The Economy for the Common Good model proposes the transition towards a "European Ethical Market" which will foster social innovation, boost the employment rate and benefit the environment, for example through using indicators of wellbeing and social development beyond the GDP such as the Common Good Product and the Common Good Balance Sheet. The EESC considers that the Economy for the Common Good model is conceived to be included both in the European and the domestic legal framework and demands from the European Commission, in the framework of the upcoming renewed CSR strategy, to make a qualitative step in order to reward (in terms of public procurement, access to external markets, tax advantages, etc.) those enterprises that can demonstrate higher ethical performance.
Download — EESC opinion: Economy for the Common Good
Studies point to new dynamics in the world economy with substantial consequences for the competitiveness of national economies. The theme of the information report is inspired by a recent study of the Boston Consulting Group. In analysing in-depth the cost-related aspects in manufacturing among a great many countries the study proves that traditional views about the relationship between the developed and underdeveloped/emerging economies is becoming obsolete. In all groupings there are frontrunners and slow developers...
Download — Shifting Economics in the World, Consequences for EU competitiveness (information report)
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
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 workers' group at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for a proposal for the new ILO standard (convention accompanied by a recommendation) on gender-based violence at work. The ILO Governing Body at its session in November 2015 will take a decision on whether to place this item on the agenda of the International Labour Conference (ILO supreme decision making and standard setting body) for the years 2017-2018. In this context, the EESC Opinion would represent a contribution of the European civil society, including workers' representatives, to the ILO discussion on the need for a new labour standard. In the past, the EESC contributed with its Opinions to the ILO discussions on new standards on domestic workers and prohibition of forced labour.
Download — EESC opinion: Towards an ILO convention against gender-based violence at work
Developing a benchmark to measure the correlation between dual training systems and youth unemployment would be a powerful tool to ensure the necessary policy attention for the apprenticeship agenda and to recommend dual training systems to Member states where they do not exist or do not function well.
Download — EESC opinion: Improving the performance of national dual training systems
The Commission’s 2012 Communication on "promoting the cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the European Union" was a milestone in the recognition of the economic, social and cultural importance of these industries by the European institutions. This Communication was accompanied by two staff working documents (SWD) — one relating to the competitiveness of high-end industries , and the other to the competitiveness of the European fashion sector . This was followed by an action plan on the competitiveness of high-end industries and the European fashion sector.
Download — Creative and cultural industries – a European asset to be used in global competition (own-initiative opinion)
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)
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)
Download — EESC opinion: Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning – the practical input of organised civil society
In June 2011, the Commission adopted a Communication on Fighting Corruption in the EU, establishing the EU Anti-Corruption Report to monitor and assess Member States' efforts in this area with a view to developing a stronger political engagement to address corruption effectively. Corruption is defined in the report in a broad sense as "any abuse of power for private gain".
Download — Proposals to fight corruption in the EU: meeting business and civil society concerns
