ISSN 1725-1923 European Economic and Social Committee EESC info European Economic and Social Committee a bridge between Europe and organised civil society October 2014 | EN EDITORIAL Dear readers, “ The EESC civil society prize is an opportunity to showcase best practice among NGOs throughout the EU so that other organisations can emulate that work. The EESC civil society prize is an opportunity to showcase best practice among NGOs throughout the EU so that other organisations can emulate that work. This year, we chose to focus on the integration of Roma because we wanted to highlight the valuable work that is being done to accept and integrate Roma into society in the EU Member States. I am delighted to say that, although the theme is more focused than in the past, we actually had a record number of applications – more than 80 altogether – and the quality of activity was extremely high. The areas of housing, education and training were very prominent and it was good to see those projects in particular where the Roma themselves were involved in the work within the organisations. Immigration needs courageous and inclusive European solutions The EESC adopted its opinion on “European immigration policies” at its plenary session on 10 September. The opinion was drawn up at the request of the Italian presidency. “Immigration is a complex issue, including border security and asylum policy and therefore our proposals are diverse and manifold,” explained Giuseppe Iuliano (Italy, Workers’ Group), the rapporteur for this opinion. Mobility needs partnerships ” The three winning applicants certainly deserve a mention. They are ETP Slovakia, IQ Roma servis and the Reverend Archimandrite Athinagoras Loukataris, and a video presenting the successful projects will be shown during the award ceremony at the October plenary session. the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), it urges the Commission to be more ambitious in eliminating the range of interpretation possibilities currently open to Member States. “We have to do this job properly and develop an inclusive asylum system which ensures proportionate burden-sharing among Member States, replacing the Dublin Convention,” said Mr Iuliano. The EESC wants the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) to play a greater role with regard to assessment, analysis and advice, enabling it to provide permanent technical and operational support to Member States. Giuseppe Iuliano, rapporteur on “European immigration policies” Mobility has to be managed at European level The EESC encourages a Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM) and the conclusion of balanced and legally binding mobility partnerships. In view of the ageing labour market, Europe will very likely soon need immigration. Therefore the current fragmented and diffuse legal framework has to be reviewed; barriers and discrimination in the labour market have to be eliminated. The EESC calls for a Common European Immigration Code and a Handbook of Common European Guidelines. It also supports the idea of a permanent European platform for work-related migration, offering Taking the opportunity to thank all the applicants, I also want to thank all those EESC members who proposed these organisations or individuals and who support the work that they do. I also want to thank the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) for their excellent support and the four assessors for their valuable contribution to the selection process. The flows of asylum seekers and potential immigrants cannot be tackled by a few individual Member States on their own, especially as countries in the Mediterranean are now reaching the limits of their capacity. While the EESC welcomes I’d like to finish with a special message to the three winners. As the Roma proverb states, “sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.” In this case, congratulations, you got the bear! Education is the key for integration DIARY DATES 12 November 2014/ EESC, Brussels: Conference: A new Industrial Policy for Europe 27-28 November 2014/ Milan: Civil Society Seminar 10-11 December 2014 / EESC, Brussels: EESC plenary session IN THIS ISSUE 2 3 4 Social dialogue at the heart of European governance Social enterprise – A different business model? Civil society has to be the main player in making Europe’s energy greener One joint border, one joint responsibility Currently only a few Member States have the responsibility of securing the EU’s border. In times of turmoil around the Mediterranean, for countries like Italy, Greece and Malta this is becoming nearly unbearable. Domenico Manzione, Italian secretary of state, who attended the 501st plenary session at the invitation of the EESC president, Henri Malosse, appreciated the “global approach” of the EESC’s paper. He said that “based on this we can develop better and smart solutions. This is not only for the sake of the Mediterranean countries but for the sake of the whole EU and, most importantly, it will help the desperately poor migrants.” With its programme “Mare nostrum”, Italy has already saved the lives of 120,000 refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Sadly, however, another 1,900 perished at sea. The EESC calls for a strengthening of the role of the External Borders Agency, FRONTEX, in terms of both power and capacity. FRONTEX has to become a real border control body, thus supporting the EU Member States. The opinion was adopted by 161 votes to 6, with 6 abstentions. (sma) ● Interview with Dr Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumers and Civil Liberties “ EESC info: Why are you visiting the EESC? Jane Morrice EESC vice-president its own services for exploring the best options for setting up such a body. Helena Dalli: I am here to show my appreciation for the EESC and to discuss the challenges in the Mediterranean region. The idea of the EESC is brilliant. Those are the people who make their research on the ground. They know the “real” problems, they practise the necessary social dialogue in this institution including all the groups of our society and therefore their opinions are so valuable. Even me, as a politician in Malta, I am studying different EESC opinions for my own political considerations and policy implementation. I expect that the EU acts in the spirit of the union: helping each other and not leaving a few countries with the whole burden. The EU has to find a strategy which includes all countries; we have to share responsibility and find together the best solutions. Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumers and Civil Liberties What do you expect from the EU with regard to immigration policy? a few countries with the whole burden. The EU has to find a strategy which includes all countries; we have to share responsibility and find together the best solutions. I expect that the EU acts in the spirit of the union: helping each other and not leaving Integration of immigrants – what is Malta doing? ww www.eesc.europa.eu ” Providing work and education is the best way for a successful integration. Malta also offers concrete assistance with regard to the legal framework of our state. People have to know about both their rights and their duties. Again – education is the key for integration. (sma/hb) ● The future of organic production in Europe Social dialogue at the heart of European governance In an opinion adopted by the plenary assembly, Georgios Dassis lays the foundations of potential economic recovery in Europe, underpinned by the social partners. He believes that this change can be launched in the next five years: it is a matter of political will. A committed European, the president of the Workers’ Group has witnessed the European venture from its first major social and political steps, its subsequent developments, to the dark time of the 2008 crisis. This experience, bolstered by the deliberations and work of the members of the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, is brought to the fore in an opinion entitled Structure and organisation of social dialogue in the context of a genuine economic and monetary union (EMU). The message is clear: in order to exit the crisis, we need to take economic and political integration further, provided it is based on a new form of European governance, underpinned by social dialogue. “The young people of my generation started work at the age of 12: after primary school, if not earlier. At the time, Greeks worked much more than the official 48 hours a week,” he explains. “Happily, times have changed and labour law in Europe has taken a number of major steps forward, such as framework agreements on part-time work and fixedterm contracts.” However, the machinery has jammed. “Framework agreements have been replaced by autonomous agreements subject to the good will of national authorities – and now the Member States are dragging their feet. The last agreement, on working at home, was signed nearly 15 years ago and is still not applied in many countries. Worse still, rather than an improvement, we are seeing a general decline in the number of collective agreements as we have pointed out in this opinion. We therefore call on the European Commission to propose the introduction of a binding instrument for the application of these agreements at national level,” explains the head of the Workers’ Group. Georgios Dassis, President of the Workers’ Group The opinion, the fruit of real European social dialogue, calls for economic recovery based on enhanced participation and autonomy for the social partners, underscores the importance of tripartite consultation and links stronger social dialogue with economic and monetary union. It will be an inspiration for the Commission over the next five years. “There have already been positive signs from the Commission. I expect great things from Mr Juncker and am prepared to believe him when he says that he will take a personal interest in social dialogue,” says Georgios Dassis. “My interest now is putting it into practice. We will support him in any initiative which could make the EU fairer and more respectful of workers’ rights and give people renewed hope in the European venture.” ● EU Member States must join forces to combat undeclared work, which puts both workers and businesses at risk In its new opinion the EESC insisted on the need for the launch of an ambitious platform which should have the power to recommend new or simplified EU and national legislation. The opinion was adopted at the September plenary session by 172 votes to 88, with 22 abstentions. Undeclared work has risen with the crisis in Europe and according to some estimates is worth EUR 2.1 trillion (source: The Shadow Economy in Europe 2013). Teresa Bellanova, Italian State Secretary for Labour and Social Policy with EESC President Henri Malosse at the plenary session At the plenary session which saw the adoption of the opinion, the Italian state secretary for labour and social policy, Ms Teresa Bellanova, stressed the many implications that undeclared work could have for a national economy, hindering job creation, impeding growth and impacting “We need to create a positive environment for workers and businesses, so there is less of a temptation to turn to the black market”, said Mr Stefano Palmieri (Italy, Workers’ Group), EESC rapporteur. “Undeclared work undermines the European ideals of justice and solidarity, as well as undistorted market competition, so we need to put an end to it. The creation of the European platform comes at the right time but we need to give it the necessary means of action.” A range of instruments could indeed be put in place to fight undeclared work in Europe, such as tax incentives, inspections and fines for unfair business practices, as well as smart regulations that can create a stable legal framework. Sharing information could also be very useful when it comes to preventing and discouraging moonlighting: the “ Undeclared work undermines the European ideals of justice and solidarity, as well as undistorted market competition, so we need to put an end to it. The creation of the European platform comes at the right time but we need to give it the necessary means of action. ” platform would ideally play an intermediary role to facilitate this exchange. “For the platform to be steered in the right direction, we will need constant dialogue between all the players involved: from the social partners at EU level and from sectors with high levels of undeclared work, from SME organisations and the social economy”, underlined Ms Ana Bontea (Romania, Employers’ Group), EESC co-rapporteur. The EESC called on the new Commission to involve the two sides of industry and civil society organisations with the relevant expertise in the platform. They would bring the necessary added value, know-how and transparency. (sg) ● Organic farming – a relief for the environment… Organic farming is a production system which is based on natural resources, strictly limiting the use of chemical and synthetic inputs and prohibiting the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Several studies show that: ● biodiversity is much greater on organic farms (30% more species than on non-organic farms); ● Soil is much richer with improved aeration and drainage; ● Water quality in the surrounding areas is higher (no use of pesticides or synthetic mineral fertilisers); ● Nitrate leaching per hectare is 57% lower, and last but not least; ● Organic farming fosters the creation of “green” jobs. …but the transition requires time and support Europe is diverse, and within the EU there is a lot of diversity with regard to climate, soil, tradition, history, etc. between the Member States. This has to be considered before implementing a new regulation, and this was one of the concerns that experts from the eastern European Member States expressed in particular. While the EESC welcomes the Commission’s legislative proposal to foster organic farming and supports its goal of fully converting mixed farms into organic farms, it calls for this to be done with the necessary pragmatism and a sense of proportion. Small-scale farmers, who are particularly encouraged to turn to organic farming, could be completely sidelined as they simply cannot afford to bear the costs of such a rapid transition. The main concern was that the sector could come under pressure, with serious agronomic problems as a result and ultimately no “organic” solutions. Realistic targets to be set Other concerns were related to the 2021 target of using 100% organic seed, which could reduce the variety of products because 100% organic seeds would not be available for all plants, especially vegetables. Challenges such as a lack of organic animals (also no database), organic protein feed, costs or bureaucratic burdens are barriers to meeting the 2017 objective of converting mixed farms into organic producers. >>> page 3 European agriculture worries shared during the EESC plenary The long wait is almost over – after careful consideration the jury has chosen the three winners of the 2014 Civil Society Prize Competition On 10 September 2014 during the EESC plenary session, Frank van Oorschot (Netherlands, Employers’ Group) drew attention to the critical situation currently facing the European agricultural industry. The economic difficulties stem from the financial crisis and sanctions imposed by Russia. The hardest hit are workers, farmers and the logistics sector, Mr Van Oorschot said, presenting the EESC president, Henri Malosse, with a selection of fresh European farm produce. The winners, who come from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Greece, will travel to Brussels on 16 October for the Grand Finale of the competition to discover their ranking and receive their prize from the president of the EESC, Henri Malosse. In the EESC president’s words “part of the way forward in Europe involves re-launching production – which also means relying heavily on European farmers. Support for the EU agricultural sector should not be limited to words of kindness and proposals 2 on the more vulnerable workers as well as small enterprises. She stated that eliminating the shadow economy is a condition sine qua non for Europe to get out of the crisis – a top priority for the Italian presidency of the EU. During the plenary debate, EESC members underlined the importance of EU-wide action against undeclared work and bogus self-employment. The EESC organised a hearing on “The future of organic production in Europe” on 15 September at its headquarters in Brussels. It invited experts from the Commission, European farmers’ associations, certification bodies, NGOs and national organisations to create a deeper understanding of this topic, which is important both economically and ecologically. Franck van Oorschot, EESC member with EESC President Henri Malosse of support, but mean actual understanding of the challenges it faces, and concrete measures to help tackle them.” (mm) ● The Civil Society Prize jury, composed of the EESC president, the two vice-presidents, the presidents of the three groups and the secretary-general, had the difficult task of choosing three winners from a wide range of excellent projects. The Centre for Sustainable Development from Slovakia, the Reverend Archimandrite Athinagoras Loukataris from Greece and IQ Roma servis from the Czech Republic will share the total prize of EUR 30,000. The actual ranking of the winners will be disclosed at the EESC plenary session in Brussels on 16 October. The EESC received 81 applications from across the European Union. Four external expert assessors shortlisted eight entries. The shortlist included the Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) from Spain, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the European Grassroots Antiracist Movement from France, the Autonomous Centre (ACT) from Croatia and the Drop-In Centre Hirundo at the Helsinki Deaconess Institute from Finland. (clj) ● Social enterprise – A different business model? “Social enterprise is a business model and a way to create growth by increasing the number of entrepreneurs and a different kind of business in the economy,” said Jonathan Bland, managing director of Social Business International Ltd, who spoke at the hearing. Ariane Rodert, EESC member As part of its social enterprise project, the EESC organised a public hearing on “The EU policy agenda for social enterprise: what next?” on 3 September 2014. The hearing gathered stakeholders from the European institutions and civil society to discuss this issue, with a view to submitting policy recommendations to the next Commission and Parliament. Eight months after the Strasbourg event, the EESC is assessing the state of play for social enterprise growth and development across Europe, in terms of the legal framework, economic conditions, public and private support programmes and awareness, in order to identify new priorities for the next EU policy agenda. Social enterprise is a key element of the European social model and fundamental to the success of the EU2020 strategy. By supporting and promoting social enterprise, Europe strengthens its growth and competitiveness potential and its capacity to create social value. “This hearing was the last step before our final report,” said Ariane Rodert (Sweden, Various Interests Group), who is coordinating the social enterprise project. The EESC has for the last eight months gathered input from social enterprise players at local, regional, national and European level. Their input is the key to ensuring that EU policy fully unleashes the potential of social economy enterprises across the EU.” The EESC supports the Commission’s launch of a policy framework and action plan to promote social enterprise in Europe. The EESC has drafted several opinions on social enterprise policy, stressing the importance of full support for social enterprise development at both EU and Member State level. Mr Heinz Becker, MEP, explained the importance of communicating at local level: “Our primary target is not the national level but the regional and local level because the social economy lives in the regions, but at the same time we need the active cooperation of the EU Member States.” The Committee has set up a Social Enterprise Project working group composed of nine members interested in the social entrepreneurship agenda. Their work is based on the concluding document from the Strasbourg event in January, the “Strasbourg Declaration,” and aims to identify specific and tangible measures for the next EU institutional agenda for social enterprise in Europe. (hb) ● SOON IN THE EESC Civil Society Media Seminar 2014 A New Industrial Policy for Europe For the eighth time in a row, the European Economic and Social Committee will be organising its Civil Society Media Seminar. This will be hosted from 27 to 28 November by the city of Milan at the Grand Hall of Conferences of the Province of Milan. The seminar is organised in cooperation with the European Broadcasting Union. Our target groups are EESC members, the press and communication officers from Member States’ civil society organisations and EU institutions. Conference organised jointly by the European Policy Centre and the European Economic and Social Committee © nanD_Phanuwat This year’s seminar will be conducted under the headline “European media and informed citizenship – EU and ME(dia) – do European viewers get enough?” More concretely, its remit will be to foster debate about news reporting on the European Union and to draw lessons for the future. The seminar will seek to explore ways of improving EU cooperation with the media, helping to give the news a broader European perspective, being aware of propaganda issues and generating public involvement in the European debate. It will consider whether social media are an appropriate means of bringing the EU closer to the people and the last panel will look back at the 2014 European elections to check what can be done better in the future. (sma) ● A new European Commission is about to take up office with an ambitious policy agenda for the next five years. It is now time for the EU to turn the rhetoric about an industrial renaissance into reality by putting in place a coherent and bold strategy that will restore Europe’s competitiveness and boost its economy. This conference will be held on 12 November 2014 at the EESC building in Brussels and will bring together high-level EU representatives, Ministers from a range of Member States, and representatives from industry and the policy world. A series of panel debates will focus on the main challenges and opportunities for European industries and the strategic options the EU should consider, with speakers from a range of bodies including the EESC, the OECD, the Vanguard Initiative and the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. More information: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.events-andactivities-new-ind-policy (at) ● PLENARY SESSION IN A NUTSHELL Green Paper on Mobile Health The EESC welcomes the Green Paper on Mobile Health in view of the contribution that mHealth can make to European healthcare systems, which are facing increasing challenges as a result of demographic change and the need to address the treatment of chronic diseases. In this opinion (TEN/551), the Committee argues that priority must be given to improving healthcare, not cutting costs. To be successful, mHealth will require the participation of healthcare professionals, dialogue with patients’ organisations, the promotion of mutual trust between patients and professionals along with incentives and training plans for the latter. Dialogue also needs to be established with industry in this field. ● Voting: 180 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention. EU Maritime Security Strategy In this opinion (REX/402), the EESC welcomes the demonstration of the EU’s political will to put maritime security at the top of its political agenda. The Committee fully endorses the comprehensive, cross-sector, integrated approach which builds on existing resources combining the dual use (military/civilian) of infrastructure. The proposed approach is cost effective and will create more jobs in line with the Europe 2020 growth strategy, as well as new synergies between EU institutions and other stakeholders (coastguards, navies), while at the same time making the maritime profession more attractive for seafarers. ● Voting: 142 in favour, 1 against, 3 abstentions. EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region The European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region (EUSAIR) will help to promote and support the region’s economic competitiveness and social cohesion. The EESC believes that strong political backing for the EUSAIR is vital for maintaining effective integration between the Europe 2020 strategy, European enlargement policy and the regional development strategies. The Committee suggests that EUSAIR’s social dimension should be integrated and strengthened through the promotion of social investment and the necessary modernisation of social protection systems. ● Voting: 163 in favour, 5 against, 4 abstentions. Continued from page 2 — The future of organic production in Europe Imported products have to be of the same standard as domestic products In line with the EESC’s position, some representatives of agricultural associations and experts called for stricter controls for products from non-EU countries to ensure that they comply with EU requirements. Import controls can be strengthened by moving from equivalence to compliance in relation to the recognition of control bodies in non-EU countries. High quality standards justify higher prices Raising quality standards for organic production and introducing stricter rules for manual production will increase consumer confidence and also justify the price difference between organic and conventional products. A smart marketing strategy from the Commission showing the high quality standards of European organic farming will support demand. (sma) ● GOING LOCAL Single-member private limited liability companies EESC Vice president discusses the importance of the Arctic and the Sami people during her visit to Sweden and Finland EESC vice-president, Jane Morrice, visited Sweden and Finland from 21 to 25 September as part of the EESC’s new Going Local initiative. The trip started in Umeå, Sweden, EU Capital of Culture 2014. Accompanied by Swedish members Paul Lidehäll, Inger Persson and Staffan Nilsson, the VP met the city’s mayor, Marie-Louise Rönnmark, and visited Umeå University for a discussion with students about the importance of strengthening EU efforts in the Arctic and the role of civil society in this process. All participants recognised the significance of the Arctic as the home of the Sami, the only indigenous people living within EU borders. contribute to that awareness raising, the EESC will hold an exhibition of Sami cultural traditions in Brussels in February 2015. The second leg of the trip was to Finland where Ms Morrice was accompanied by Finnish members Filip Hamro-Drotz, Pirkko Raunemaa and Thomas Palmgren. Highlights of the visit included the Arctic Centre and the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, the Sami Museum and Nature Centre SIIDA, the Sami Education Institute and the Sami Parliament in Inari. In their meetings, the delegation emphasised the importance of improving public awareness about Arctic issues, and the need to respect the traditional way of life of the Sami people. To In the Finnish capital, Jane Morrice accompanied by Finnish members Timo Vuori and Ulla Sirkeinen met members of the Finnish Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Finnish Industries. Jane Morrice expressed the EESC’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in business and cutting down overregulation at European level. (sg) ● ”The aim of this visit was to listen and learn about the issues affecting the Arctic and the Sami people and to let these communities know what the EU can do for them”, said Jane Morrice. ”Too many people see Brussels as foreign, faceless and too far away. We want to change that perception. The EU is on your doorstep and we, in the EESC, want to help make it work for you in the best interests of all”. Although the EESC welcomes the Commission’s efforts to support SMEs in the area of company law, it sees a considerable range of necessary amendments before the EESC could endorse the proposal. For instance, the EESC recommends that: ● a substantial minimum share capital appropriate to the company’s purpose be required, in the form of a “credibility threshold” for SUPs (Societas Unius Personae – singlemember companies), in order to protect the interests of creditors, consumers, employees and the general public and to avoid any risk to business; ● an SUP should not be registered in a place where it carries out no business activities whatsoever (letter boxes); ● Member States should be free to provide for online registration on a voluntary basis with a preliminary identity check. This opinion was adopted after intensive, and sometimes controversial, discussions. ● Voting: 127 in favour, 50 against, 15 abstentions. 3 small entrepreneurs to access finance models at favourable conditions, and providing the required infrastructure and easy access to the grids. ● Different conditions require different solutions © Kajano The EESC is currently drafting a study on “Changing the future of energy: civil society as a main player in energy generation.” The EESC newsletter has already reported on it. The EESC organised a conference in Brussels on 17 September, discussing the study findings with EU civil society organisations as well as representatives from the six Member States (Bulgaria, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and the United Kingdom) where the study was conducted. The final report will incorporate the results of this debate and will be presented in the plenary later this year. While participants agreed that places like Germany or the Scandinavian countries can be role models for renewable energy. Stephane Buffetaut (France, Employers’ Group), president of the TEN section, emphasised that not everything can be copied, as “different geographical conditions also need a variety of approaches. However, it is important to provide a stable legislative framework which investors can rely on.” Renewables – creating jobs and new sources of income similar projects. But first, certain preconditions have to be laid down: Lutz Ribbe (Germany, Various Interests Group) told the story of a small German town where a cooperative was formed to finance the new roof of their football stadium. The cooperative decided to build the roof out of solar panels and repaid the investment with the energy produced. Renewable energy requires creativity and public acceptance. This example and other best practices should be highlighted in order to encourage other communities, households and farmers to build ● Member States have to create the right conditions for renewables ● Climate and political challenges require a rethink With diversification and the increased use of renewable energy, production has shifted from large centralised power plants to small decentralised units. For smaller units it is more difficult to invest, and Member States have to provide the necessary political framework to encourage such installations, for instance, enabling The turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as climate changes in Europe and elsewhere with their accompanying floods and drought, will finally force us to work globally on the development of renewable energy sources, not least to save our planet for our children and grandchildren. (sma) ● R EU Ready? A fun and interactive game by the EESC The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): how does it work? 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? Well, the EESC has done just that: created a brand new game which lets you act out the role of a Committee member in Brussels. You can campaign for your own policies, influence other colleagues, answer questions and learn more about the EU and the EESC’s place in it. The EESC’s aim in producing this educational game for the first time is two-fold: firstly, to make itself known to young people, and secondly, to help them understand the role of civil society in the EU decision-making process. The game is based on the principle of “learning while playing” informing young people about the EESC opinion route (from the drafting stage until adoption and transmission to the other institutions) and at the same time informing them about the EESC’s structure and functioning. IN SHORT EU Trade Policy – the Cyprus Perspective and Future Challenges On 4 September 2014, Manthos Mavrommatis (Cyprus, Employers’ Group), took part in a discussion on EU trade policy with EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, and the Cypriot minister for energy, commerce, industry and tourism, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis. The meeting explored EU trade policy in general, the Cyprus perspective and future challenges. The EU has succeeded in expanding trade between its members but also plays an active part in promoting the expansion of global trade at the WTO. The more recent approach to free trade extends its focus beyond tariff reductions. Trade agreements now go much further to address competition, investment policies, consumer protection and many more issues. As Mr Mavrommatis points out: “Cyprus has everything to gain from the EU’s ongoing efforts to open, negotiate and conclude major free trade agreements, which are regarded as the most important challenge for EU trade policy in the near future. It is a small country that depends on trade, most of which is either with the EU or generated through EU trading partners taking advantage of its expertise as a transit This entertaining game is available to download on to your smartphone (iOS or Android), tablet or laptop…. Have fun!! (fgr) ● point for exports. Its economy is dominated by SMEs whose size and international experience far exceeds their counterparts’ in other small European economies. Its geographical position, weather and business climate not only lend themselves to the movement of goods, but also to the movement of people, financial transactions and investments, which all benefit from a seamless, tariff-free environment.” (lj) ● The EESC partners with the International Labour Organisation to promote Social Economy You have to gain the support of at least 75% of Committee members so that your issue can be adopted as EESC policy and then used to influence other institutions. First you choose which of the Committee’s three groups you would like to join, followed by the topic you want to campaign on, and then you influence other members by correctly answering questions about the EU and the EESC. Between the different levels there is an information screen that gives you an interesting fact about the topic you have chosen. Manthos Mavrommatis, EESC member Miguel Angel Cabra de Luna, EESC member The International Labour Organisation (ILO) organised the fourth Academy on Social and Solidarity Economy from 28 July to 1 August in Campinas (Brazil), which brought together practitioners and policymakers from all around the world. The EESC was one of the partners of this initiative and was represented by Miguel Angel Cabra de Luna (Spain, Various Interests Group), Social Economy Category spokesperson. The focus of the conference was on how social economy enterprises can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda post-2015. Mr Cabra de Luna took part in the round tables on the opening and closing days, where he gave details of the EESC’s work on the social economy and sustainable development, including the recent opinions on the Social Economy in Latin America (REX/325) and the Involvement of the private sector in the post 2015 development framework (REX/386). (ism) ● EESC info in 23 languages: es: http http://www.eesc.europa.eu/activities/press/eescinfo/index_en.asp Inmaculada Sandoval Mora (ism) Leszek Jarosz (lj) Milen Minchev (mm) Siana Glouharova (sg) Silvia M. Aumair (sma) EESC info is published nine times a year during EESC plenary l sessions. Béatrice Ouin – EESC members’ representative on the Editorial Committee (FR, Workers’ Group) Peter Lindvald-Nielsen (editor-in-chief) Henry Borzi Editor: Address: URL: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.eesc-info European Economic and Social Committee Jacques Delors Building, 99 Rue Belliard, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel. (+32 2) 546.94.76 Fax (+32 2) 546.97.64 Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/ EESC info is not an official record of the EESC’s proceedings; for this, please refer to the Official Journal of the European Union or to the Committee’s other publications. Editorial Committee: Agata Berdys (ab) Contributors to this issue: Alice Tétu (at) Caroline Alibert Deprez (cad) Chloé Lahousse-Juarez (clh) Fabiola Giraldo Restrepo (fgr) Henry Borzi (hb) Printed versions of EESC info in German, English and French are available free-of-charge from the European Economic and Social Committee Press Office. EESC info is also available in 23 languages in PDF format on the Committee’s web site: Reproduction permitted if EESC info is mentioned as the source and a copy is sent to the editor. Print run: 12 310 copies. Next issue: December 2014 PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER October 2014 /8 QE-AA-14-008-EN-C Civil society has to be the main player in making Europe’s energy greener
© Copyright 2024