European Economic and Social Committee
"We believe that the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge and technology must become the internal market’s ‘fifth freedom’ in addition to people, goods, capital and services." Daniela Rondinelli, rapporteur,EESC opinion on a partnership for excellence and growth in the European Research Area
This study addresses questions concerning the state of the Civil Society and how Civil Society Organisations have been affected by the Financial Crisis. Through analysis of data gathered from various reports and other documentation, in-depth interviews with a number of individual representatives from different organisations and thought-leaders in the field, and results of a questionnaire survey, this study reveals a diversity of responses from the broad field of civil society in Europe.
“Contrary to the populist ideas being voiced in certain political quarters in numerous EU countries, current economic problems are not related to excesses by eurocrats in Brussels, but to the fact that European integration is fundamentally incomplete.” Georgios Dassis, rapporteur, avis du CESE «Pour une analyse actualisée du coût de la non-Europe»
"From April 2012, European citizens will enjoy a new right, which will give them a stronger voice in EU affairs when the European Citizens’ Initiative enters into force. From that moment on, they will be able to express their demands in a new, unprecedented way. By collecting one million signatures across Europe, they can call upon the European Commission to propose or change European legislation. The European Economic and Social Committee has been an advocate of citizens’ rights to participate since the beginning of the European project.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has organised the second edition of a competition to design an innovative, sustainable and creative design product, including packaging, with a strong civil society message.
The European Commission Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry and CUMULUS (International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media) joined forces to increasing the communication impact and enhancing European institutions involvement in sustainable design practices and innovation.
"Dialogue and participation. Sustainability and growth. Solidarity and development.
These are the priorities of my presidency, which will form the scope of the Committee’s actions, together with the sections’ work programmes."
(Staffan Nilsson, President of the European Economic and Social Committee)
Since it was founded over 50 years ago, the EESC has made a difference across the range of EU policy and law-making, through opinions and advice informed by organised civil society. This publication demonstrates, through a whole range of recent practical examples, how the Committee is working to improve people's lives not only within the EU, but also further afield.
"Inspired by a European spirit, the EU's national economic and social councils and the EESC worked together tirelessly to create a European network of economic and social councils. Thanks to the commitment of the presidents and members of all the councils, the network has helped forge
"Mario Sepi’s term as president of the EESC
has been marked by an extremely complex
economic situation created by the financial,
economic and social crises of these last years,
not to mention worsening poverty and
marginalisation and, one positive event,
the Lisbon Treaty’s entry into force. ..."
