The main objective of this initiative is to encourage consumers to use consumer goods for a longer time, by repairing defective goods and by purchasing more second-hand and refurbished goods. It will entail the adoption of a proposal for an amendment of the Sale of Goods Directive and possibly a separate new legislative proposal on the right to repair.
The EESC asserts that businesses and workers must have proper channels for participating in efforts to support environmental protection and combat climate change. While respecting the role of national industrial relations systems and the autonomy of the social partners, the EESC considers that issues related to the green transition could be a stronger focus of collective bargaining at the appropriate levels. It highlights collective bargaining as a key tool that can help companies and workers face the challenges of the climate crisis, including the derived costs for companies.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Green collective bargaining
In accordance with the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, a number of EU legislative acts concerning sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures apply to and in the UK in respect of Northern Irelandafter the end of the transition period set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Accordingly, the entry into Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK of certain consignments of products of animal or plant origin, including animal food, plants for planting, machinery and vehicles for agricultural or forestry purposes and seed potatoes falls within the scope of these acts and is subject to official controls, certification requirements and prohibitions. This also applies to non-commercial movements of certain pet animals.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Specific rules relating to the entry into Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom of certain consignments of goods
In accordance with the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and Directive 2001/83/EC as well as the Commission acts based on them, apply to and in the UK in respect of Northern Ireland.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Specific rules relating to medicinal products for human use intended to be placed on the market of Northern Ireland
believes that the non-mutual recognition of disability among EU Member States, by hindering the availability of support measures for persons with disabilities traveling to another member State, implies a denial of their freedom of movement.
Recommends that the EU Disability Card is implemented by a Regulation, that PWDs and their organization are fully involved in each step leading to its implementation and monitoring, and that complementary measures are taken to ensure accessibility of transport, services and of the built environment and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation
Believes that the EU Disability Card and EU parking Card remain physically separate
Download — Dictamen del CESE: European Disability Card
The EESC welcomes the Commission Communication and the Commission proposal for a Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the European Union. The Committee is fully aligned with the view that social dialogue can be a beneficial tool to drive economic and social resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Establishing a common effective framework, to be implemented at national level for the involvement of social partners, might help ensure that effective and quality consultations with national social partners take place.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Strengthening social dialogue
Working life is transforming due to the accelerating digital transformation, automation, and transition to climate neutrality. A workforce with the right skills will contribute to strengthen the competitiveness of the union. Against the background of the Commission’s announcement of making 2023 the European Year of Skills. What competence and skill development will be needed?
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Competence and skill development in a context of the green and digital transition
The EESC welcomes the Commission's proposal to amend the Anti-Trafficking Directive, as it agrees with the need for further progress and improvement in the fight against trafficking in human beings and the protection of victims. The gender dimension in the content and implementation of the directive should be strengthened, given that the vast majority of victims are women and girls. The EESC believes that the directive should pay greater attention to victims of trafficking, and wishes to highlight the Member States' obligation to care for and protect victims and ensure their social inclusion as far as possible.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Anti-trafficking directive
The evaluation aims at checking if the rules on health and social services of general economic interest meet their objectives under the 2012 services package.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: State subsidy rules for health and social services / SGEI
This is an exploratory opinion requested by the Swedish presidency of the Council as a follow-up to the opinion INT/1000 Competitiveness check adopted at the request of the Czech presidency.
Download — Dictamen del CESE: Further enhancing the EU's digital competitiveness
