believes that the Commission, with its proposal, is attempting to tackle the issue of long payments instead of late payments. It introduces excessively restrictive measures, instead of improving the current enforcement framework with more effective rules;
underlines the importance of flexible negotiations when setting payment terms and highlights strong concerns over the Commission proposal, believing that, in effect, the proposed 30-day cap eliminates contractual freedom between companies;
underlines that introducing national enforcement bodies may have potential benefits but stresses that such authorities will have to operate objectively and guarantee maximum confidentiality when processing the commercially sensitive information of both companies and public authorities, without imposing further reporting obligations.
emphasises that efforts to fight corruption should be better aligned with efforts to safeguard and develop democracy in the EU, noting that corrupt practices can offer political players illegal gains, which they use as resources to campaign and maintain their clientelism-based support system;
calls for the European public procurement market to be more advanced in digitisation, and for the Commission to continue to provide national authorities with technical support throughout this difficult process;
encourages the Commission and other EU and national institutions to consider worker representation, collective bargaining and social dialogue as key instruments to make anti-corruption effective at all levels.
suggests that the European Commission should push forward with the Social Economy Action Plan and evaluate its outcomes in 2025 to draw lessons for a new action plan. The social economy and social innovation policy should also be part of the next Commission's work programme;
advocates a strong local approach involving regions and cities in policies for the social economy. Public authorities can act as drivers of local development and promote relocalisation of production and the creation of decent jobs that cannot be relocated;
calls on the Commission to include the social economy and social innovation in initiatives stemming from its foresight report. Although meant primarily for women, these initiatives could help get other vulnerable population groups, including people with disabilities, young people and others, into the labour market.
supports the European Commission's intention to take account of the climate and security nexus, but notes nonetheless that its geographical, political and military parameters must be better defined;
stresses the urgent need to invest in setting up resilient responses, including by preparing European decision-making processes for these types of future stresses;
recommends that the European institutions consider factoring the rapidly changing biophysical realities (on which people's lives and well-being depend) and political cohesion (both of Member States and of the EU's neighbours and partners) into EU policy-making;
suggests further integrating the climate and security nexus by creating proactive interfaces between the institutions responsible for external relations, for internal EU cohesion, and for the Member States' security and defence services;
advocates for a post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) focused on stable, long-term sustainability, ensuring EU autonomy, protecting farming diversity, addressing societal and ecological needs, and promoting rural development.
insists on proportional funding to align with sustainability goals, while the CAP's share of the EU budget steadily decreased to under 25% in 2021. It advocates transitioning from surface-based income support to financial incentives for environmental and social services, allowing a reasonable period, possibly beyond a single multiannual financial framework .. more
urges the ECB to adopt a prudent monetary policy, coordinating with Member States' fiscal policies. It supports the Commission's call for swift fiscal consolidation and reform of the Stability and Growth Pact;
welcomes the Commission recommendations on supporting wage developments, completing the Capital Markets Union, progressing the banking Union, and advancing the electricity market reform and Energy Union;
emphasises a European solution for long-term business competitiveness, supporting the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. ECO calls for common instruments, welcomes the EU talent pool launch, and emphasises implementing recommendations on addressing labour shortages and skills gaps;
backs the Commission's proposal for a HOT system for MSMEs. It aligns with enhancing their competitiveness, simplifying cross-border activities, and cutting administrative hurdles;
recognises that adopting the HOT system will add value to businesses, employees, and Member States. The EESC stresses the urgency in adopting it promptly to reduce administrative burdens and promote competitiveness for small business;
believes HOT will improve cooperation between tax authorities in Member States. After adoption, the Commission should quickly start working closely with Member States and MSME organisations to raise awareness and achieve goals like reducing regulations and boosting cross-border activity;
Calls for comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategies to tackle rural challenges like depopulation and inadequate services. It emphasizes employing rural proofing and the EU Youth Test in EU policies to diminish rural-urban inequalities, fostering equal access to services, infrastructure, and opportunities, thereby enhancing rural appeal for young people
Calls for inclusive pathways for generational renewal, promoting intergenerational cooperation and governance. Advocates meaningful engagement of young people in decision-making across all stages and levels. Highlights the importance of initiatives such as the Rural Pact, Erasmus+, and the European Solidarity Corps to empower the youth.
Emphasizes the need for quality employment, education access, entrepreneurship support, and land access for youth in rural areas.
suggests enhancing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027. This involves integrating counter-cyclical elements, aligning CAP instruments with rapidly changing market conditions, and advocating for improved risk management tools in National CAP Strategic Plans
proposes the standardization of contract laws and practices across the food supply chain. This initiative aims to ensure consistency and efficiency among EU Member States, with contracts reflecting the dynamic production costs in primary agriculture. (more)
