European Economic and Social Committee
The exploratory opinion on the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Program (REFIT) (Rapporteur: Mr. Denis Meynent), was adopted by the EESC at its plenary on 26 May 2016. This opinion follows a direct request from the First Vice President of the European Commission, Mr Timmermans, as the EESC is considered to be well-placed to assess the costs and benefits of the current rules for stakeholders and to suggest REFIT priorities - in particular in the ...
Mr van Iersel, President of the ECO Section and Mr Haken, vice-president of the ECO Section, represented the EESC at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for urban policy which took place on 30 May 2016 in Amsterdam. After decades of working together towards a common European urban project, it is within this context that the 28 Ministers, along with representatives from other EU Institutions, cities and urban authorities agreed on the "Pact of Amsterdam" which sets out the principles of the EU Urban Agenda.
Georges Dassis, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), received his counterpart, Patrick Bernasconi, president of the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC). Mr Bernasconi gave a speech entitled “The Economic and Social Councils and the expectations of European civil society” and took part in the discussions of EESC members on this issue of crucial importance for European citizens and those who represent their organisations at all levels.
Co-hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, the 3rd Southern Neighbourhood Civil Society Forum took place in Brussels on 26 – 27 May 2016.
The European Economic and Social Committee calls for stakeholder platforms, better informed consumers and stronger social dialogue to ensure decent work in global supply chains.
In its opinion The impact of the conclusions of COP 21 on European transport policy the European Economic and Social Committee considers that, with regard to transport, the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 1990 levels is very ambitious and requires major efforts. However, the objective can still be considered relevant and in line with the EU's general objective under COP 21, provided the associated actions and initiatives are implemented urgently, with the necessary determination and as soon as possible.
REFIT is the European Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance programme. Its declared objective is to make European legislation simpler and to contribute to a clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework in the EU.
The opinion covers a wide range of important issues in relation to developing trends in the labour market, and the benefits and challenges they create. Some issues raised would merit further consideration by the EESC in separate opinions.
The EESC welcomes the Commission's review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, which aims to redefine its goals and general approach following dramatic developments in the EU's neighbourhood.
Urgent overhaul is needed to ensure that the EU’s
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is once again an effective tool for cross-border cooperation
The ENP – which was launched in 2004 to build on common interests and values with the EU’s southern and eastern neighbours and promote political and economic cooperation – has been overtaken by current events. The policy’s "one-size-fits-all" approach has not been able to account for or deal with ongoing fragmentation in both regions, with Da’esh (ISIS) destabilising the southern neighbourhood through terror, while war and Russian diplomatic and military efforts directly target the eastern partnership.
