News

  • On 27 October 2016, the Various Interests' Group of the EESC met in Bratislava to discuss 'The Role of Civil Society in the European Energy Union: ensuring secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy'. Bringing together some 120 civil society representatives from Slovakia and the EESC, the participants were honoured by the presence of the EC Vice President for the Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič and Vojtech Ferencz, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. Opening the conference, Luca Jahier, President of the ...

  • The role of trade as a generator of growth and jobs is undeniable, but public perception of the further liberalisation of trade is getting worse and citizens' concerns must be addressed far more effectively than before. This was one of the conclusions of the conference on "Strengthening European Growth and Competitiveness: Proactive Trade Agenda – NOW!" that took place in Helsinki on 26 October. Jacek Krawczyk, President of the EESC Employers' Group, added: It is our responsibility to advocate for trade; we cannot take it for granted that people understand what the benefits ...

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    Have you ever heard about beaching? It is not a relaxing outdoor sport or a fun internet game. On the contrary, behind this innocent-sounding word hides one of ....

  • Euro-Mediterranean civil society expresses its view on key policies for the region

    Faced with a greater need than ever to enhance dialogue between countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region, civil society organisations answered the invitation of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Greek Economic and Social Council to discuss their role in addressing the challenges in the region.

  • The European Union is not only a common market, it is an union of common values that shape the European identity. These values include the rights, freedoms and principles laid out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights: the "indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity; [the Union] is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It places the individual at the heart of its activities, by establishing the citizenship of the Union ....

  • A delegation of the EESC permanent Study Group on Disability Rights, composed by Ioannis Vardakastanis (Group III), Bernard Noël (Group II) and Dare Stojan (Group I), visited Greece from 12-14 October, accompanied by the Director of the European Disability Forum, Catherine Naughton, and supported by Valeria Atzori from the Secretariat and Maria Kampouri from National Confederation of Disabled People in Greece (NCDP). The aim of the visit, which was organized with the help of NCDP Greece, was to evaluate the situation of refugees and other migrants with disabilities in the reception structures of Lesbos and Athens ...

     

  • Given that 120 million people are transported by domestic passenger ships every year, the EU legislation on passenger ship safety is very important.

  • The current H2020 FP has introduced substantial innovations with respect to structure, leaving more space for influence and synergies with industry and Member States through various forms of PPP to support sectors vital for the economy.

  • The fight against money laundering, corruption, fraud and tax evasion and other similar crimes must be reinforced by strengthening the means available for it. To this purpose, a closer cooperation among intelligence and security services of Member States must be ensured, in order to tackle money laundering, terrorism and its funding.

  • Today the European Economic and Social Committee's plenary assembly welcomed Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for research, science and innovation, for a debate on Horizon 2020, the EU's most ambitious programme for research and innovation ever, intended to provide approximately 80 billion euros-worth in funding to European R&I projects over the 2014-2020 period.