Highlights of the European Economic and Social Committee's July plenary session 15-16 July 2020
- 15 July, 3:00 pm – Priorities of the German Presidency of the EU with Peter Altmaier, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy
In a letter sent today to European Commission President von der Leyen, EESC President Luca Jahier has called for the prompt appointment of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer.
On July 8, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called for steps to speed up clinical trials that include genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Some vaccines under development are based on genetically modified viruses. Current EU legislation does not take into account the possibility of speeding up clinical trials in a public health emergency. The EESC therefore welcomes a temporary adjustment of EU rules.
EESC is ready to join forces with German presidency to help find a way out of the crisis and make Europe stronger.
On 1 July, Germany picks up the baton from Croatia at the helm of the Council of the EU in what will probably be its most challenging presidency so far, with Europe facing the biggest economic, social and health crisis in its modern history.
Contrary to the highly pessimistic predictions of disaster, the African continent is far from being the most affected by coronavirus, accounting for only 1.76% of deaths worldwide. This example of resilience was discussed in a webinar held by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), during which the speakers highlighted the opportunities for closer cooperation between Africa and the EU once the crisis has passed.
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At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an information report on the revision of the Machinery Directive. EESC members and the study group for the opinion welcomed the Commission's current efforts to improve the performance of Directive 2006/42/EC, which is a very important and successful instrument for European industry, while noting that radical changes to the directive would have a deeply negative impact and must be avoided.
The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating the geostrategic nature of the agri-food sector and the need to maintain food self-sufficiency in the EU. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) therefore welcomes the new measure proposed by the European Commission to support farms and agri-food SMEs experiencing liquidity problems and to ensure their economic survival during this crisis. However, the EESC thinks that the European Commission should set up a special fund outside of the common agricultural policy budget to implement it.
EESC says there are lessons to be learned from the last EP election campaign and shines a spotlight on disinformation as the most serious threat to European integration
As Europe slowly emerges from the coronavirus crisis, the climate emergency is starting to regain the place it deserves, coming back to the top of the EU agenda.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), which brings together civil society organisations from all Member States, developed this Opinion in response to a request by the Republic of Croatia's Presidency of the Council of the EU. The protection of the environment and the fight against climate change are the presidency's key issues.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), at its June plenary, said that temporary measures should be adopted to alleviate the immediate economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.