Yhteysryhmä - Related Newsletters

State of the Union?

Although many of us have enjoyed a pleasant summer break, the political agenda remains unchanged. Despite the risks involved, people continue to flee war, misery and poverty. Up to 3000 people have already died this year in the Mediterranean Sea. The initial wave of support and welcome for refugees has become a move in a political game played between European Member States. At a time when reason should be driving political thinking and public debate, the fear factor is being fuelled by misinformation and rumours.

The Europe we want, the Europe we need!

Europe has not changed over the past week, but the challenges have become clearer. A majority of the British people has expressed the wish to leave the European Union, a decision which we respect, but regret because of its negative consequences for the British people and for Europe.

Dignify democracy

When Commission President Juncker talks about a "multiple crisis", he is certainly right. The question is  how to overcome this crisis and how to rebuild trust in democratic institutions Low voter turnout and massive support for populist and right-wing extremists are the worrying expression of a tendency for more and more people to turn away from democracy.

I have often insisted that it is high time for the EU to demonstrate its willingness and capacity to be close to European citizens and to defend social rights, particularly in times of crisis. The EESC haswarmly welcomed the invitation form the Commission President, Mr. Juncker to contribute to the establishment of a European Pillar of Social Rights, a set of principles that will support efficient and fair labour markets and welfare systems. The EESC has already prepared an ambitious work programme that aims to present an opinion for adoption in October 2016.