The 10th Civil Society Media Seminar will be organised at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna from 24 to 25 November 2016, looking at how European institutions, member states, civil society and media are communicating migration and try to with the help of the speakers and an engaged audience to formulate useful advice for a clearer and more targeted communication to counteract polarisation within European societies and strengthen solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and within European Member States.
Road transport is a crucial part of the European Union's single market and of its economy as a whole. At the same time, it is a vital economic sector in its own right, employing about 5 million people across the EU, generating close to 2% of EU GDP, and directly impacting on the quality of life of millions of European citizens. The EU road transport sector has developed significantly over the years, benefiting trade, the economy and freedom of movement. However, the success has had dark sides too and the sector today faces considerable challenges.
Position paper on the role of culture in the EU and the EESC's actions in this field, with special focus on the study Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe, recently published by the EESC Various Interests Group, and the conference A hope for Europe! Culture, cities and new narratives organized by this Group on 20-21 June 2016.
The environmental statement aims to describe the environmental management system (EMAS) in place at the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions.
The study examines international reports for culture's impact on European cities and its use as a tool for regeneration and development. It provides an overview of the factors in EU city development linked to culture and identity through selective qualitative and quantitative analysis. Culture is examined thematically in terms of its use as a vehicle for economic growth, a tool for reconverting cities, for integration and inclusiveness, and as a pillar of European identity.
The report presents the activities and achievements of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in 2015: its key missions and objectives, its organisation and political bodies, its role in EU decision-making and as a voice for organised civil society and lastly as a promoter of European values.
Representatives of European organised civil society have put forward their proposals as part of the preparation by the Commission of its 2017 Work Programme. While regretting the result of UK citizens' vote to leave the EU, the EESC asks for a rapid start to the negotiations with the UK in order to respond to the present uncertainty about the future of the EU and it demands to be fully involved in the negotiation process with the UK.
For the first time in the history of the European Union, twelve years after its accession, the Slovak Republic will take up the presidency of the Council on 1 July.
