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
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
The Committee recommends the Commission to bring forward a comprehensive new package of measures to incentivise the massive new investment needed to deliver these new targets. The package should include a strengthening of the ETS as a cost optimising instrument for guiding investment decisions as well as other measures to: 1) promote energy efficiency in all sectors; 2) increase consumer awareness and capacity to use their purchasing power to favour low carbon goods and services; 3) support investment in the infrastructure that will be needed; 4) promote training and capacity-building in the key sectors.
