The central message of this exploratory opinion is the need for a coordinated approach on renewable energies in the region, one that is based on co-development.
This opinion is the EESC's key response to the events in the Euromed region. It provides a thorough analysis of the EU's past failings and the lessons which need to be drawn from them, the most urgent needs facing civil society in the current transition phase, and the longer term perspectives for civil society in the region. The opinion also responds to the two joint communications issued by the European Commission and EEAS on the EU's new Euromed policy, calling for close cooperation between the EU institutions in the region
The EESC reiterates its firm support to the goal of better energy efficiency as a central part of the Europe 2020 strategy and points out that energy efficiency and saving are predominantly dependent on action by citizens, business and workers and their change of behaviour. The Committee emphasises the responsibility of the Member States, with the EU creating a common framework. It underlines the importance of choosing the right instruments and believes that voluntary agreements are useful while compulsory measures are needed when positive incentives do not work. The EESC does not support setting a binding overall target for energy efficiency but recommends that efforts are focused on achieving real results. Finally it emphasises the need to ensure financial support and investment to realise the big potential in new Member States.
Download — Energy efficiency – Changing behaviour and ways to achieve results
The EESC welcomes the Commission document COM(2011) 25 final Tackling the Challenges in Commodity Markets and on Raw Materials and The European raw materials' initiative (RMI) as an important step to tackle this vital issue.
EESC thus urges the EC to monitor the situation in international trade of critical raw materials (as listed in COM(2011) 25 final and with regular updating of this list). In addition, we endorse the need to continue in negotiation at the international level (WTO) to promote free trade also in commodity markets.
The EESC urges a more active foreign policy regarding security of raw materials for EU industry.
Mr. Paul Anciaux, DG Enterprise and Industry, European Commission
In its opinion the EESC recommends a number of concrete measures to remove the most pressing cross-border tax problems that citizens face.
These measures are in particular aimed at removing double taxation and enhancing administrative simplification in cross-border situations (such as the establishment of one-stop services, the setting up of a Cross-Border Taxation Office).
The "Agenda for new skills and jobs" is one of the seven flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020 Strategy. It proposes actions within four key priorities in order to reach an employment rate of 75% by 2020. In its opinion the EESC broadly welcomes the European Commission initiative but puts forward a number of comments and recommendations. For instance, the Committee finds that the proposed initiative fails to encapsulate the urgent need to create good-quality jobs. It does not constitute a sufficient stimulus to Member States to set more ambitious national goals backed by the necessary investment and structural reforms.
Download — EESC opinion: An agenda for new skills and jobs
