly favourable assessment in the AGS of both economic and social progress since 2014 and past reform policies. Economic growth in the EU as a whole is still slower than before the crisis and differences within and between regions need to be considered. The AGS certainly does not suggest that we can rest on our laurels.

The EESC welcomes the Commission's commitment to supporting reforms. Reforms and policies should make the economy and labour markets more resilient and so improve growth in the economy and productivity. They must also demonstrate a real commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights and international climate goals. Unfortunately, the AGS fails to provide adequate proposals for their implementation and financing.

The AGS also lacks proposals for countering external risks to growth. Stimulus policies to maintain growth and employment levels should be framed and budgeted accordingly. High-quality investment in education and training, as proposed in the AGS, would be welcome in this context.

The social partners and civil society could help speed up the work on new policy proposals and make sure that reforms are country-specific, suitable and practical.

Lastly, the EESC is pleased that the Commission gives priority to reforms to increase private and public sector investment. EU fiscal rules should allow for funding from national budgets for socially and economically productive investment that does not threaten future budget sustainability. (jk)

EU Member States must strengthen stakeholder involvement in their efforts to reform national economies. Together with a new long-term EU strategy for sustainable development, this could help create a more efficient and inclusive European semester that is prepared to tackle the challenges facing the EU.

These are some of the main findings of a public hearing on Towards a more inclusive European Semester held by the EESC's European Semester Group on 28 February.

Opening the event, EESC president Luca Jahier called for the semester to be consolidated and said it was time to focus on inclusion, creating "decent lives for people and decent conditions for businesses" and giving growth a "more resilient, innovative and sustainable perspective".

Participants asked for the social partners, civil society organisations and national parliaments to be systematically involved in further reforms. They said that grassroots consultation was essential in winning public support and should be mandatory.

At present, the quality of involvement in structural reforms and the development of national reform programmes vary greatly across Europe and between policy areas. Moreover, delivery on country-specific recommendations is not satisfactory in all Member States. One of the main reasons for this is a lack of ownership over reforms.

Stakeholders were of the view that adopting the principles of partnership and multilevel governance could help improve not only ownership, but also the efficiency and inclusiveness of the semester process. They also called for a feedback mechanism for the consultation process and urged that reforms be properly monitored and evaluated.

Finally, stakeholders lamented the fact that the semester scoreboard did not consider factors such as climate change. They called for the process to be linked with a long-term EU strategy based on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (jk)

Cohesion policy could be an effective way of addressing societal trends (Euroscepticism, etc.) facing the EU if its funding remained an important source of investment, making Europe more relevant to its citizens, promoting stronger engagement with stakeholders and better communicating its impact. This was the message from stakeholders at an EESC hearing on cohesion policy post 2020. 

The general view at the hearing was that stakeholders had to call for an ambitious and future-proof cohesion policy post 2020 aimed at sustainable and inclusive economic and social growth, competitiveness and employment across the EU. Most participants could not accept the 10% cut in the policy's budget proposed by the Commission for the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The future of the EU would be unthinkable without continued cohesion. Cohesion funding should remain at least at its current level, as the expected increase in regional disparities in per capita GDP, the risk posed by depopulated areas and the development of rural areas showed the need for a stronger policy.

A cohesion policy that ensures long-term investment and sustainability, founded on a place-based approach and with more flexibility to address challenges and needs irrespective of their type could also aid greater efficiency.

Participants generally supported a stronger link between the policy and the European Semester, but called for full implementation of the Code of Conduct on Partnerships as an enabling condition. They also urged linking compliance with the Annual Growth Survey, the Country Reports and the Social Scoreboard, which should be regionalised.

Speakers also urged the negotiating parties to step up their efforts in the ongoing negotiations on the legislative proposals for the future MFF and cohesion policy.

The findings of the hearing will feed into an EESC opinion on the subject, which will be put to the vote at the March plenary.(jk)

People's role in the energy transition was at the heart of the agenda of the February meeting of the TEN section, where energy experts showcased their experience of working for citizens.

How can the energy transition work for citizens? How can energy be accessible for all? The energy transition means a fundamental transformation of our societies and will impact on everybody's day-to-day life. It is not only about climate change, greenhouse gas reduction and the use of new technologies. It is an opportunity for structural change, in which citizens need to play a key role. The issue of citizen participation is central. "The energy transition cannot be successful if all stakeholders are not on board - we have to take into account the needs of all actors involved," said TEN section president Pierre Jean Coulon. "The reason we have energy is to serve a final purpose, to simplify citizens' lives, including families and businesses. Without energy, our basic needs are not met: there is no education, health system or transport."

The energy transition has huge economic and social potential, especially at regional level. The rapidly declining cost of decentralised renewable technologies offers a wealth of opportunities to less advanced regions to boost their local economy and enables citizens to become energy "prosumers". In other words, people not only purchase (consume) clean energy but also play an active part in the process by becoming involved in producing energy. "If a citizen installs seven solar panels on the roof, he produces as much electricity as a normal electric car will need for one year in the future," said EESC member Lutz Ribbe in a video message.

At the same time, it is important to highlight the concern that some regions, cities and vulnerable groups may be left behind in this process. This is why it is crucial "to pursue a new path, by creating regional renewable energy cycles and interconnecting energy and regional policies," continued Mr Ribbe. "We can help address energy poverty via renewable energy production if there is the political will." (mp)

by the EESC's Employers' Group

The business community has to make its voice heard loud and clear in the European election campaign. Employers' organisations should not only emphasise their needs and expectations for the next term of the European Parliament; they should also underline the benefits that the European Union brings to their activities and to people's daily lives.

These are some of the conclusions that emerged from the discussion with representatives of BusinessEurope, SMEunited and CEEP (European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services and Services of General Interest) during the EESC's Employers' Group meeting in February.

"Digitalisation, the greening of the economy, and access to skilled staff and affordable technology are seen by SMEs as the largest challenges where they need EU support", said Veronique Willems, Secretary General of SMEunited. The organisation considers that a horizontal policy for SMEs is a better means of achieving good results than a sector-specific approach.

"We have to help people realise that the European way of life is the best way of life in the world and that this is thanks to the EU. This is a joint responsibility for the whole business community", said Markus Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope. His organisation is involved in campaigns to increase election turnout at both the European and national level through its members.

CEEP's priorities focus on three Ds: digitalisation, decarbonisation and demographic ageing. "These three trends are at the core of our activities and this is where we can work together even more",  said Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary of CEEP. (lj)

by the EESC's Workers' Group

On 1 March, Oliver Röpke took over as new President of the EESC's Workers' Group, replacing Gabriele Bischoff, who had been President of the group since October 2015.

During her mandate, Gabriele Bischoff fought for the development, declaration and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, for an EU that protects and empowers its citizens and for an EU that delivers for the many, not just for the few. She was and will be a firm supporter of the European project and of Europe's fundamental values. Her next project: the 2019 European elections. Gabriele Bischoff is now standing for election to the future European Parliament.

With a view to current and future challenges for the European Union, its values in general and working people in particular, Oliver Röpke wants to promote the role of the Committee, in particular that of the Workers' Group. He will work for a Europe that is closer to Europeans – a Europe that works to defend them and their interests. Mr Röpke will advocate fair living and working conditions and defend the workers' cause. He will consolidate the strength of the Workers' Group: the ability of its members to reach consensus to serve the common goal, despite their diverse trade union backgrounds.

For over 20 years Mr Röpke has been working for the Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB) and its member organisations in positions of responsibility, first at national level and later in Brussels, and since 2008 as a member of the Federal Executive Committee of Austria. Since 2001, he has also represented the ÖGB on the Executive Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation. (mg)

by the EESC's Diversity Europe Group

The Group met at Queen's University in Belfast on 15 February 2019 to take stock of the Brexit process and focus on its consequences for the Northern Ireland peace process.

With the current stalemate around the 'backstop' proposal, the fact-finding mission of EESC members aimed to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the UK/Ireland border and find out more about the social, economic and political impact of the UK's withdrawal on Northern Ireland.

European representatives from business, trades unions, farmers, consumer groups and others heard local politicians, academics and local voluntary organisations describe how the UK's withdrawal from the EU would affect their lives from a professional, political and personal point of view, with less than two months to go before the Article 50 deadline for the UK/EU divorce and a settlement not yet agreed.

Guest speakers included Brian Cowen, former Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and MLAs Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Féin, and Mike Nesbitt, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

"We are here to reach out a hand to civil society on both sides of the border. We will stand by you, whatever happens in the next ten weeks. Civil society knows no borders and we should already be thinking about how to continue to work together in the months and years to come," declared the president of the Diversity Europe Group, Arno Metzler, pointing to the fears brought about by the Brexit process.

"Although not everyone here agrees on what the impact of Brexit will be on the island of Ireland, there is no doubt that all of us, the other 27 EU Member States, European civil society and the European institutions, will do everything within our means to ensure that the spirit of cooperation enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement continues in your minds and in your daily lives," he added. (cl)