underlines that the algae can help combat climate change and meet the needs of a growing global population in various ways. They can be grown in freshwater and eutrophicated water, thermal bath wastewater, and other types of wastewaters to serve environmental or energy purposes, showcasing the diversity of their potential uses.
believes that the EU possesses advanced scientific and technological expertise in microalgae, even in landlocked countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. This knowledge can support the development of a European algae sector and help increase public awareness and market acceptance.
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believes that with Russia's war in Ukraine and potential accession to the EU, it is crucial for the EU and its Member States to uphold the right to a healthy environment. The EESC highlights the pressing need to enhance environmental protection to protect fundamental rights in the EU and beyond, particularly given the environmental harm resulting from the war in Ukraine.
believes that Russia's actions constitute ecocide and is urging for the inclusion of "ecocide" as a criminal offense in EU law.
The EESC proposed to make sure that the relevant European and national legislation is fully implemented and enforced so as to reduce precarious work and the prevalence of the associated mental health problems;
to adopt specific legislation on preventing psychosocial risks at EU level;
to combat identified work-related psychosocial risks at the source.
The EESC considers the Social Imbalance Procedure (SIP) an opportunity to enhance the coordination of national efforts to improve their social governance and reduce social inequalities within a country and between Member States
underlines that the SIP should be integrated into the European Semester, throughout its different phases
calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider making existing rules for funds allocation (including the ESIF, RRF and others) more flexible.
The opinion stresses that wood is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional building materials, emitting fewer carbon emissions and promoting forest conservation through sustainable management.
Education and training in timber construction can create job opportunities in rural areas.
Wood is an ideal material for earthquake-prone areas due to its anti-seismic properties.
1) Citizens and businesses will only actively support the transition to a long-term sustainable transport system if it is implemented in a way that is financially acceptable and socially feasible. Otherwise, there is a serious risk of failure and social unrest.
is pleased with the Commission's commitment to allot financial and human resources from EU funds to address wildlife trafficking;
highlights the significance of implementing effective and discouraging measures against wildlife trafficking, suggesting that the current level of sanctions proposed by the Council under the Environmental Crime Directive is insufficient and must be increased;
recommends the establishment of consistent structures in all Member States;
In the opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
welcomes the communication from the European Commission regarding the fertiliser crisis and its impact on European farmers (higher costs), consumers (food price inflation) and industry workers;
calls for both short-term and longer-term measures to limit the EU's dependence on imported mineral fertilisers, reduce the environmental impact of crop fertilisation and improve the functioning of the EU fertiliser market;
welcomes the establishment of a new fertiliser market observatory in 2023 to ensure transparency in the EU fertiliser market;
considers that the voluntary certification framework for carbon removals has the potential to incentivise removal efforts by providing clarity and reliability in measuring and verifying climate benefits;
considers that questions regarding the integration of carbon removals in EU policies, their impact on emissions reduction and the risk of greenwashing need to be addressed;
emphasises the importance of keeping the costs of measuring, reporting and verifying carbon removal activities low;
The EESC proposes the following changes to the new proposals:
lowering filing fees for SMEs and individual designers, perhaps charging them in proportion to their turnover;
a more radical simplification of the design filing systems available, using the expertise of patent agents to come up with solutions.
The EESC objects to the use of delegated acts to adopt rules on design disputes and appeals. These are matters which relate to the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial, enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
