EESC opinion: Taking stock of the reality of European society today

EESC opinion: Taking stock of the reality of European society today

Key points

The EESC notes that stock-taking the reality of European society is a broader approach than just reviewing social issues in the traditional sense. The stock-taking can be an important tool to bring the EU closer to citizens and to answer their expectations of what European policies should deliver.

The stocktaking cannot take place without simultaneously addressing the different methods and instruments of EU social policy and their efficiency in meeting the new social challenges. The right balance has to be found between the demarcation and complementarity of competence between the EU and Member States and the use of European legislative actions and the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). At the same time, implementation of existing acquis communautaire is necessary. At European level the social dialogue based in the Treaty should be fully exploited. The stock-taking must also be given sufficient time really to involve organised civil society at all levels.

In order to assess specific and overall social realities, as well as to measure the efficiency of its policy measures the EU must have at its disposal indicators that provide a sufficiently detailed and accurate picture. The EESC reiterates its call for stakeholders to be invited to take part in formulating and evaluating indicators.

The EESC can play an active role both at national and European level through the members and the organisations it represents. Economic and Social Councils in countries where they exist should also be mobilised. At European level the EESC can organise a stakeholders' forum in cooperation with the Commission, both at the start of the process to set up a roadmap of actions, as well as a follow up as the process draws to an end.

When summarising the stocktaking process the EESC suggests that the European Commission should organise a "citizens summit" on social realities with representation from all stakeholders. As a follow up the EESC suggests that a second special European Council dedicated to the European social model be organised (Hampton Court 2). In order to build the basis of a new consensus on social challenges facing Europe, a new "social action programme" may be outlined, taking into account both economic realities and social expectations.