Comité Económico y Social Europeo
Growing inequality is a problem which can no longer be ignored. It is causing a divide between different social groups and has contributed to the rise of extreme movements and parties. It is a destabilising factor for both the economy and society and we urgently need to tackle this problem – these are among ....
The condition of the European economy, completing the Single Market, trade and Brexit – these are the top issues for European employers' organisations in the forthcoming months. On 29 March 2017, the Directors-General and Secretaries-General of BusinessEurope, EuroCommerce and Copa-Cogega presented their priorities and debated with the members of the EESC Employers' Group.
On 7th February, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty, the European Economic and Social Committee turns to political leaders, the European civil society organisations which we represent, and all European citizens, with a call: the call for social and economic solidarity, which is urgently needed across Europe. 25 years ago, Europe was in turmoil: the aftermath of the Cold War; the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany; the path of Eastern European countries to democracy, all shaped the zeitgeist. Yet, on this momentous day in 1992, the 12 nations of the European Communities signed this European Treaty, thus creating the European Union as we know it and its greatest achievement, the single currency. Today, the geo-political landscape ...
"If we are unable to deliver social and economic upward convergence, the future of Europe is at risk” said the President of the EESC’s Workers’ Group, Gabriele Bischoff, opening a two-day meeting in Bratislava on 12-13 October on the theme "A Europe that works for workers - fair mobility and strong labour rights”. The Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee held the important debate in Slovakia, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke ...
Transition to a circular economy is a must if we are to protect our planet, but also if we are to increase the competitiveness of European industry. This is a long-term process that will require numerous initiatives at European, national and regional level. Companies see the circular economy as an opportunity. "Going green" is beneficial not only for the environment, but also for businesses, providing real savings in terms of raw materials, water and energy. Apart from its environmental and economic benefits, the circular economy also has social advantages, providing new jobs and new business models.
When the international economic and financial crisis struck, it exposed the structural limitations and contradictions in EMU, depriving the euro of its propensity to attract. The crisis proves that it takes much more than a set of "accountancy" rules such as the stability pact and others, because the underlying problems are not technical but economic and political. Some progress has been made in the past few years by putting in place new rules and mechanisms, notably parts of a Banking Union, but the construction works are far from being completed yet, which contributes to the persisting climate of uncertainty among citizens and business, and hinders the growth potential of the European economy ...
The EESC President, Georges Dassis, participated in the 2016 edition of the 'Spotlight on Jobs' conference, dedicated to labour issues. The event addressed various thematic issues, such as the reform of the labour market, the new role of trade unions, immigration, and innovation. He emphasised the ...
EESC conference with the upcoming Slovak Presidency, 14th June in Bratislava
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a conference in cooperation with the future Slovak Presidency of the EU Council and the active participation of the Slovak EESC Members, in Bratislava on 14th June 2016. The speakers included:
The EESC organised a conference in cooperation with the future Slovak Presidency of the EU Council and the active participation of the Slovak EESC Members, in Bratislava on 14th June 2016. Held in the context of a meeting of the EESC bureau, the conference aimed to launch a close cooperation between the EESC and the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council. The topic "Impact of technological change on the social security system and labour law" was requested by the Presidency, indicating its focus, among others, on the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Slovak Minister, Ján Richter said ...
The ECO section discusses the Commission's package on Deepening EMU with Valdis Dombrovskis, Roberto Gualtieri and other institutional and civil society representatives
