Euroopan talous- ja sosiaalikomitea
The second meeting of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform (CSP) was held on 10 March 2023 in Yerevan.
During the meeting, a debate focused on assessing the state of play of the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. The CSP debated the current challenges in the implementation of the Agreement and in progressing on the reform agenda.
A joint declaration, prepared by both sides, was discussed and adopted.
The EESC organised a hybrid conference on Skills and talents as key drivers for personal fulfilment, economic growth and competitiveness on 10 March 2023 (9:30 to 16:30) in the context of the European Year of Skills.
The conference looked at the current situation in the EU in relation to skills development, with a focus on work-based learning and apprenticeships. It discussed the advantages of dual education and in-work training compared to academic training and how they are preparing the future workforce. It also looked at the EU Talent Pool and discuss how the EU can become a more attractive destination for talented professionals looking for job opportunities worldwide.
This year's YEYS event has a real cultural treat in store for its young audience. The EESC is to host Theatre Navpaky that will be performing a show during the closing session of the event on Friday 24 March. The musical performance is entitled "Svit za ochi" (There, out of sight) and directed by Oksana Terefenko.
The 6th meeting of the EU DAG set up under the EU-UK TCA featured the participation of the UK DAG Chair, Mr. Sean McGuire, to discuss the recent Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland, the situation of both DAGs and future joint steps. A DG TRADE representative presented and discussed with members the technical aspects of Level Playing Field provisions.
In line with its commitments to the Rural Pact, the EESC will organise a thematic debate on renewable energies in rural areas during the next meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT Section) planned on Thursday 9 March (11:00 -12:30).
On 8 March 2023, the fifth meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group was held in a hybrid format. One of the objectives of the meeting was to prepare the European side for the upcoming joint meeting with the Singapore DAG.
Following the adoption of the EESC Information Report on the Implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the Committee is now promoting and giving it a reinforced follow-up using various communication channels, considering the relevance and the perfect timing of the subjects covered in the report.
Representatives of the two Domestic Advisory Groups (DAG) from the EU and Moldova, established under Chapter 13 on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, held the seventh joint meeting on 7 March 2023. The objective of the meeting was to prepare a set of recommendations for the Civil Society Forum, which will take place on 17 March 2023.
The EESC is organising a hybrid public hearing on "Towards a European Health Union and European Global Health Strategy fully inclusive of Persons with Disabilities " on 7th March 2023 am ( 9:30 am to 1 pm).
Despite being recognized by the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, persons with disabilities (pwd) are still victims of discrimination in access to healthcare both in the EU and at global level. The hearing, organised by the EESC Permanent Group on Disability Rights, will discuss what can be done to advance the rights of pwd in the field of health within the European Health Union and the EU Global Health Strategy.
War on European soil, post-pandemic recovery, democratic values under increasing pressure on both sides of the EU’s borders: these seismic shifts have left no doubt that civil society organisations are more important than ever - for both social cohesion and democracy in Europe. A strong, independent and diverse civil society is a key ingredient in ensuring a resilient democracy, able to safeguard both our fundamental rights and the integrity of our democratic way of life.
