Comité Económico e Social Europeu
The European Economic and Social Committee backs up the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative of the European Commission. The initiative is aimed at promoting investment in the healthcare systems of the European Member States and other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, the EU would mobilise cash reserves, i.e. unspent pre-financing for EU funds, and provide financial support.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) firmly believes that infringements of human rights can be better prevented when there is an internationally agreed binding standard implemented and protected by states. Therefore, in an opinion adopted at its December plenary session, the EESC supports the United Nations Human Rights Council initiative to adopt a binding UN treaty to regulate businesses activities, including sanctions in case of violation of international human rights law.
EESC debate takes stock and discusses steps to take
9 October 2019 – Helsinki – Extraordinary meeting of the Workers' Group
On 25 September 2019, the European Economic and Social Committee voted on the opinion SOC/614 – The European Pillar of Social Rights – evaluation of the initial implementation and recommendations for the future. The document was adopted with 117 votes for, 44 votes against and 3 abstentions. The majority of the Employers' Group members voted against the opinion as the document does not present the variety of views within the EESC in a balanced manner. That is also why the members of the Employers' Group tabled over 40 amendments to the opinion.
The EU should amplify the voice of those standing up for rights and freedoms and involve them more closely in its work to safeguard the rule of law
EESC Workers' Group member Ellen Nygren highlights that despite changes to the world of work over the past 100 years the ILO's mission and conventions remain valid now and for the future.
Cinzia del Rio and many other Workers' Group members are now in Geneva discussing the Report of the Global Commission on the Future of Work.
We need the voice of workers to be heard loud and clear not only in the European Parliament but also in the Commission
said Oliver Röpke, President of the Workers' Group. For this reason, the EESC Workers' Group organised a side event at the ETUC Congress to discuss how we can ensure that the rights of workers are at the centre of the political agenda in the new European Parliament.
The member states of the European Union must strengthen stakeholder involvement in their efforts to reform national economies. Together with a new long-term EU strategy for sustainable development, improved stakeholder involvement could help create a more efficient and inclusive European semester that enjoys the support of society and is prepared to tackle the challenges facing the EU.
