The upcoming French Presidency of the Council of the European Union asked the EESC to prepare an opinion on how the industrial ecosystems identified by the Commission will contribute to the EU's strategic autonomy and the well-being of its citizens.
Download — EESK atzinums: How will given industrial ecosystems contribute to the strategic autonomy of the EU and the wellbeing of Europeans?
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face challenges in the area of digitalisation and access to artificial intelligence, but this segment can take great advantage of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.
The main objective of the opinion is to propose concrete measures which can be easily implemented in order to avoid MSMEs being “left behind” from the transition to artificial intelligence. The main issues to be addressed are: the use of new technologies to offer innovative products and services and strengthen Europe’s capacity to invest in disruptive innovations; create closer links in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) between universities and public administration, on the one hand, and businesses, in particular SMEs and micro-enterprises, on the other; support the MSMEs in recruiting and ensuring skills development for their employees to cope with the technological changes brought about by AI; facilitate the access to EU funding.
Download — EESK atzinums: Developing Artificial Intelligence in European micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
The EESC highlights the potential of Euro-Mediterranean trade to contribute to sustainable development in the Euro-Mediterranean area and consequently encourages and supports the modernisation and extension of the bilateral Free Trade Agreements included in the eight Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements.
Download — Information report: Trade relations between the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners and their potential impact on sustainable development (information report)
The EESC strongly supports the goal of redirecting investments in such a way that they contribute to the EU's transition to a sustainable economy but calls for the social partners and civil society to be brought better on board in the design and implementation of sustainable finance. The EU green bond standard has the potential to yield significant economic benefits for both issuers and investors alike and help the green transition.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the EU developed a wide range of health policy responses and initiatives, while also tackling the economic fallout of the pandemic. Many difficulties were encountered, but while some of them have been addressed, longer-term solutions are needed for mitigating future health crises.
In this opinion, the EESC comments on the Commission's evaluation of the measures taken so far to fight the pandemic and on the ten lessons learnt and proposes various recommendations in the field of crisis management, health protection, social and societal aspects, economy and finance, society and technology, international relations and democratic standards.
Download — EESK atzinums: Emerging stronger from the pandemic: acting on the early lessons learnt
In its opinion, the EESC highlights that one of the main challenges the retail sector is facing is the lack of an online level playing field with third-country traders. It agrees that a solid ambitious digital policy for the retail sector is needed in Europe to take advantage of the opportunities that the digital innovation offers for enhancing Europe’s competitiveness. The EESC also believes that for the retail sector, taking on board the green transition provides an opportunity for the retail sector to help consumers make more sustainable choices in their consumption.
Download — EESK atzinums: Digital transformation opportunities for retail companies and its advantages for European consumers (own-initiative opinion – Gr I)
