The Leipzig charter as a strategic part of Urban policy in Europe has recently been modified by the Ljubljana agreement that the Commission adopted on 26 November 2021. It signals the start of a new phase of the Urban Agenda for the EU. In this context, the forthcoming Czech EU Presidency, asks the contribution of the EESC to explore how these changes could impact on the creation of new Thematic Partnerships. Amongst others the Czech presidency is putting forward the following questions:
What should be put into consideration while implementing the new theme of urban communities and the involvement of citizens?
What should be the thresholds to create a functioning mechanism for strengthening the position of citizens and groups of citizens to achieve the targeted cooperative partnerships.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Thematic partnerships under the Ljubljana agreement
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Analysis the role of organised civil society in the new EU-Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (OEACP) agreement, including the situation of the EPAs in this framework
The Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI) package aims to make every aspect of the design, production, use and sale of products placed on the EU market more environmentally-friendly and circular to deliver on the sustainability and climate objectives. The proposals of the package will introduce a new era where sustainable products become the norm as well as Europe's resource independence.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Sustainable products initiative, including Eco-design Directive
Since the deep freeze of the TTIP negotiations, the Transatlantic partners – the EU and the US – are starting new ways of co-operation under the so called Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which was launched at the EU-US summit in Brussels on 15 June 2021. ...
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: The new EU-US Trade and Technology Council in action: priorities for business, workers and consumers and necessary safeguards
The EESC believes that the single market is essentially about achieving social and economic convergence aimed at reducing inequalities and ensuring that worsening social imbalances do not end up becoming serious obstacles to European integration. The EESC recommends a coordinated approach between Member States on the marketing of products affected by the crisis in Ukraine. The crisis caused by Russia’s aggression has created formidable supply restrictions. An "open strategic autonomy" should be adopted, especially in key sectors, to help build resilience, diversification and an ambitious trade agenda.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: The cost of non-Europe - the benefits of the single market
In relation to digital taxation the EESC deems it crucial for both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the OECD to be implemented within the EU as soon as it is feasible, achieving a high degree of consistency with the international agreement that will be negotiated within the OECD/G20 venue. The Committee stresses that properly devised international tax laws on digital businesses are instrumental in preventing tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, as well as in designing a fair, stable and progressive taxation system.
European citizens are interested in developments in the implementation of digital technology solutions, with a view to simplifying the necessary administrative procedures in relation to the authorities or in everyday life in society. A digitally literate population can benefit, through digital identity, from simplified access to the services provided by public authorities or the business environment.
Download — Opinjoni tal-KESE: Digital identity, data sovereignty and the path towards a just digital transition for citizens living in the information society
