The EESC sees the need to safeguard basic welfare provision by having common rules at EU level. The opinion sets out social policy principles which could provide a basis for the Commission's recommendations, especially in the context of the European Semester, the Europe 2020 strategy, the open method of coordination and the social impact assessment under Article 9 TFEU. Such principles should also provide the basis for a binding social protection floor and for the action and governance of the EU institutions themselves.
Download — EESC opinion: Principles for effective and reliable welfare provision systems
Download — EESC opinion: Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning – the practical input of organised civil society
Digital technologies have reached a degree of maturity that allows their use across a wide range of economic sectors in manufacturing as well as in service industries. According to the 2010 edition of the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS), more than 50% of the EU workforce use ICT in their daily work, with individual EU Member States reaching rates above 85%. Services sectors are identified as the heaviest users of ICT (for instance, more than 90% of finance employees using ICTS in their daily work), which is to be seen as a natural consequence of the increasing digitalisation of many services – such as eBanking, eCommerce, and online media.
Download — Effects of digitalisation on service industries and employment (own-initiative opinion)
This opinion is drafted at the request of the European Parliament, within the context of the two reports of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, namely: Improving the Functioning of the European Union Building on the Potential of the Liston Treaty (rapporteurs Ms Bresso and Mr Brok) and Possible Evolutions and Adjustments of the Current Institutional Set-up of the European Union (rapporteur Mr Verhofstadt).
Download — EESC opinion: Lisbon Treaty – EP Opinion
The offshore industry comprises offshore energy production, together with the gas, oil and minerals extraction sectors. Some of the most rapidly developing markets are linked to these sectors, offering potential for long-term sustainable and smart growth. Maritime industries linked to the European offshore industry, including sectors such as shipbuilding, ship repairs and conversion, marine equipment and shipping supplies, have both specialist expertise and the requisite human potential enabling them to tap into markets linked to offshore sectors.
Download — Prospects for long-term smart, sustainable development of European offshore industry and its relations with the EU's maritime sectors (own-initiative opinion)
