In this brochure, we have put together a series of semester-related opinions and an information report in which the EESC makes policy recommendations on the various elements of the European Semester.
Comissão Europeia
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This study focuses on the use of trilogues and early agreements in the European Union (EU). Today, trilogues form the standard operating procedure for reaching agreements between the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. The use of trilogues has long raised concerns about public transparency and accountability. Much has already been done to improve the way in which each institution’s negotiating team is held accountable to their respective institutions. However, there is still scope for improving the transparency of trilogue meetings.
The European Union: how does it work? Can you influence decisions? Do you know how the policies that affect your life are made?
What if some of the EU’s complicated procedures were turned into a game – fun to play but challenging as well – that you could download onto your smartphone, tablet or laptop?
European Economic and Social Committee contribution to the European Commission’s 2015 Work Programme
On the 6th november 2014, the European Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted its contribution to the European Commission's 2015 work programme. This 15-page document is full of very specific proposals and suggestions for improvement, and clearly sets out the areas where civil society expects the new team heading the Commission to be active in the coming year.
The TEN section focuses its work on keeping the right balance between the three pillars of EU energy policy: competitiveness, sustainability and security. The new White Paper from the European Commission entitled “Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – T owards a competitive and resource-efficient transport system”, which was adopted by the Commission on 28 March 2011, constitutes the basic reference for the work of the TEN section in the field of transport.
The EESC has called for a European stimulus package for the labour market policy, amounting to 2% of GDP. We recognise that the "Compact for Growth and Jobs" adopted at the European Council summit in June 2012 is a first important step in that direction. This must be further fleshed out to create the needed room for manoeuvre for sustainable growth and employment across the Europe.
Lors de sa session plénière des 22 et 23 février 2012 (séance du 22 février 2012), le Comité économique et social européen a exprimé sa vive préoccupation sur l'état de l'Union, a adressé un appel pressant aux institutions européennes et aux gouvernements des Etats membres afin qu'ils fassent tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour réaffirmer dans les faits la valeur absolue et indispensable de l'unité européenne et a adopté la présente résolution.
Speech of José Manuel Barroso at the 478th plenary session of the EESC