In the Declaration from the EU-Western Balkans Summit held on 6 October 2021 in Brdo, Slovenia, leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans launched a dedicated Agenda for the Western Balkans on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport - a comprehensive, long-term cooperation strategy that aims to "promote scientific excellence as well as reform of the region’s education systems, create further opportunities for the youth, and help prevent brain drain". ...
Download — Avizul CESE: Youth Policy in the Western Balkans, as part of the Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans
The EESC believes that the single market is essentially about achieving social and economic convergence aimed at reducing inequalities and ensuring that worsening social imbalances do not end up becoming serious obstacles to European integration. The EESC recommends a coordinated approach between Member States on the marketing of products affected by the crisis in Ukraine. The crisis caused by Russia’s aggression has created formidable supply restrictions. An "open strategic autonomy" should be adopted, especially in key sectors, to help build resilience, diversification and an ambitious trade agenda.
Download — Avizul CESE: The cost of non-Europe - the benefits of the single market
In relation to digital taxation the EESC deems it crucial for both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the OECD to be implemented within the EU as soon as it is feasible, achieving a high degree of consistency with the international agreement that will be negotiated within the OECD/G20 venue. The Committee stresses that properly devised international tax laws on digital businesses are instrumental in preventing tax evasion and tax avoidance practices, as well as in designing a fair, stable and progressive taxation system.
Since the deep freeze of the TTIP negotiations, the Transatlantic partners – the EU and the US – are starting new ways of co-operation under the so called Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which was launched at the EU-US summit in Brussels on 15 June 2021. ...
Download — Avizul CESE: The new EU-US Trade and Technology Council in action: priorities for business, workers and consumers and necessary safeguards
The Commission is proposing to the European Parliament and Council to sign up to a declaration of rights and principles that will guide the digital transformation in the EU. The declaration aims to give everyone a clear reference point about the kind of digital transformation Europe promotes and defends. It will also provide a guide for policy makers and companies when dealing with new technologies
Download — Avizul CESE: Digital rights and principles
The Commission is proposing to the European Parliament and Council to sign up to a declaration of rights and principles that will guide the digital transformation in the EU. The declaration aims to give everyone a clear reference point about the kind of digital transformation Europe promotes and defends. It will also provide a guide for policy makers and companies when dealing with new technologies.
The ‘REFIT’ evaluation concluded that while the current Regulation was generally fit for purpose, it could be better aligned with the European Green Deal and its design could be slightly improved. In this context, the proposal aims to replace the ODS Regulation, while maintaining a strict level of control.
Download — Avizul CESE: Revision of the ozone depleting substances regulation
In 2021, the Belarusian regime led by Alyaksandr Lukashenka actively attracted migrants from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other countries, encouraging and even forcing them to cross the UE borders. This resulted in a particular pressure on Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and was done in retaliation against the sanctions adopted by the EU in response to the regime rigging the national elections in 2020 and violently repressing civil society in 2021.
Download — Avizul CESE: Instrumentalisation of migrants
