The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls on the Commission to reflect in more depth on policy options that help both to reduce greenhouse gases and thus fight climate change and to maintain competitiveness. The goal must be to better protect and promote the EU's resource and energy-intensive industries (REII), otherwise Europe runs the risk of losing jobs to less clean economies and missing its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The European Economic and Social Committee believes that aging in dignity should become a fundamental right. Europeans live longer, and this is good news.  But with aging, new social, economic and health-related challenges are emerging which affect both the elderly and their families and societies. For too long this topic has been neglected and the growing needs of older people not anticipated, says the EESC. In its opinion, the EESC highlights the enormous potential older people represent for new jobs and technological progress.

In the event of a deal, the UK should stay aligned with EU laws; for chemicals, the REACH regulation is key. As for the aeronautics industry, agreements on reciprocity in the most important areas should be put in place. The planned transition period is too short, however, and should be extended to at least five years.

It needs target-oriented support to blossom fully

The Creative Europe programme must help the industry to flourish and unleash its full potential. The main focus needs to be placed on social inclusion, by creating sustainable, well-paid jobs and helping Europe's various creative industries to become competitive on the world market.