Coiste Eacnamaíoch agus Sóisialta na hEorpa
Statement by EESC President Christa Schweng
I welcome today's signature of the joint declaration between the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council that sets out the Conference on the Future of Europe. The European Economic and Social Committee is looking forward to actively contributing to the debate, being invited as an observer.
We are looking forward to working on the European Commission's three major initiatives: a Communication on "the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan", a Proposal for a Directive to "strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms" as well as on "the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021 – 2030".
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) broadly supports the Commission's legislative proposals on more efficient and fair taxation and praises their coordination at global level.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted on 2nd March the 7th Meeting of the representatives of African and EU economic and social stakeholders, a virtual event where speakers discussed the future of the EU-Africa partnership with a special focus in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted its position on the EU's economic priorities for 2021. It welcomes the steps taken in the strategy to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the European Green Deal, but is disappointed that the strategy proposed by the European Commission devotes too little attention to social issues. It also warns against phasing out support measures too early and advocates establishing new fiscal rules that will reflect social and economic realities after the pandemic.
Merely consulting organised civil society on the Conference on the Future of Europe will not be enough. Its participation must be meaningful and its input must shape the Conference's decisions, said speakers at the opening of the 2021 EESC Civil Society Days.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) agrees with the Commission's proposal on renovation, stressing that it will improve people's well-being.
Members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and representatives of the Montenegrin organised civil society held on the 1st March the 14th meeting of the EU-Montenegro Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), which took place online. Members of the JCC adopted a joint declaration urging the EU to assist Montenegro to face the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) supports the digital financial package proposed by the European Commission. While digitalisation brings major opportunities, it also presents risks for the EU financial sector that cannot be overlooked and require swift action.
