Press releases

  • Reference number
    35/2017

    The EESC has launched its 2017 Civil Society Prize. This year, the EESC will reward innovative projects to promote quality employment and entrepreneurship for the future of work undertaken by civil society, focusing on young people, migrants and other people who have difficulty accessing the labour market. A total of EUR 50.000 will be awarded to a maximum of five winners. The deadline for applications is 8 September 2017 while the award ceremony will take place on 7 December 2017 in Brussels. Almost ten years after the peak of the financial and economic crisis the European Union is still struggling with high levels of unemployment, despite recent improvements. That is why this year...

  • Reference number
    34/2017

    The EU-China Round Table's fifteenth meeting took place in Beijing from 28 to 30 June 2017, marking 10 years since it was first set up. The theme of the 2-day meeting of delegations from the EESC and the China Economic and Social Council (CESC) was “Partnership for Growth, Civilization of mutual benefit”. The main topics of debate were innovation as a driver for economic vitality, trade, investment and social and labour rights, summed up in a joint statement. In addition, both delegations met with Mr Yu Zhengsheng, Member of the Politburo Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Chairman of the CPPCC....

  • Reference number
    33/2017

    During the 2nd European day of Social Economy Enterprises (SEEs) at the EESC, over 130 social economy representatives called on policy-makers to scale-up their efforts to enable the development of the Social Economy.  In his opening speech, Michael Smyth, EESC Vice-President, said: Social Economy Enterprises have become crucial, not only because they contribute to social integration, territorial cohesion and new economic models, but also because they play a role in shaping the future of Europe. He also called for a long-term roadmap for...

  • Reference number
    32/2017

    On 26-27 June, the EESC, joining forces with other civil society organisations and European institutions, hosted the annual Civil Society Days. This major gathering of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across Europe provided strong civil society input to the reflection on the future of Europe launched by the Commission with its "White Paper on the future of Europe". A forceful call was made for a new political impetus to relaunch the EU on the basis of our fundamental values and also to express a clear commitment by civil society organisations to forge ahead. A number of key demands and civil society commitments were adopted and presented ...

  • Reference number
    27/2017

    The EU must adopt policies for the development, deployment and use of AI in Europe in such a way as to ensure it works for, rather than against, society and social well-being, the EESC said in an own-initiative opinion on the societal impact of AI, identifying 11 areas that need to be addressed ...

  • Reference number
    24/2017

    The EESC held the 28th Meeting of Economic and Social Interest Groups of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states and EU countries in Brussels on 15-16 May. Trade relations, the new European consensus for development, prevention and reduction of food loss and waste, industrialisation as a development driver, and the future of EU relations with ACP countries were the five main themes of the conference, as outlined in a jointly accepted declaration ...

  • Reference number
    8/2017

    Time to breathe new life into the WTO process. Trade in agriculture and in agricultural products has never been so important – or so controversial. Back in the spotlight with the recent EP vote in favour of CETA[1], global attention in agriculture is also turning to the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference later this year. Once again trade in agriculture is expected to dominate that: once again the EU must play a key role.



    [1] EU – Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

     

  • Reference number
    9/2017

    It is vital to foster economic growth; only if Europe has a strong economy, can it better face the political and social challenges that stand before it. This was one of the main messages of the EESC opinions adopted yesterday in Brussels. The EESC calls for more investment– both private and public – directly in the countries that need it most. The EU body representing Civil Society also finds that the Juncker plan is not enough ...

  • Reference number
    7/2017

    EESC calls for a forward-looking and anticipatory European policy

    In its information report The automotive industry on the brink of a new paradigm? the EESC expects the GEAR 2030 High Level Groups and project teams to draw up an ambitious long-term industrial policy roadmap. A transition to electro-mobility and the development of connected cars and autonomous driving will need a comprehensive industrial policy in combination with a balanced climate, environmental and energy policy. Industrial policies should allow the automotive industry to maintain and develop a sophisticated industrial network. The burden of tax policies should be gradually shifted from excise duties on fuel to taxation on roads, ecology and infrastructure. The EESC supports the introduction of public-private partnerships (PPP) for the development of connected cars and autonomous driving, in tandem with the technologies to be brought into public infrastructure networks.

  • Reference number
    6/2017

    Georgia has the best track record in freedom of media among the Eastern Partnership countries, but nevertheless sustained efforts are called for in order to raise the standard of journalistic quality, objectivity and ethics, as well as secure their independence and sources of financing. This was one of the main messages of the EU-Georgia Civil Society Platform (CSP)'s second meeting held on 16th February at the EESC. The Platform also made recommendations for the Georgian government to ...