In its communication on Analysis of options to move beyond 20% greenhouse gas emission reductions and assessing the risk of carbon leakage the European Commission set out the various options for achieving the increased 30% target within the ETS (in sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme) and other sectors (primarily transport and construction). As the European Commission's communication does not analyse the impact of the economic crisis on the ability of European businesses to undertake additional pro-climate investments, the Polish presidency proposes this issue as the subject of an EESC opinion.
Download — EESC Opinion: Pro-climate investments after the crisis
An EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would cover over a fifth of the global population, making it one of the most significant FTAs in the world. It has the potential to bring significant benefits for society to both the EU and India.
However, the EESC is concerned with its uncertain social and environmental effects for the EU, especially in terms of Mode 4 (mobility of workers) and for the poorer segments of Indian society.
Download — The role of civil society in the free trade agreement between the EU and India
The Committee welcomes the intention to radically reform the European Common Fisheries Policy (ECP) and in particular its objective to establish a de-centralised policy, less dependent on detailed decisions taken in Brussels and allowing more opportunity for local and regional involvement in fisheries management. However, the essential detail, clarity and sanctions regime needed for such a policy to work effectively is missing and needs to be included.
Download — EESC Opinion: Regional areas/ management of fish stocks
The aim of this additional opinion is to put forward some examples or recommendations for prevention, insufficiently addressed in the new proposed directive on combating the sexual abuse of children. Preventive measures should be holistic, child-centred and happen as early as possible. The EESC calls on the European Commission to adopt and enforce a European Union Prevention Strategy Against Child Sexual Abuse. There are also many excellent initiatives of civil society actors to be endorsed. To that end the EESC has produced a database of best practice.
Download — Preventive measures for the protection of children against sexual abuse
In the framework of this opinion a hearing (Opportunities and challenges for a more competitive European woodworking and furniture sector) was organized in Praha, Czech Republic, on 9 June 2011.
Download — Opportunities and challenges for a more competitive European woodworking and furniture sector
With this highly political Opinion with interest for all involved stakeholders, but also for consumers or citizens in general, the EESC aims to reply to the questions set out in the Commission Green Paper. Through the Green Paper consultation, the Commission is trying to obtain a better understanding of the online gambling sector which is expanding rapidly, is cross-border in nature and is characterised by different national regimes being implemented by Member States.
A highly participated hearing was held in the framework of the second study group meeting to elaborate a well-balanced and more realistic opinion. This event had an enormous feedback in media.
The proposal for a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base spurs the debate among policymakers and stakeholders. Opinions diverge whether such a project would remove obstacles to the completion of the Single Market and reduce compliance cost - or if it would rather impose further red tape, raise compliance cost and take away tax sovereignty from national legislators. The EESC generally supports the Commission proposal, but certain aspects remain controversial among it's members.
Download — EESC opinion: CCCTB / Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base
