The focus of current informal discussions in the Council is on how cohesion policy can adjust to the new circumstances following the unforeseen shocks that Europe has faced in the last years without losing its long-term development goals. The Spanish Presidency refers to "Cohesion policy 2.0" in this context, which particularly means that cohesion policy needs to be transformed and become more modern and flexible. Also, it will need to take into account the RRF which will come to an end at some time.
Download — EESK atzinums: The Recovery and Resilience Facility and cohesion policy: towards cohesion policy 2.0
The EESC welcomes the Integrated Border Management Strategy of the European Union as a management tool that seeks to improve coordination and Member States' shared objectives in relation to external borders. The Committee stresses the importance of having a shared strategy for the better management of external borders, ensuring the internal security of the European Union and the safety of its residents, as well as the protection of fundamental rights and guarantees for the free movement of people within the EU.
Download — EESK atzinums: Multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management
In this opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. At the same time, the EESC warns of persisting political instability, high levels of inflation and high interest rates, which reduce citizens' purchasing power and businesses' competitiveness and affect investment decisions. These difficulties could jeopardise the implementation of employment policy guidelines in the Member States, the achievement of the European Pillar of Social Rights and 2030 targets. The Committee believes that it is all the more necessary to strengthen both the role of the social partners and their involvement in designing and implementing employment, social and economic reforms and policies, including by building their capacity.
The EESC opinion, that covers the Commission proposal and the request from the Spanish Presidency of the Council, endorses the reform. However, it notes the need to strike a balance between flexibility and predictability in its implementation, as well as a balanced and proportional public interest assessment to avoid damaging the interest of smaller and local entities.
Download — EESK atzinums: Review of the Bank crisis management and deposit insurance framework
