The EESC and the Commission have signed a new cooperation protocol which further consolidates and intensifies the political and legislative cooperation between the two organisations as well as their joint efforts to communicate about Europe. The protocol also strengthens the Committee's strategic function vis-à-vis the EU institutions and its role in promoting the values of European integration and participatory democracy.

The new protocol, which was signed on 27 October, gives the EESC a stronger role both in the implementation of the European Citizens' Initiative and within the European semester, a key economic and fiscal policy tool.

"A significant new feature in the protocol is the commitment to jointly identify five subjects for exploratory opinions each year, once the Commission has adopted its work programme. This is a very important point for us, enabling us to work in a more forward-looking way", commented EESC president Christa Schweng.  Exploratory opinions are drawn up at the request of the European Parliament, the European Commission or the Council of the EU on issues of great interest to civil society.

The Commission Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Maroš Šefčovič, said that "This revision of the Protocol will ensure that the ways we cooperate are more suited to the times we live in and the challenges we face. It also reiterates the important role the Committee p plays in the development of our policies, with the synergies between us contributing to the smooth functioning of the EU". (tk)