The European Economic and Social Committee has pledged its ongoing commitment to working together with the European Commission and other EU institutions on upholding and implementing the EU's core values, notably the rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy.

In a debate on European values with European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, held at its plenary session on 10 June, the EESC asked for stronger democratic involvement of civil society organisations and citizens at EU level, with the aim of expanding their participation beyond elections and enabling a meaningful civil dialogue. EESC members also placed particular emphasis on recognising social and economic rights as fundamental rights in the EU.

At the plenary, the EESC presented and adopted its opinions on the European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) and the New strategy for the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in which it threw its support behind the Commission's recent initiatives aimed at protecting democratic values and citizens' rights in the EU.

The EESC president Christa Schweng said: "There are challenges to EU values everywhere; they cannot be taken for granted, even in countries with long-standing democratic traditions. Civil society expects a lot in terms of EU response, and wants to be actively involved in national and European discussions around the defence of these values."

Mr Reynders said: "Many of the problems will need a whole-of-society approach and international cooperation, in a coordinated effort by governments, civil society, researchers and fact-checkers, the private sector, media and citizens. I welcome the fruitful cooperation with your Committee in this regard."

In the opinion on the Charter strategy, the EESC called for measures to protect and support civil society organisations, which should include an alert mechanism for identifying and reporting harassment. It asked for social partners to be given more of a role in promoting and implementing the rights laid down by the Charter.

In its opinion on the EDAP, the EESC recommended that the Commission add a special pillar dedicated to the involvement of civil society and social partners and the promotion of labour democracy. It said it regretted that the EDAP had failed to address the important role of social dialogue and collective bargaining in reducing inequalities and encouraging Europeans to embrace democratic ideals. (ll)