# Official Journal C 228/2019

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 228 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 625 July 2019 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 228

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 625 July 2019

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | European Economic and Social Committee |
| 2019/C 228/01 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Digital health literacy — for citizen-friendly healthcare in Europe in times of demographic change  (Own-initiative opinion) | 1 |
| | OPINIONS |
| 2019/C 228/02 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Employment opportunities for economically inactive people  [own-initiative opinion] | 7 |
| 2019/C 228/03 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Supportive education systems to avoid skills mismatches — what transition is needed?  [own-initiative opinion] | 16 |
| 2019/C 228/04 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Resilient democracy through a strong and diverse civil society   (own-initiative opinion) | 24 |
| 2019/C 228/05 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The WhiteDoveWay — Proposal for an EU-led global peace-building strategy   (own-initiative opinion) | 31 |
| 2019/C 228/06 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond) | 37 |
| 2019/C 228/07 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The future of cohesion policy in the post-2020 period  (exploratory opinion) | 50 |
| 2019/C 228/08 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The Future of the EU: Benefits to citizens and respect for European values  (exploratory opinion at the request of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union) | 57 |
| 2019/C 228/09 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Education about the European Union (Exploratory opinion requested by the Romanian Presidency) | 68 |

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Economic and Social Committee

2019/C 228/01

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Digital health literacy — for citizen-friendly healthcare in Europe in times of demographic change  (Own-initiative opinion)

1

OPINIONS

2019/C 228/02

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Employment opportunities for economically inactive people  [own-initiative opinion]

7

2019/C 228/03

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Supportive education systems to avoid skills mismatches — what transition is needed?  [own-initiative opinion]

16

2019/C 228/04

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Resilient democracy through a strong and diverse civil society   (own-initiative opinion)

24

2019/C 228/05

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The WhiteDoveWay — Proposal for an EU-led global peace-building strategy   (own-initiative opinion)

31

2019/C 228/06

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)

37

2019/C 228/07

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The future of cohesion policy in the post-2020 period  (exploratory opinion)

50

2019/C 228/08

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The Future of the EU: Benefits to citizens and respect for European values  (exploratory opinion at the request of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union)

57

2019/C 228/09

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Education about the European Union (Exploratory opinion requested by the Romanian Presidency)

68

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE |
| | European Economic and Social Committee |
| 2019/C 228/10 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019  (COM(2018) 686 final) | 74 |
| 2019/C 228/11 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee — Harmonised standards: Enhancing transparency and legal certainty for a fully functioning Single Market  (COM(2018) 764 final) | 78 |
| 2019/C 228/12 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Towards a comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors  (COM(2018) 734 final) | 83 |
| 2019/C 228/13 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Action Plan against Disinformation  (JOIN(2018) 36 final) | 89 |
| 2019/C 228/14 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank — Connecting Europe and Asia — Building blocks for an EU Strategy  (JOIN(2018) 31 final) | 95 |
| 2019/C 228/15 | Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards the resources for the specific allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative  (COM(2019) 55 final — 2019/0027 (COD)) | 103 |

III   Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE

European Economic and Social Committee

2019/C 228/10

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019  (COM(2018) 686 final)

74

2019/C 228/11

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee — Harmonised standards: Enhancing transparency and legal certainty for a fully functioning Single Market  (COM(2018) 764 final)

(COM(2018) 764 final)

78

2019/C 228/12

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Towards a comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors  (COM(2018) 734 final)

(COM(2018) 734 final)

83

2019/C 228/13

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Action Plan against Disinformation  (JOIN(2018) 36 final)

(JOIN(2018) 36 final)

89

2019/C 228/14

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank — Connecting Europe and Asia — Building blocks for an EU Strategy  (JOIN(2018) 31 final)

(JOIN(2018) 31 final)

95

2019/C 228/15

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards the resources for the specific allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative  (COM(2019) 55 final — 2019/0027 (COD))

103

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| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Economic and Social Committee

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/1

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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Digital health literacy — for citizen-friendly healthcare in Europe in times of demographic change’

(Own-initiative opinion)

(2019/C 228/01)

Rapporteur: Renate HEINISCH

| Plenary Assembly decision | 20.9.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 32(2) of the Rules of Procedure
  Own-initiative opinion |
| Section responsible | Single Market, Production and Consumption |
| Adopted in section | 7.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 21.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 153/0/2 |

Plenary Assembly decision

20.9.2018

Legal basis

Rule 32(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Own-initiative opinion

Section responsible

Single Market, Production and Consumption

Adopted in section

7.3.2019

Adopted at plenary

21.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

153/0/2

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) endorses the European Commission’s efforts to make Digital Health Literacy a high priority within the eHealth Agenda. The EESC recommends the development of an overarching EU strategy with clear and closely monitored health literacy targets to support people’s rights in health and avoid inequalities through digital devices. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The EESC supports the results of the IC-Health project (1); the recommendation to involve active citizens in these efforts is particular noteworthy. The EESC therefore recommends continuing implementation of the IC-HEALTH project in order to pursue the online training programmes already under way. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The EESC emphasises that different generations need different approaches for the improvement of digital health literacy, depending on their use of digital tools in daily life. Citizens of all age groups, cultures and types of impairments as well as migrants must be integrated into the development of digital information sources. The focus should be on people of the older generations who are increasingly addressed in the management of their own well-being and health care. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC recommends widening efforts to include digital information about medicines and medical devices and engaging every organisation that might contribute. The EESC recommends establishing a link to the efforts made by the European Medicines Agency EMA, Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) and the European Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC supports the view that eHealth solutions should be used as cost-effective tools in healthcare systems. Attractive digital tools could increase people’s openness towards digital media. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | However, the EESC stresses that the advantages of digital services can only be fully leveraged if people are able to access and properly understand the information provided. Reading skills and a basic knowledge of mathematics are key prerequisites for peoples’ health literacy and must be achieved during school education in order to empower people. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | The EESC emphasises that the eHealth Action Plan needs to stimulate broad collaboration and cover people’s entire life spans. At local level, the starting point of digital health literacy is in kindergartens and in schools. Childcare workers, teachers, parents and grandparents should develop initiatives to improve digital health literacy, together with relevant personnel in health services (e.g. doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists and carers). In particular the close collaboration between doctors (general practitioners) and pharmacists can help increase patients’ health literacy. This experience must be incorporated into the further development of the action plan. An action plan to improve digital health literacy must be developed and implemented by the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

2.   Introduction

| 2.1. | Digital information plays a growing role in society. Citizens’ digital health literacy is an essential element for successful eHealth deployment. Health literacy is the ability to look for, understand, appraise and apply information related to health care, prevention or health promotion. This requires, on one hand, personal skills and, on the other, conducive framework conditions such as the provision of information in comprehensible language. These are the first steps; using the internet for this purpose requires additional skills. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Digital health literacy aspects can be described in a very pragmatic way: It is not so much a matter of finding information about health, rather than of finding out where to look for information, whether the information sources that are accessed give adequate and useful information, and whether the health information sources are reliable (2). |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | ‘Digital health tools’ refers to digital services providing general health information for users, health applications (follow-up to and monitoring of treatment), tools that will help people stay in their own homes (remote monitoring for elderly people), shared medical files, digital tools for health professionals (secure messaging service, telemedicine, tele-expertise) and general digital health information. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | In 2012, the European Commission published an action plan setting out the obstacles to the full use of digital solutions in Europe’s healthcare systems. This plan is now being implemented under the title ‘eHealth Action Plan 2012-2020 — Innovative healthcare for the 21st century’ (3). |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | The goals of this eHealth Action Plan were complemented in April 2018 by a ‘Communication on enabling the digital transformation of health and care in the Digital Single Market; empowering citizens and building a healthier society’ (4). |
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2.5.

| 2.6. | This communication cites the report on the State of Health in the EU (5), concluding that only by fundamentally rethinking our health and care systems can we ensure that they remain fit for purpose. One of the pillars is the introduction of digital solutions for health and care. These digital tools can translate scientific knowledge into helping citizens remain in good health. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

| 2.7. | EU funding supports research and innovation in digital health and care solutions through the Horizon 2020 programme (6) and public-private partnerships. In its mid-term review on the implementation of the Digital Single Market strategy (7), the Commission set out its intention to take further action in three areas:






  — | citizens’ secure access to their own data and the sharing of health data across borders; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.7.

—

citizens’ secure access to their own data and the sharing of health data across borders;

| — | better data to advance research, disease prevention and personalised health and care; |
| --- | --- |

—

better data to advance research, disease prevention and personalised health and care;

| — | digital tools for citizen empowerment and person-centred care. |
| --- | --- |

—

digital tools for citizen empowerment and person-centred care.

In addition, Member States must be encouraged to develop mechanisms to identify and, as far as possible, remove websites with misinformation or to position trusted websites in searches so that they are displayed first.

| 2.8. | The European WHO office published (8) a very comprehensive overview of ongoing projects and their outcome in its WHO-HEN-Report-57. In their conclusion the authors state that central to health literacy is the development of skills through the life-course, including pre-school activities, formal instruction in schools and adult learning. They recommend policy considerations that could promote the development of holistic health literacy policies in Member States and the development, implementation and rigorous evaluation of policy-related activities to demonstrate the benefits of health literacy policies to citizens and society. |
| --- | --- |

2.8.

| 2.9. | The European Commission has included programmes for enhanced digital health literacy in its research strategies and has also funded important projects under FP 7 and Horizon 2020 (9). |
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2.9.

| 2.10. | It is acknowledged that people with higher age and/or lower education have a lower digital health literacy. This impacts their involvement in their own health care and the ability to get access to health information. The IROHLA project provides solutions for the older generations (10). The EESC (11) has already covered many aspects of e-inclusion (according to the Riga Declaration (12)). |
| --- | --- |

2.10.

| 2.11. | The IC-Health project (13) provides a huge amount of analyses and resources about digital health literacy. IC Health is a project to develop a series of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to help improve the digital health literacy of European citizens and to advance understanding of digital health literacy and how it can be used to improve health outcomes. The project results are currently being summarised. |
| --- | --- |

2.11.

3.   General comments

| 3.1. | The question of literacy and skills promotion becomes all the more prevalent against the background of the recognised societal challenge of demographic change. In order to maintain the sustainability of health and care systems, our rapidly ageing society requires extra-training of health and care staff, to ensure that their skills correspond to new needs, and optimal management of health expenditure, in addition to the advancement of digital literacy among the population at large. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | The EESC supports the European Commission’s activities to promote citizens’ empowerment that concentrate on the transformation of the health system. However, the EESC is of the view that concurrently citizens need to be enabled to use these digital tools; an action plan for the improvement of both health literacy and digital health literacy needs to be implemented across the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | Some European countries concerned about the results of the OECD (14) comparative study have carried out their own studies. France (2004-2005) found about 3,1 million adults who were classified as functionally illiterate (9 % of the working-age population). A study carried out in the UK in 2011 found that 14,9 % (over 5 million) of British people are functionally illiterate. A study in Germany showed that 4,5 % of German society in the age group from 18 to 64 are completely illiterate (no literacy skills). Functional illiteracy affects 10 % of people in this age group. The total population of complete and functional illiterates is 7,5 million (15). This fact must be taken into account when discussing digital health literacy. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.4. | The EESC emphasises that all professions in education, research and health need to collaborate. EESC members should promote this collaboration through their organisations. The goal of all efforts must be the increased, informed and relevant use of digital tools in all sections of society. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | The EESC recommends referring to IC-Health results for further implementation of the EU Commission’s E-health priorities for increased awareness of e-health solutions published in the April 2018 communication (16). Horizon 2020 Europe (17) should follow up actions and conclusions to be drawn from the project and use experience gained from the MOOCs. |
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3.5.

| 3.6. | It is important that citizens of all age groups, cultures and impairments be part of any process related to digital health literacy. In order to also gain the acceptance of health and home workers for changes in their work environment and to address their needs, the EESC advises including these groups too in the development of new digital tools. This includes the training and further education of nurses as well. |
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3.6.

| 3.7. | The EESC acknowledges the Friends of Europe initiative to rethink the health system in Europe and develop ideas for ‘Smart (dis)investment choices in healthcare’ (18). The aim is to work towards the identification and discontinuation of ineffective measures in the health care system, thus ensuring that the extra funds available go towards making a difference in health outcomes. |
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3.7.

| 3.8. | The EESC supports the Friends of Europe concept of an empowering task force for healthy citizens across all age groups, with reference to the recommendations of the 2018 European Council on key competences for lifelong learning (19). Individuals need to know about the ‘components of a healthy mind, body and lifestyle’. This is a good basis on which to engage and activate citizens. Member States should regard this as a cross-cutting priority across education, health, social and employment policies, as well as a key mechanism to reduce healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. For instance, while closing down a hospital always leads to some backlash, it can sometimes be necessary if the institution is no longer cost-effective or fails to deliver promised care. Bringing in automation can streamline the process of organising care. For example, in a recent pilot at three UK-based hospitals, virtual assistants operated with artificial intelligence were eight times more productive in managing routine referrals and test results than medical secretaries. |
| --- | --- |

3.8.

| 3.9. | Informed citizens take action to improve their own health. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices, higher vaccination uptakes, healthy ageing, increased adherence to treatments, and greater use of prevention of risky behaviours. Digital tools could therefore be useful in the area of therapeutic education, making people with chronic conditions more aware of their treatment. |
| --- | --- |

3.9.

| 3.10. | The EESC (20) has already emphasised the importance of digital health literacy in the context of vaccination to enable access to and the processing of digital information on vaccines. |
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3.10.

| 3.11. | Digital services can in particular support low-skilled people (e.g. with reading problems and illiteracy), as well as visually impaired people if the information is provided via videos or podcasts. Also programmes for migrants with limited host-country language skills could be supported in this way. Appropriate measures and resources should be envisaged to enable these groups to have access to digital health tools. |
| --- | --- |

3.11.

| 3.12. | People, regardless of their age and condition, need to be empowered to use these digital resources (websites, apps) to find the answers to their questions and manage their own health data (e.g. prescriptions supervised by health professionals, digital health data, digital information about their medicines etc.). For example, health funds should systematically educate their insured persons. Further action with regard to health insurance is covered in an EESC initiative (21). |
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3.12.

| 3.13. | School programmes and other educational efforts for children and adolescents should also be used to stimulate dialogue between generations. Projects such as the German Reading Foundation (22) and others shall be identified in the course of this discussion. |
| --- | --- |

3.13.

| 3.14. | The EESC suggests discussing whether general health information could be disseminated via employers. People often use digital tools at work. Training on the prevention of accidents in the workplace has become routine. This might be widened to health information. |
| --- | --- |

3.14.

| 3.15. | The EESC reiterates its opinion that it is very important to train patients in how to access and use their own data, which currently in many cases is ‘locked away’ in health information systems, as reinforced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (23), and it is vital to include knowledge of eHealth in training programmes for health professionals (24). |
| --- | --- |

3.15.

4.   Specific comments

4.1.   Infrastructure

| 4.1.1. | The EU Commission has launched several programmes to enhance technical infrastructure and allow cross-border interaction. |
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4.1.1.

| 4.1.2. | The survey results during the IC-Health project show in some cases, for example, that young people and other people with lower literacy levels may prefer mobile devices to web-based sources on the computer. The EESC proposes that these aspects be further explored and included in the considerations underlying future programmes. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.2.

| 4.2. | The European Commission, EMA and HMA have initiated a process to establish key principles for electronic product information (ePI) about medicines (25). In many Member States databases with patient-friendly, regulator-approved ePI already exist. The importance of reliable ePI about medicines was already set out in detail by the EESC in ‘Towards digital health — electronic information for safe use of medicinal products’ (26). This approach and priority centred on the reliability of digital information should also include medical devices. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | The EESC believes that this information may be used for the improvement of health literacy in addition to the sources discussed so far. Regulator-approved information about medicines should be considered, for example. These are needed to ensure continuously provided up-to-date information about medicines and treatments. The EESC believes that in this way the safe and effective use of medicines could be ensured, adherence to medication could be enhanced and the outcome of treatment optimised. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

4.4.   Need for further research

4.4.1.   Technical research and technical development

| 4.4.1.1. | The EESC recommends that synergies be explored through additional public-private partnerships involving people of all ages and backgrounds in order to design attractive digital information sources and other digital tools that keep pace with commercial digital information sources, social media and digital entertainment and can be used, for example, when measures proposed by the European Commission are implemented. These partnerships must work according to a charter on the reliability of data and the absence of conflicts of interest. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.1.1.

4.4.2.   Educational aspects

| 4.4.2.1. | Internet usage varies greatly between different social and age groups. Many use social networks but do not make use of the information available. A small group never uses the internet at all. In line with previous EESC initiatives (27), research should be launched to answer the following questions:






  — | How can we encourage continuous active learning, on both how to access information and how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable digital sources, e.g. promoting IC-Health MOOCs? Mass support and training measures are needed to tackle this issue since 47 % of the EU workforce lack sufficient e-skills (28). |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.4.2.1.

—

How can we encourage continuous active learning, on both how to access information and how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable digital sources, e.g. promoting IC-Health MOOCs? Mass support and training measures are needed to tackle this issue since 47 % of the EU workforce lack sufficient e-skills (28).

| — | How can we make resources (e.g. entertainment methods) available that raise people’s interest in making use of reliable digital sources of information? |
| --- | --- |

—

How can we make resources (e.g. entertainment methods) available that raise people’s interest in making use of reliable digital sources of information?

| — | How can we support the transfer of successful programmes? For example, see ‘Sophia’ (29), an innovative health insurance tool in France for patients with diabetes or COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease), based on health coaching. The Sophia programme is inspired by foreign disease management experimentation in the US, Germany and the UK (30). |
| --- | --- |

—

How can we support the transfer of successful programmes? For example, see ‘Sophia’ (29), an innovative health insurance tool in France for patients with diabetes or COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease), based on health coaching. The Sophia programme is inspired by foreign disease management experimentation in the US, Germany and the UK (30).

| — | What role can the various educational institutions (universities, adult education centres, etc.) play in strengthening the many skills involved – e.g., working with new technologies, getting involved and managing one’s health in a socially beneficial way, and imparting social and technical expertise? |
| --- | --- |

—

What role can the various educational institutions (universities, adult education centres, etc.) play in strengthening the many skills involved – e.g., working with new technologies, getting involved and managing one’s health in a socially beneficial way, and imparting social and technical expertise?

| — | How can existing materials (e.g. regulator-approved information on medicines) be used? |
| --- | --- |

—

How can existing materials (e.g. regulator-approved information on medicines) be used?

| — | How can we stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience about health literacy and digital skills between the generations? |
| --- | --- |

—

How can we stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience about health literacy and digital skills between the generations?

| 4.4.2.2. | The IC Health project identified a new approach to learning, educational entertainment (EE): ‘In order to understand the process of attitude and behavioural changes, there is clearly a need for more controlled experiments to uncover the cognitive and/or affective factors that mediate EE’s effects’ and for identifying the conditions under which EE narratives may or may not work. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.2.2.

| 4.4.3. | Need for a broader health literacy strategy:






  — | Health literacy is context- and content-specific. A Health Literacy strategy in Europe is recommended for supporting citizens’ rights in health, including a focus on digital health literacy across a person’s entire lifespan. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.4.3.

—

Health literacy is context- and content-specific. A Health Literacy strategy in Europe is recommended for supporting citizens’ rights in health, including a focus on digital health literacy across a person’s entire lifespan.

| — | Digital health literacy combines digital abilities with health. Both capabilities require specific education and training. |
| --- | --- |

—

Digital health literacy combines digital abilities with health. Both capabilities require specific education and training.

| — | A strategy and implementation plan is needed. |
| --- | --- |

—

A strategy and implementation plan is needed.

| 4.4.4. | Need for equal access to the internet:






  — | The digital world is only accessible to those with access to the internet. How can we close the digital divide in Europe, which excludes regions, islands and rural areas from access to the internet, meaning that people in future will be excluded from access to digital healthcare? Europe and the Member States must make significant investments to guarantee internet access to all if we want everyone to reap the advantages of these developments. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.4.4.

—

The digital world is only accessible to those with access to the internet. How can we close the digital divide in Europe, which excludes regions, islands and rural areas from access to the internet, meaning that people in future will be excluded from access to digital healthcare? Europe and the Member States must make significant investments to guarantee internet access to all if we want everyone to reap the advantages of these developments.

| — | Many public services are web-based and require specific skills and resources to make use of them. A digital divide may enhance inequalities in European welfare societies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Many public services are web-based and require specific skills and resources to make use of them. A digital divide may enhance inequalities in European welfare societies.

| — | Environments, settings, communities and cities can help facilitate open and free access to the internet for citizens to actively participate in society. |
| --- | --- |

—

Environments, settings, communities and cities can help facilitate open and free access to the internet for citizens to actively participate in society.

| — | Public-private partnership can support the facilitation of free access to the internet for everyone in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

—

Public-private partnership can support the facilitation of free access to the internet for everyone in Europe.

| — | Access to the internet is a human right when governments rely so heavily on digital services. |
| --- | --- |

—

Access to the internet is a human right when governments rely so heavily on digital services.

Brussels, 21 March 2019.

The president

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

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(1)  This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 727 474.

1

(2)  https://ichealth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ICH-FC_Final-Presentation_allDay.pdf.

2

(3)  COM(2012) 736 final.

3

(4)  COM(2018) 233 final.

4

(5)  State of Health in the EU ‘Companion Report 2017’, https://ec.europa.eu/health/state/summary_en.

5

(6)  COM(2011) 808 final.

6

(7)  COM(2017) 228 final.

7

(8)  http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/373614/Health-evidence-network-synthesis-WHO-HEN-Report-57.pdf?ua=1.

8

(9)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104.

9

(10)  https://www.age-platform.eu/project/irohla.

10

(11)  OJ C 318, 29.10.2011, p. 9.

11

(12)  EU Ministerial Declaration on ICT for an inclusive society, Riga, Latvia, 11 June 2006, point 4.

12

(13)  https://ichealth.eu/.

13

(14)  http://www.oecd.org/skills/piaac/newcountryspecificmaterial.htm.

14

(15)  https://ec.europa.eu/epale/fr/blog/analfabetyzm-funkcjonalny-do?roslych-w-krajach-bogatego-zachodu.

15

(16)  COM(2018) 233 final.

16

(17)  COM(2018) 435 final.

17

(18)  https://www.friendsofeurope.org/event/smart-disinvestment-choices-healthcare.

18

(19)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018H0604(01)&rid=7.

19

(20)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 150.

20

(21)  OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 1.

21

(22)  https://www.stiftunglesen.de/

22

(23)  OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.

23

(24)  OJ C 271, 19.9.2013, p. 122.

24

(25)  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/events/european-medicines-agency-ema-heads-medicines-agencies-hma-european-commission-ec-workshop.

25

(26)  OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 14.

26

(27)  OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 14.

27

(28)  OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 161.

28

(29)  Name of the Joint Sickness Insurance Supervisory Service.

29

(30)  https://www.oecd.org/governance/observatory-public-sector-innovation/innovations/page/sophia.htm.

30

---

OPINIONS

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/7

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Employment opportunities for economically inactive people’

[own-initiative opinion]

(2019/C 228/02)

Rapporteur: José CUSTÓDIO LEIRIÃO (Pt-III)

| Plenary Assembly decision | 15.2.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure
  Own-initiative opinion |
| Section responsible | Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship |
| Adopted in section | 13.2.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 99/20/6 |

Plenary Assembly decision

15.2.2018

Legal basis

Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Own-initiative opinion

Section responsible

Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

Adopted in section

13.2.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

99/20/6

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The EESC notes that a substantial part of the population is still neither working nor included in unemployment statistics, yet carries significant potential for employment and wealth creation, and urges the Commission and the Member States to place a strategy for dealing with the significant number of economically inactive people at the forefront of their political priorities. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | As economic recovery is gaining momentum in Europe, the EESC believes that the Commission and the Member States must also focus their efforts on reactivation policies and policies to create job opportunities for all, in particular those who are most excluded from the labour market and who want and are able to work. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | Given that the general recommendation on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market was issued in 2008 (1), and in order to avoid a piecemeal approach, the EESC recommends that the Commission assess the progress made and, if needed, adopt a new, comprehensive strategy, accompanied by action plans and objectives assigned to the Member States for each sub-group of economically inactive people. This strategy should include increased social innovation and more specific details on policies for achieving results, and display greater ambition when it comes to integrating into the labour market those members of this population who want to work. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC recommends that the European Commission encourage Member States to make their active labour market policies more effective and to ensure that their public employment services are able to provide more targeted assistance for people willing to be included in the labour market, by taking into account their abilities and ambitions. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | In order to ensure evidence-based policies, the EESC also recommends to Member States to collect and analyse information on this population, including the various characteristics of its sub-groups, these people’s motivations for working, the type of work they would like to do and their abilities, so that supply and demand can interact more easily and help fulfil the aspirations of each sub-group of the economically inactive population who want to work. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | If we take a closer look at the persons with disabilities sub-group, particularly from a social and employment-related perspective, despite a certain amount of improvement between 2011 and 2016, the disadvantages remain, and this population continues to lag significantly behind in terms of employment and quality of life. The EESC believes that concerted efforts are needed, particularly regarding access to higher education and special conditions for health services, in order to boost employment opportunities for disabled people with a low level of education. Furthermore, the EESC urges the EU Member States to establish an employment quota system for persons with disabilities, to be applied in public institutions/enterprises and in private sector enterprises in line with their employment size and sales turnover. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | Given the broad heterogeneity of the inactive population and the multiple barriers they face, their (re)integration into the labour market is a challenge that must be tackled by all Member States. The EESC believes that it is crucial for policy-makers in each Member State to fully know and understand these barriers and the specific nature of each sub-group, while at the same time taking into consideration the issue of gender balance when designing public policies and/or other initiatives, in order to deal with these challenges effectively (for example, by increasing the availability of childcare, which is a prerequisite for freeing up the people in question from family care duties and enabling them to take their place in the labour market). |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | Furthermore, the EESC deems it essential that Member States improve the interconnection between local employment services, municipalities and social security services in order to improve the chances of reaching this population and encouraging them and attracting them to work. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | The EESC recommends that Member States create specific activities, if necessary within local public services (municipalities), that are appropriate to upgrade and update the skills and competences of the economically inactive population and other excluded groups, to be included in the labour market by taking into account their abilities. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

| 1.10. | Given that the economically inactive population includes many people with the potential for normal integration into the labour market, the EESC urges the Commission and the Member States to create specific and favourable incentives for companies to employ such economically inactive people. This could be achieved through the introduction of legislative and non-legislative measures ensuring that the European Social Fund covers the full costs of training these people, thus making it possible for companies to employ them. At the same time, it is also crucial for the European Union to encourage Member States to promote attractive working conditions, decent wages and social security systems to motivate the inactive population to participate in the labour market and in the creation of wealth and economic, social and environmental well-being. |
| --- | --- |

1.10.

| 1.11. | Trust in the European Union and the sense of belonging to it also depend on the capacity of the EU institutions to effectively promote the inclusion and well-being of all citizens, while also respecting their diversity. |
| --- | --- |

1.11.

| 1.12. | The EESC calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that Industry 4.0 policies and the development of new technologies respect the changes in the world of work, bringing benefits for both workers and companies. |
| --- | --- |

1.12.

| 1.13. | The EESC proposes reducing the number of weekly working hours, starting with public services, thus creating more employment opportunities for everyone. |
| --- | --- |

1.13.

2.   Introduction

| 2.1. | According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), people are considered to be economically inactive if they are not working, not seeking work and/or not available for work. The aim of this opinion is to draw the Commission’s and the Member States’ attention, when active employment policies are being framed, to the specific needs of these people, who have been marginalised, excluded and neglected by policy-makers and yet who want to be integrated into society through their activity and work in order to contribute to wealth creation and economic, social and environmental well-being. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Efforts are made, including by states, businesses, employers’ organisations, trade unions and education and training institutions, to develop partnerships, so as to create an inclusive labour market and ensure that the adjustment of skills levels keeps pace with technological change. However, these efforts have yet to achieve their desired aims, as shown by the thousands of job vacancies that continue to be unfilled due to the mismatch between supply and demand, causing major imbalances in the labour market. This imbalance is damaging to productivity, competitiveness and potential growth. At the same time, barriers to employment have been formed, leading to the exclusion of many thousands of people from the labour force. This has, for example, led to long-term youth unemployment, leaving a large number of people of all ages with only a tenuous connection to the labour market, thus contributing to a significant increase in the size of the economically inactive population, including those classified as NEET. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | More than one in four people aged 15-64 in the EU are classified as being inactive (2). They are not included in official employment statistics and are often economically and socially marginalised; as a result, they do not have the resources or opportunities to participate fully in society. This is despite the fact that, for the most part, they want to work (3). |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

3.   General comments

| 3.1. | Raising employment levels and creating more and better jobs remain key goals for the EU. All the Member States endorse the European Employment Strategy, which is implemented through the European Semester, the annual process promoting close policy coordination among EU Member States and EU Institutions. (4) Policy-makers have, for good reason, focused on people who lost their jobs in the aftermath of the financial crisis, trying to find clear ways to create jobs. The Commission has placed special emphasis on initiatives for youth such as the Youth Guarantee (2013) (5), the Youth Employment Initiative (2015) (6), and a new EU Youth Strategy for 2019-2027 (2018) (7). Another bold initiative led to the Council recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (8). The EESC supports and welcomes these initiatives, which are in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | While the supply and demand of jobs and the working or temporarily unemployed population are frequently the subject of studies and of a range of discussions and strategies on active employment policies, the inactive population is very rarely studied or researched. One of the first Commission documents explicitly recognising people in this situation was Commission Recommendation 2008/867/EC, addressed to Member States, on the
  active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market
  ; it recommended various types of strategies aimed at this population in order to facilitate their integration into the labour market. In April 2017, the Commission published a Commission Staff Working Document (9) which assessed the extent to which each Member State had developed a more integrated approach to active inclusion policies. The conclusion was that progress in implementing the recommendations varied among Member States, national strategies diverged very significantly from one another, and the results of their implementation had been very poor. Since 2008, there have been no other Commission initiatives targeting this specific population. The EESC recommends that the Commission publish a new, comprehensive strategy, accompanied by action plans and objectives assigned to the Member States for each sub-group of economically inactive people. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

3.3.   Characteristics of the inactive population

| 3.3.1. | Inactive people form a sizeable group, meaning that in most EU Member States a substantial part of the population is not working and is not included in unemployment statistics either, yet these people nevertheless have the potential to work. Although active employment policies in the EU tend to focus mainly on temporarily unemployed people, the EESC believes that an additional effort must be made to create employment policies that explicitly target this inactive population. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.1.

| 3.3.2. | The inactive population is heterogeneous. Eurofound (10) has, in particular, studied four main sub-groups: people who report that they are in education (such as young people), homemakers, retired or disabled. These marginalised sub-groups vary greatly in terms of their characteristics and the barriers they face, related to health, personal life, level of education and training, need for guidance and work placements. Indeed, lack of work experience is the most common characteristic among young people and homemakers, and least common among disabled people and retirees of working age. On the other hand, disabled people and retirees more often report having a health problem and also refer to a high level of exclusion (similar to that of long-term unemployed people). Inactive people often face multiple barriers to employment. Many inactive people would like to work in some capacity: about four out of five say they would like to work at least some hours per week, and approximately half would like to work 32 hours or more (11). This leads us to the conclusion that economically inactive people are looking for work that is both fair and relevant, and which lasts more than just a few hours per week; this latter point may also indicate that they might be in a difficult situation financially. The EESC feels that this positive desire to work should encourage policy-makers to design policies and initiatives that respond effectively to the characteristics of each sub-group. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.2.

| 3.3.3. | It is also necessary to clarify the situation of inactive people once they exercise their right to mobility. According to data from the European Commission (2014), out of the total European population that exercise their right to mobility in the EU (14,3 million), about 3,7 million people are economically inactive. About 80 % of economically inactive citizens enjoy the same rights (residence) and other benefits as the economically active family members with whom they are living in the host Member State, and are entitled to the same treatment as the family members of local employees. However, the remaining 20 % are affected by a lack of clarity and transparency as regards their right to claim certain social benefits in the host Member State. The EESC calls on the Commission to give urgent thought to this lack of social support and to produce legislation to remedy this omission. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.3.

4.   Background

| 4.1. | Eurofound’s report entitled ‘Reactivate: Employment opportunities for economically inactive people’ (12) highlights some of the key barriers for the four sub-groups of the inactive population considered (people who report that they are in education — such as young people, homemakers, retirees of working age and disabled people). Lack of work experience is the most commonly cited reason among young people and homemakers, and is a minor issue for people with disabilities and retirees of working age, who generally report having a health problem. Around half of the disabled sub-group report a high level of social exclusion, which is common in several Member States, where a large number of economically inactive people face multiple barriers in accessing the labour market; this contributes to making active employment policies more challenging and complex. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | On the other hand, it is not certain that economically inactive people are registered with local employment services, which greatly hampers the efforts of these services to locate the people in question and offer them job opportunities. The EESC supports all the initiatives to encourage these people to register with local employment services. It recommends putting in place, within public services, a specific structure responsible for coordinating and facilitating the monitoring of inactive people and their registration with the local employment services, which would propose measures and attractive programmes matching the specific needs of these people. It is clear that the challenges faced by the local employment services are very complex due to the complexity of labour markets, where job opportunities are still scarce for people who have been out of the labour market for a long time. The result of all this is a heavy workload and a great deal of stress for local employment services. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | Policy-makers in the Member States must also recognise the challenges that local public employment services face in reaching out to the economically inactive population, meeting their complex needs and understanding the many ways in which they are vulnerable. A strategy and associated action plans are needed for each sub-group in order to effectively and successfully secure jobs for people who are looking for work and who want to work and contribute to the creation of wealth and social and environmental well-being in society. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | Among the key challenges that need to be addressed are, for example:
  There is a lack of public services to care for people who are under-age or dependent, so as to facilitate access to the labour market for those employed in domestic tasks (mainly women).






  a) | Economically inactive people should have an access to further training and reskilling projects and receive unemployment benefits at the same time. |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.4.

There is a lack of public services to care for people who are under-age or dependent, so as to facilitate access to the labour market for those employed in domestic tasks (mainly women).

a)

Economically inactive people should have an access to further training and reskilling projects and receive unemployment benefits at the same time.

| b) | There is a need to facilitate, support and promote, with specific and effective measures, the integration of people with disabilities who require more specific employment plans and support schemes. |
| --- | --- |

b)

There is a need to facilitate, support and promote, with specific and effective measures, the integration of people with disabilities who require more specific employment plans and support schemes.

| c) | There is also a need to pay particular attention to other vulnerable groups such as migrants and people connected with the Roma programme. |
| --- | --- |

c)

There is also a need to pay particular attention to other vulnerable groups such as migrants and people connected with the Roma programme.

| d) | Of course, many people, for various reasons, give up and no longer register with employment services, and these services therefore need to reconnect with the people concerned and thus reactivate the possibilities of their finding employment. |
| --- | --- |

d)

Of course, many people, for various reasons, give up and no longer register with employment services, and these services therefore need to reconnect with the people concerned and thus reactivate the possibilities of their finding employment.

| e) | It is clear that at the level of public employment services, more and better work is needed in the Member States, yet this is clearly a task for which many local employment services do not currently have the capacity; officials should therefore be hired who have the right skills for finding jobs for those who are both looking for work and want to work. |
| --- | --- |

e)

It is clear that at the level of public employment services, more and better work is needed in the Member States, yet this is clearly a task for which many local employment services do not currently have the capacity; officials should therefore be hired who have the right skills for finding jobs for those who are both looking for work and want to work.

| f) | Some EU Member States can certainly offer examples of best practice in resolving these difficulties, which should be replicated throughout the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

f)

Some EU Member States can certainly offer examples of best practice in resolving these difficulties, which should be replicated throughout the European Union.

| g) | Increasing wages to a decent level is also crucial in the EU. |
| --- | --- |

g)

Increasing wages to a decent level is also crucial in the EU.

| 4.5. | Labour markets are changing; structural reforms of labour markets have led to high levels of diversity and new forms of work. Atypical workers experience lower job quality and higher in-work poverty risks (13). In 2017, 13,7 % of workers in the EU were self-employed (14), 11,3 % were temporary workers (15) and 18,7 % were part-time workers (16). Member States, with the support of appropriate programmes set up by the European Union, need to: increase their investment in education - high quality investment in the economy that has a multiplier effect — thus improving education in science, engineering, technology and mathematics, based on fundamental values and rights reintroduced by the Pillar of Social Rights. The economically inactive population must be included, supported and protected, in accordance with the specific needs of the respective sub-groups, in order to successfully address and incorporate these changes. The EESC recommends the creation of a genuinely more inclusive labour market. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

4.6.   Barriers to employment for the economically inactive population

| 4.6.1. | People of working age (aged 15-64) with no or only a tenuous connection to the labour market face several barriers to employment that prevent them from being fully engaged in employment activities. A thorough and deep understanding of these barriers is a prerequisite for designing and implementing appropriate labour market intervention policies so that they are well targeted and appropriately tailored to the circumstances of the various recipients. Below we identify certain challenges in identifying barriers to employment. Precise and accurate information and analysis are needed in order to understand these barriers, yet this is virtually impossible at the moment for the following reasons:







  a) | current aggregate labour market indicators contain little relevant information and no clear link to the economically inactive population or the problems that need to be addressed, and are largely based on the individual rather than the family context; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.6.1.

a)

current aggregate labour market indicators contain little relevant information and no clear link to the economically inactive population or the problems that need to be addressed, and are largely based on the individual rather than the family context;

| b) | the main focus is limited to the registered unemployed; |
| --- | --- |

b)

the main focus is limited to the registered unemployed;

| c) | there is very limited information about health problems, caring responsibilities or incentives. |
| --- | --- |

c)

there is very limited information about health problems, caring responsibilities or incentives.

| 4.6.2. | The most common types of barrier are:






  a) | no recent work experience; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.6.2.

a)

no recent work experience;

| b) | low levels of education and skills; |
| --- | --- |

b)

low levels of education and skills;

| c) | very limited or no work experience; |
| --- | --- |

c)

very limited or no work experience;

| d) | limitations in terms of health; |
| --- | --- |

d)

limitations in terms of health;

| e) | family care responsibilities; |
| --- | --- |

e)

family care responsibilities;

| f) | few job opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

f)

few job opportunities;

| g) | never having been in paid employment; |
| --- | --- |

g)

never having been in paid employment;

| h) | the existence of discrimination because of age, gender, disability, etc. and the human resources policies of some companies. |
| --- | --- |

h)

the existence of discrimination because of age, gender, disability, etc. and the human resources policies of some companies.

| 4.6.3. | Tools need to be adopted that will increase visibility and motivation for job-seekers and help them to achieve success in their search for employment. These could include:






  a) | careers advice; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.6.3.

a)

careers advice;

| b) | a web portal for vacancy notices and job opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

b)

a web portal for vacancy notices and job opportunities;

| c) | references and information provided directly to those involved; |
| --- | --- |

c)

references and information provided directly to those involved;

| d) | mobility support devices; |
| --- | --- |

d)

mobility support devices;

| e) | vocational training programmes; |
| --- | --- |

e)

vocational training programmes;

| f) | possible subsidies for employers. |
| --- | --- |

f)

possible subsidies for employers.

| 4.7. | Member States often seek to explain individual circumstances and labour market difficulties by deploying powerful statistical tools which use administrative information to reveal the profile of individual applicants. Such tools are useful for adopting an individualised approach and offering employment programmes to people registered at job centres. These tools rely on the quality of administrative information, which has distinct advantages, but tends to cover only a subset of the non-working population, such as the registered unemployed. As a result, sophisticated tools for constructing profiles based on this information typically cannot be used to provide a broader perspective on barriers to employment for those who have no or very tenuous links to the labour market. |
| --- | --- |

4.7.

| 4.8. | Understanding the barriers to employment is not only important when it comes to connecting the services provided by the various institutions; it is also essential for identifying the groups that can make use of the employment programmes and the benefits relating to them, and that are not currently considered as ‘clients’ with regard to the jobs and benefits offered by these institutions. The EESC therefore urges the Commission (in cooperation with the OECD or independently) to put together statistical models which cater for the specific nature of the economically inactive population, so that they can be successfully included in active employment policies. |
| --- | --- |

4.8.

5.   A common European strategy for dealing with technological change and making society more inclusive for all Europeans, including the economically inactive

| 5.1. | The Commission and Member-States should focus on all the measures that need to be implemented in order to achieve better integration into the labour market for each sub-group of economically inactive people (17), not only those related to training and skills. These could include:






  a) | the development of adequate, high-quality public social welfare services to meet care needs (especially for children and the elderly) in order to free up those who want to work (mainly women) so that they can do so without worrying - something which is currently not possible due to their family obligations (18); |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.1.

a)

the development of adequate, high-quality public social welfare services to meet care needs (especially for children and the elderly) in order to free up those who want to work (mainly women) so that they can do so without worrying - something which is currently not possible due to their family obligations (18);

| b) | effective monitoring and evaluation of the impact of public policies to put the economically inactive population back in work, for example:






  1. | effective evidence (identifying barriers and mapping how they relate to existing policies), |
| --- | --- | --- |

b)

effective monitoring and evaluation of the impact of public policies to put the economically inactive population back in work, for example:

1.

effective evidence (identifying barriers and mapping how they relate to existing policies),

| 2. | implementation (addressing implementation challenges, facilitating coordination and cooperation among stakeholders), |
| --- | --- |

2.

implementation (addressing implementation challenges, facilitating coordination and cooperation among stakeholders),

| 3. | monitoring and evaluation policy (estimating short-term and long-term effects; analysing results beyond the likelihood of employment and including aspects relating to job quality; identifying what works and for whom); |
| --- | --- |

3.

monitoring and evaluation policy (estimating short-term and long-term effects; analysing results beyond the likelihood of employment and including aspects relating to job quality; identifying what works and for whom);

| c) | increasing inclusive growth and well-being through the following dimensions of labour market performance: more and better jobs; inclusivity; resilience and adaptability; |
| --- | --- |

c)

increasing inclusive growth and well-being through the following dimensions of labour market performance: more and better jobs; inclusivity; resilience and adaptability;

| d) | The Commission and Member-States should adopt the ‘3Ps’ (policy principles):







  1. | promote an environment in which quality jobs can thrive, |
| --- | --- | --- |

d)

The Commission and Member-States should adopt the ‘3Ps’ (policy principles):

1.

promote an environment in which quality jobs can thrive,

| 2. | prevent exclusion in the labour market and protect individuals against risks involved in that market, |
| --- | --- |

2.

prevent exclusion in the labour market and protect individuals against risks involved in that market,

| 3. | prepare for future risks and opportunities that may emerge in the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

3.

prepare for future risks and opportunities that may emerge in the labour market;

| e) | creating jobs in municipalities that are appropriate to the qualifications of economically inactive workers residing in those municipalities, i.e. creating jobs in line with the skills of economically inactive people and improving their performance through appropriate training courses; |
| --- | --- |

e)

creating jobs in municipalities that are appropriate to the qualifications of economically inactive workers residing in those municipalities, i.e. creating jobs in line with the skills of economically inactive people and improving their performance through appropriate training courses;

| f) | creating an environment conducive to strengthening social dialogue (with social partners) at all appropriate levels, while respecting the autonomy of the social partners and collective bargaining, as well as the dialogue with other relevant civil society organisations (19). |
| --- | --- |

f)

creating an environment conducive to strengthening social dialogue (with social partners) at all appropriate levels, while respecting the autonomy of the social partners and collective bargaining, as well as the dialogue with other relevant civil society organisations (19).

| 5.2. | The strategy must not benefit only those who already have jobs; special attention should be paid to young NEETs and anyone else who is economically inactive, as they are symptomatic of a dual threat, i.e. both a social problem and a situation that exacerbates the lack of qualified workers. This is because, as they are not working, they have no opportunity to gain practical experience and, as they are not studying, they do not have the opportunity to acquire more appropriate academic qualifications, thus running the risk of becoming totally disconnected from the labour market. It is a paradox that the most qualified generations are not necessarily the best prepared for the needs of the labour market of their day. The European Union and the Member States must not allow the most qualified generation ever to be left behind. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | Employers claim that they find it difficult to find skilled workers, which is an obstacle to potential growth and new industrial investment, causing European businesses to continue to lose competitiveness and to fall further behind (20): the lack of skilled labour to meet today’s demand may lead to a lack of demand for tomorrow’s skilled young workers. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.4. | A bridge needs to be built to improve the link between education/training and skills acquisition (21), on the one hand, and the current and future reality of labour market needs on the other, in order to fill the structural gap that we are seeing today. This includes:






  a) | focusing on transferable skills; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.4.

a)

focusing on transferable skills;

| b) | improving the link between education and training institutions, employers and trade unions; |
| --- | --- |

b)

improving the link between education and training institutions, employers and trade unions;

| c) | raising awareness about job opportunities and associated requirements among young people and other unemployed people affected by lack of work; |
| --- | --- |

c)

raising awareness about job opportunities and associated requirements among young people and other unemployed people affected by lack of work;

| d) | fostering partnerships between education and training institutions, businesses, employers, the public sector, trade unions and NEETs themselves, as well as other economically inactive groups (including migrants (22)); |
| --- | --- |

d)

fostering partnerships between education and training institutions, businesses, employers, the public sector, trade unions and NEETs themselves, as well as other economically inactive groups (including migrants (22));

| e) | developing a specific action plan for each sub-group of the economically inactive population, monitoring and evaluating its implementation, correcting any deviations; |
| --- | --- |

e)

developing a specific action plan for each sub-group of the economically inactive population, monitoring and evaluating its implementation, correcting any deviations;

| f) | reducing weekly working hours, starting with the public services, and creating job opportunities for all. |
| --- | --- |

f)

reducing weekly working hours, starting with the public services, and creating job opportunities for all.

| 5.5. | The fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation are potentially the last chance for the European Union to catch up with its major competitors through investment and appropriate strategies and action plans, and to shift definitively to a knowledge-based economy and full employment, as provided for in the 2000 Lisbon Strategy. If we fail to do this, it may lead to a decline at the various levels of European society as well as in its productive infrastructure, not to mention the fundamental values that we all most certainly wish to maintain. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.

| 5.6. | Commitment is needed in order to achieve this goal; in other words, a type of cooperation involving the EU institutions, Member States, national and local governments, trade unions, employers’ associations and businesses and other civil society organisations, each and every one shouldering their own responsibilities and collectively becoming the driving force that provides every European with the opportunity to work and participate in the creation of wealth and economic, social and environmental well-being. To sum up, the EESC urges all institutions (European and national, public, government, municipal and private) to implement public policies that are inclusive, rather than restrictive as has been the case over the last twenty years and has led to the exclusion of many millions of economically inactive people, contributing to the distancing of civil society from the European institutions and jeopardising the future of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

5.6.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  Commission Recommendation 2008/867/EC of 3 October 2008 on the active inclusion of the people excluded from the labour market (OJ L 307, 18.11.2008, p. 11).

1

(2)  26 % of the population (EU 28) aged 15-64 was inactive in the third quarter of 2018, according to Eurostat data, extracted in January 2019.

2

(3)  Eurofound (2017), Reactivate: Employment opportunities for economically inactive people, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

3

(4)  See European Commission web page on the European Employment Strategy.

4

(5)  OJ C 271, 19.9.2013, p. 101.

5

(6)  OJ C 268, 14.8.2015, p. 40.

6

(7)  COM(2018) 269 final, Opinion on A new European Union Youth Strategy OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 142.

7

(8)  OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1.

8

(9)  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT on the implementation of the 2008 Commission Recommendation on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market (SWD(2017) 257 final).

9

(10)  Eurofound (2017), Reactivate: Employment opportunities for economically inactive people, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

10

(11)  Eurofound (2017), Reactivate: Employment opportunities for economically inactive people, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

11

(12)  Eurofound (2017), Reactivate: Employment opportunities for economically inactive people, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

12

(13)  Draft Joint Employment Report from the Commission and the Council accompanying the Communication from the Commission on the Annual Growth Survey 2019 (COM/2018/761 final).

13

(14)  Age 15-64; data from the Draft Joint Employment Report from the Commission and the Council COM/2018/761 final.

14

(15)  Age 20-64; data extracted from Eurostat, February 2019.

15

(16)  Age 20-64; data extracted from Eurostat, February 2019.

16

(17)  OJ C 237, 6.7.2018, p. 1, OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10.

17

(18)  OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 44, Opinion on Gender equality in European labour markets (OJ C 110, 22.3.2019, p. 26).

18

(19)  Opinion SOC/577 on Social dialogue for innovation in digital economy, not yet published in the OJ (OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10).

19

(20)  Study: ‘Skills Mismatches — An Impediment to the Competitiveness of EU Businesses’.

20

(21)  OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10, Opinion SOC/588 on ‘Education package’ (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136), OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 167, OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 37, OJ C 173, 31.5.2017, p. 45, OJ C 173, 31.5.2017, p. 1.

21

(22)  Information report SOC/574 on ‘The costs of non-immigration and non-integration’ (OJ C 264, 20.7.2016, p. 19).

22

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ANNEX

The following amendments, which received at least a quarter of the votes cast, were rejected during the discussions (Rule 59(3) of the Rules of Procedure):

Point 5.4

Delete bullet point f):

| 5.4 | A
  bridge needs to be built to improve the link between education/training and skills acquisition (1), on the one hand, and the current and future reality of labour market needs on the other, in order to fill the structural gap that we are seeing today. This includes: |
| --- | --- |

5.4

(...)

f) reducing weekly working hours, starting with the public services, and creating job opportunities for all."

Reason:

Reducing the number of weekly working hours is not the right way to solve the issue of employment opportunities, nor is it a forward-looking approach. The world of work in the 21st century is changing. Technological changes and new forms of work are offering new opportunities and ways of including inactive people in the labour market. Moreover, the debate in the SOC section showed that there have also been negative experiences in the Member States where such measure have been applied.

Outcome of the vote:

In favour: 42

Against: 63

Abstentions: 5

Point 1.4

Amend as follows:

| 1.4. | The EESC recommends that the European Commission encourage Member States to make their active labour market policies more effective and to ensure that their public employment services are able to provide more targeted assistance for people willing to be included in the labour market, by taking into account their abilities, and ambitions and the current labour demand. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

Reason:

The role of targeted assistance is to talk to individuals about their abilities and ambitions, but also to explain the labour market situation to them and highlight their best options for training or requalification.

Outcome of the vote:

In favour: 28

Against: 66

Abstentions: 6

---

(1)  OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10, Opinion on ‘Education package’ (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136, OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 167, OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 37, OJ C 173, 31.5.2017, p. 45, OJ C 173, 31.5.2017, p. 1.

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/16

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Supportive education systems to avoid skills mismatches — what transition is needed?’

[own-initiative opinion]

(2019/C 228/03)

Rapporteur: Milena ANGELOVA

| Plenary Assembly decision | 15.2.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure
  Own-initiative opinion |
| Section responsible | Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship |
| Adopted in section | 13.2.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 21.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 130/0/2 |

Plenary Assembly decision

15.2.2018

Legal basis

Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Own-initiative opinion

Section responsible

Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

Adopted in section

13.2.2019

Adopted at plenary

21.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

130/0/2

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The EESC appreciates the increased focus on education, training and skills development and utilisation in the EU, reiterated in the recent European Commission (EC) initiatives (1). While noting that education and training lies within Member States’ (MS) core competences, stresses the strategic importance of these areas for the future of Europe in terms of economic prosperity, better cohesion and democratic life, as well as ‘to address citizens’ expectations and respond to their concerns about the future in a quickly changing world’ (2). |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The EESC is concerned about the significant structural problems in labour markets due to skills mismatches, some of which are caused by technological and demographic drivers. Therefore calls for immediate well-targeted policy measures to be designed and implemented, accompanied by incentives and best practice compendiums for the MS, so as to support them in implementing the successful and supportive adaptation, where needed, of their education and training systems, with a view to avoiding skills mismatches and waste of talents. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The EESC believes that the skills mismatches of today and in the future could be properly addressed in a sustainable way only if the EC and the MS design targeted policies and take tangible measures in order to improve and appropriately adapt their education and training systems, in commitment to talent management and also to holistic skills governance systems. Therefore, invites them to do so in a prompt and efficient manner. These should all be geared to supporting the inclusive and continuous updating of the labour force to the new economic environment. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC asks the EC to intensify the spread of best practices on qualification programmes and VET. The right mix of incentives for all participants in the education and training process should also be provided as to safeguard the right to appropriate training for all (3). In line with its previous opinion, the EESC stresses the importance of a European Education Area (4). The EESC sees a need for further upgrading and a need to constantly improve the skills and competences of teachers and trainers at all levels of education and training. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC admits that some elements of skills mismatch will always persist and education systems can never prepare people perfectly for all circumstances. Still, current trends are worrying and creating bottlenecks for the economic growth and job creation, preventing citizens from fully unleashing their creative potential and businesses from benefiting from the full innovative capacity of the skills offered by human resources. This is why governments, social partners, civil society should join forces to overcome the problem and provide people with the necessary advice and guidance to help make the right choices and to develop constantly their knowledge and skills for the good of society. Comprehensive and holistic approaches are needed to better anticipate and respond to skills needs (5). |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | Inevitably reliable anticipation of the supply and demand of skills and of the future structure of the EU labour market are key to decreasing skills mismatches. For this reason, universities, scientific centres and other research institutions should start to work on this issue, in close cooperation with the social partners and the relevant administrative bodies in the MS. The experience accumulated in recent years by Cedefop will be very useful but it has to be developed further on a national basis by going into more details for each of the MS. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | Governments, enterprises and workers should see education and training as an investment. Tax incentives for such an investment could encourage employers and employees to invest more. Collective agreements may recognise certain rights and obligations of employers and employees related to education and training. Best practices for upskilling and reskilling should be promoted in order to help people to be reemployed. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | Lots of learning happens in non-formal and informal settings, such as in youth organisations and through peer-to-peer learning, and lots of workplace skills cannot be acquired through formal education in schools (6). Therefore, the EESC encourages MS to seek the ways to validate the relevant qualifications acquired in such situations. A way to do this is to complete and properly use their National Systems of Qualifications, including by using platforms which offer standardised assessments of skill levels irrespective of how people have acquired their skills. Such an approach will create an additional channel for signalling individuals’ potential to companies, especially with regard to mature individuals, highlighting skills that are not evident in formal qualification documents, but nevertheless may have value. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | Lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling are a shared responsibility, between the state, employers and employees. In order to be able to make a good career path, people should be actively supported, and advised, also through guidance methods, consultancy, counselling, coaching and mentoring on how to make an informed choice of training and learning that equips them with skills and competences which are in demand on the labour market. The social partners should have active role, raising awareness of the relevant problems and suggesting possible solutions. Before committing their time and funds to training, people need to know which skills are useful and how education and training programs will affect their careers. They also will be willing to obtain a qualification or certification that others will recognise. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

2.   Today’s and tomorrow’s skills mismatches

| 2.1. | The future is today — it becomes reality faster than we can track and predict it. It poses important challenges for businesses and public administrations by establishing new business models and for workers by requiring new skills and competences, most of which are hard to predict today, thus driving society as a whole to adapt fast enough to rapid change. If we want this transition to be successful, we must remain united, prepared for immediate reaction, join forces to anticipate what is coming and pro-actively manage the current revolutionary change of the relations between human, robotics, artificial intelligence and digitalisation for the good of our society. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Skills mismatches are one of the biggest challenges that currently jeopardise growth and impede sustainable jobs in EU. Some studies (7) estimate that the costs of this phenomenon amount to 2 % of EU GDP. According to the EC, 70 million Europeans lack adequate reading and writing skills, and even more have poor numeracy and digital skills. A recent study (8) shows that the share of mismatched workers in the EU, on average, remains around 40 %, in line with Cedefop’s overall assessment. Employees with relevant skills are a key competitiveness factor for companies. Thus it is extremely important that today’s and tomorrow’s labour force has the skills and competences that respond to the changing needs of the modern economy and the labour market. No one should be left behind (9) and waste of talents should be prevented. To achieve these goals highly qualified teachers and training providers are needed, and appropriate support to participate in the life-long learning. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | The EESC has underlined in its previous opinions (10) the effect of the digitalisation, robotisation, new economic models such as Industry 4.0 and the circular and sharing economy on new skill requirements. Also, it has expressed its views on the need to introduce more innovative solutions in the fields of education and skills development, as Europe needs a genuine paradigm shift in the goals and functioning of the education sector and an understanding of its place and role in society (11). A Cedefop estimate (12) has shown that the existing skills of the EU workforce fall about one fifth short of what is needed for workers to carry out their jobs at their highest productivity level. This calls for concerted action to stimulate further adult learning in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | The European economy’s recovery, in combination with changing skills needs, has driven demand for labour and talent shortages to the highest levels in the past decade. While the unemployment rate in the EU is decreasing (from 10,11 % in 2014 to 7,3 % in 2018), the job vacancy rate has doubled (from 1,1 % in 2009 to 2,2 % in 2018) (13). |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.4.1. | All MS are exposed to this problem although with different intensity and for different reasons. A global survey (14) reveals that for many MS the rate of employers having difficulties with hiring is worryingly high. Ten MS are above the global average of 45 % with the most unfavourable cases being Romania (81 %), Bulgaria (68 %) and Greece (61 %). With less but still significant problems at the other end of the spectrum are Ireland (18 %), UK (19 %) and the Netherlands (24 %). |
| --- | --- |

2.4.1.

| 2.4.2. | For about one-third of employers the main reason they can’t fill job vacancies is a lack of applicants. Another 20 % say candidates lack the necessary experience. As companies digitalise, automate and transform, finding candidates with the right blend of technical and soft skills is more important than ever — yet 27 % of employers say applicants lack the skills that they need. Globally, more than half (56 %) of employers say communication skills, written and verbal, are their most valued human skills followed by collaboration and problem-solving. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.2.

| 2.5. | The results from both the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and the European Skills and Jobs Survey (ESJS), as well as from academic research (15), show that a large part of the mismatch is due to over-skilling/education. Typically four in ten adult employees feel that their skills are underutilised and close to a third of tertiary education graduates are overqualified for their jobs. This is a consequence of both ineffective resource allocation (leading to underutilisation of the existing stock of skills) and general imbalances between the skills of the workforce and labour market demand (16). |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | Skills mismatches have negative effect on economies and the whole society. They:






  — | Prevent citizens from being satisfied with their occupations and career paths, lower their perceived level of appreciation and have potential to drag down their wages; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.6.

—

Prevent citizens from being satisfied with their occupations and career paths, lower their perceived level of appreciation and have potential to drag down their wages;

| — | Impede personal growth and development and utilisation of individuals’ capacity and potential; |
| --- | --- |

—

Impede personal growth and development and utilisation of individuals’ capacity and potential;

| — | Result in lower labour productivity — some estimates show that the loss of productivity (17) due to skills mismatches in the EU is around EUR 0,8 for every hour worked (18); |
| --- | --- |

—

Result in lower labour productivity — some estimates show that the loss of productivity (17) due to skills mismatches in the EU is around EUR 0,8 for every hour worked (18);

| — | Decrease the competitiveness of companies by slowing and making more expensive the process of hiring and by imposing the need for additional expenditure on training. |
| --- | --- |

—

Decrease the competitiveness of companies by slowing and making more expensive the process of hiring and by imposing the need for additional expenditure on training.

| 2.7. | Both high-skilled and low-skilled labour are exposed to skills mismatches, because of the rapid changes, as well as professions typically requiring high levels of education and knowledge. Electricians, mechanics, welders, engineers, drivers, IT specialists, social services specialists, sales representatives are currently among the professions in highest demand with employers. |
| --- | --- |

2.7.

| 2.8. | STEM skills and digital skills are increasingly crucial for the competitiveness of companies and for harnessing worker productivity. The importance of STEM skills also goes beyond the content of science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula alone and enable pupils and students to acquire a broader range of skills and competences, such as systemic and critical thinking. Underpinning these skills sets, it is also essential that people have a good foundation of basic and entrepreneurial skills. STEM skills can be acquired through vocational education and training and general education. There is a particular need to encourage more women to study STEM subjects, together with adequately addressing the digital gender divide (19). Different ways should be found to popularise STEM, particularly with regard to the regions, since these subjects are usually concentrated in big cities (20). The digital strategic competences radar is a useful tool to bring youngsters together with role models or mentors in order to learn about required competences for specific jobs (21). |
| --- | --- |

2.8.

| 2.9. | Well-designed policy measures are needed to avoid the problem of skills mismatches growing further. Due to the revolutionary change in technologies, business models, customer expectations and the nature of work are often changed in an unprecedented and almost unpredictable manner. As the EESC has already pointed out (22), almost half of existing jobs are susceptible to automation and therefore automation and robots will have significant impact on the future of work. This may result in a growing gap between the needs of the businesses and the qualifications, skills and competences of workers in the future and presents a challenge for education and training providers. This also underlines the growing importance of soft and transversal, as well as other skills, often gained through informal learning, and raises issues linked to recognition and validation of the informal education and training. |
| --- | --- |

2.9.

| 2.10. | The EU should encourage and help MS to urgently address this structural labour market challenge and to tackle skills mismatches which create bottlenecks to growth, with particular focus on STEM and digital skills. Social partners have an important role to play in identifying and, where possible, forecasting the skills, competences and qualifications that are necessary in new and emerging occupations (23), so that education and training better address the needs of companies and workers. Digitisation is an opportunity for all, but only if it is done right and a new understanding of work and labour is gained (24). It is also important that social partners are involved in interpreting data that is gathered by statistical and government agencies as employers and trade unions can bring crucial insights that might not otherwise be taken into consideration. The European Social Fund (ESF) has an indispensable role to play to support initiatives, including by joint actions of the social partners. |
| --- | --- |

2.10.

| 2.11. | Academic research on skill mismatch has revealed that there are significant differences in the causes, magnitudes, consequences and economic costs of the many different types of skill mismatch. Therefore one-size-fits-all policies are unlikely to be effective as MS tend to suffer from different forms of the problem. But it is clear that carrying out relevant policy measures aiming at reducing skill mismatch can result in sizeable efficiency gains. To that end, the EESC stresses the importance of holistic learning that respects and enriches cultural diversity and the sense of belonging (25). |
| --- | --- |

2.11.

| 2.12. | The European skills passport can play an important role in presenting a person’s qualifications, skills and competences in a way that will facilitate a better matching of a person’s abilities with a job profile. |
| --- | --- |

2.12.

3.   Challenges facing education and training systems

3.1.   General remarks

| 3.1.1. | If the EU wants to give its citizens the best chance of success and to preserve and improve its competitiveness, it needs to encourage MS to foster a policy environment that offers career- focused initial education and training and which continues to provide opportunities for life-long learning throughout people’s working lives. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.1.

| 3.1.2. | The education and training systems in many MS are focused on a long period of formal learning followed by a career at work. The link between learning and earning has tended to follow a simple relationship: ‘the more formal learning — the higher the corresponding rewards’. Economic studies suggest that each additional year of schooling is associated on average with 8-13 % more earnings. It is equally true that a university degree can no-longer be seen as a guarantee of work upon graduating. Employers today not only look at the level of qualification that a person holds, but also the skills and competences that someone has acquired during their education and the extent to which these are relevant on the labour market. But given the new challenges this can’t be an advisable model any more. Future education systems should connect education and employment in new ways both by smoothing entry into the labour force and by enabling people to acquire new skills throughout their entire careers in a flexible way. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.2.

| 3.1.3. | Pleading for just more education and training is not the proper answer — more doesn’t necessarily mean better. In order to respond properly, education and training systems must be targeted at the real needs of the society and the economy, have to be able to avoid misallocation of resources and able to provide people with the possibility for targeted lifelong learning. In order to promote equal and inclusive employment, the gender pay gap needs to be tackled through relevant measures. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.3.

| 3.1.4. | The internet has done away with the need to know and remember important facts and details — it provides an instant portal to knowledge with just one click. This is changing the fundamental principles of the humanitarian sciences, removing the need for students to store all the information in their heads, and replacing it with the need to teach them how to learn and to equip themselves with a basic, conceptual image of the subjects concerned, so that they are then able to find and process information in order to successfully perform a given task, or find a solution to a given problem. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.4.

| 3.1.5. | The technological changes are so rapid that they are making the content of some disciplines outdated, even during the course of student’s higher education cycle. This is challenging the traditional curricula, especially when it comes to the so called ‘basic’ part, and is increasing the importance of STEM education and the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, co-learning and co-working. It is likewise important that the challenge of interaction between humans and machines be addressed as well. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.5.

| 3.1.6. | The development of new technologies also seriously challenges the practical component of education and training because it takes a long time in most MS for programmes to be developed and officially approved, which makes them inflexible and hampers their swift accommodation to developments in real life. To tackle this a stronger link between all levels of education and the labour market needs is necessary. Updating curricula in a timely manner becomes a key challenge and this highlights the role of responsive vocational education and training, and apprenticeships. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.6.

| 3.1.7. | It is essential in any job that people have some technical and specific skills based on knowledge and experience for the particular industry. But it becomes more and more important that they have also foundational skills like creativity and problem-solving, as well as social skills and empathy. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.7.

| 3.1.8. | The growing pace with which established skills become obsolete makes it essential to acquire new skills faster and results in growing demand for a new combination of skills — in response to the so called ‘hybrid jobs’ that combine different types of tasks. For example, coding skills are now demanded in many areas beyond the technological sector and evidences show that between 1/3 and 1/2 of the postings for occupations with the highest pay are for jobs asking for coding skills. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.8.

| 3.1.9. | The recent rapid changes in the composition of new jobs requires increasing emphasis on learning as a skill in its own right. The best way to meet the challenge of unpredictably changing technology and hybridising jobs is the ability to rapidly acquire new skills and to keep learning. This aspect should be managed with due care so as to ensure that disadvantaged groups, such as the long-term unemployed, the very low skilled, the disabled and minorities do not become distanced from the labour market. In this respect it is important to strengthen the cooperation between social partners and providers of active labour market policies. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.9.

| 3.1.10. | In order for the above goal to be achieved it is important that MS find ways to motivate young people not to leave school at early stages, since early school leavers are usually among those people with low skills and low payment. Mothers with young children need special attention in terms of training as well in order to keep their skills up-to-date with the rapid changes in professions. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.10.

| 3.1.11. | The EESC strongly recommends wider promotion and use of modular and online learning — e.g. open educational sources and massive open online courses (MOOCs) (26). |
| --- | --- |

3.1.11.

3.2.   Secondary education

| 3.2.1. | To be able to equip students with the fundamental skills for the future — e.g. curiosity, searching for reliable information, an ability for continuous learning, creativity, problem-solving, team work — secondary education has to shift from requiring only memorisation and repetition to a project-based and problem-solving approach. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.1.

| 3.2.2. | Dual VET, in which learners spend part of their time in the classroom and part in an enterprise, especially apprenticeship, is a powerful tool to give students job-specific and transversal (soft) skills and in fostering successful school to work transitions. Therefore its use should be more actively promoted in the MS, following the best practices of front-runners, where between one third and one half of the secondary school population follows this kind of education. Traineeships also play an important role in helping young people to acquire practical work experience. Traineeships primarily take place as part of the education and training process. They can also be open market traineeships that take place after a person has finished their education or training. The rules governing a traineeship, and the conditions under which it takes place are determined at the national level and take into account existing regulations, industrial relations and education practices. These rules could take inspiration from the Council Recommendation on a quality framework for traineeships (27). |
| --- | --- |

3.2.2.

| 3.2.3. | However, dual VET should be adapted for new realities as well as through the timely updating of curricula, by creating a supportive learning environment where skills can be developed and upgraded throughout a career life-cycle. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.3.

| 3.2.4. | The teachers’ capacity and competences are key to a high-quality dual VET, and of vital importance to the combination of practical experience and theoretical experience. It is therefore important that MS maintain a system for continuous training of teachers and trainers, and together with social partners, endeavour to find ways to motivate them. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.4.

3.3.   University education

| 3.3.1. | The EESC sees the main challenge regarding university education in many MS as the need to strengthen work-based training components of curricula, in order to teach students the transversal and subject-specific practical skills that employers are looking for. Consequently, there is a need to better involve social partners in the design and delivery of education and training. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.1.

| 3.3.2. | It must be always borne in mind that university education is not a goal per se. All jobs are important, since all professions and occupations allow people to contribute to the economic and social development of a society and university education should remain an option, but not an obligation or a stamp indicating the quality of the people. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.2.

| 3.3.3. | A university degree at the start of a working career does not mean that there is no need for the continuous acquisition of new skills, especially as career spans tend to lengthen. Universities should acknowledge a new social goal of providing lifelong education using flexible forms of learning (distance learning, evening classes etc.) and should adjust their structures and plans accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.3.

| 3.3.4. | Social skills have growing importance for a wide range of jobs, because of their role in relationships in the working place, in dividing and leading tasks, and in creating and maintaining an efficient and productive environment. For this reason, it would be advisable for universities to complement their traditional curricula in specialised fields with additional classes in management, communications, etc. Besides, the universities have to ‘break the wall’ between educational fields and have to emphasise interdisciplinary approaches. The future of work for highly educated professions will inevitably be related to the need for interdisciplinary skills. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.4.

| 3.3.5. | Information about effective learning strategies can be personalised too. It is easier for people to be encouraged to learn more effectively and with better results if they are more aware of their own thought processes. With the recent rise of online learning, the mechanics of learning have become better known and could give a better idea of the best ways of learning on an individual basis. If such approaches are applied it is more likely that students will be able to acquire new skills later in life and also personalised content could be provided for students in distant learning formats. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.5.

| 3.3.6. | Given the high costs of higher education and the available evidence that there is a lot of inefficient resource allocation in this area, MS should be encouraged to introduce tracking systems which could provide information for the actual situation of the labour market, as per the Council Recommendation on graduate tracking (28). |
| --- | --- |

3.3.6.

3.4.   The VET system

| 3.4.1. | The EESC welcomed the aim that is presented in the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships that at least half of an apprenticeship should be carried out in the workplace. Taking into account the diversity of national schemes, the aim is to progress gradually towards the majority of apprenticeships being undertaken in the workplace (29). |
| --- | --- |

3.4.1.

| 3.4.2. | The EESC welcomes the EC objective of making VET a first class option for learners. It underlines the importance of fostering permeability between VET and higher education in order to open up opportunities and help remove stigma surrounding VET (30). |
| --- | --- |

3.4.2.

| 3.4.3. | In apprenticeships there is a clear role for employers in providing the work-related parts of the training and so they can adapt that part of the training according to labour market trends and skills needs. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.3.

| 3.4.4. | Vocational training — both initial and continuous — outside of the secondary and higher education systems also has a role to play in bridging skills mismatches. In a world of continuous reskilling and increasing self-employment people will need help when moving from one job to another (31). For this reason, different forms of organising advice have to be developed, so as to provide information about career paths, average financial conditions for different occupations and positions, how long particular skills will be useful, etc. (32). |
| --- | --- |

3.4.4.

| 3.4.5. | New technologies such as virtual and augmented reality make learning easier, more effective and could radically improve professional training, while big data techniques offer chances for personalised training. In order for these opportunities to be used it is advisable that proper platforms providing cheap and instantaneous connections be developed and libraries with on demand courses be created. Besides all other advantages, such platforms also solve the problem of large distances for people in remote areas. This aspect of VET us currently underdeveloped compared to university education and needs to be strengthened. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.5.

| 3.4.6. | In-house training in companies is another way to improve skills and to contribute to the improved productivity of workers and their professional development, to overall business performance and to employees’ well-being at their work. It also motivates and enables them to progress in their career and earnings. Employee training is, therefore, a shared interest and employers and employees have a shared responsibility to contribute to upskilling and reskilling, leading to successful enterprises and an appropriately skilled workforce. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.6.

| 3.4.7. | There are many different national laws, rules and approaches to the organisation and provision of employee training. Some MS have wide-ranging and strong vocational training policies set in legislation, while in others training provisions are set by collective agreements, at various levels, or agreed directly between employers and employees in the workplace. Opportunities to access training can also be dependent on the size of the company/workplace. Access to effective employee training should be facilitated while respecting the diversity and flexibility of systems, which vary according to diverse industrial relations practices. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.7.

| 3.4.8. | MS and social partners should work together, exploiting the full potential of social dialogue on a tripartite and bipartite basis, to enhance access to and participation in employee training. This should be developed in a way that benefits all workers and enterprises/workplaces, as part of a lifelong learning approach that draws on the potential and actual needs of a diverse workforce in both the public and private sectors and in small, medium and large companies and workplaces. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.8.

| 3.4.9. | The way in which training in the workplace is organised and undertaken needs to be jointly agreed between employers and employees through a mix of collective and individual arrangements. This involves training taking place preferably during working hours or, where relevant, outside of working hours (in particular for noncompany-related training). Employers should take a positive approach to employee training. But when a worker asks for, or has an entitlement to training, employers should have the right to discuss such requests to ensure that it supports the employability of the worker in a way that is also in the enterprise’s interests. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.9.

| 3.4.10. | Vocational training is not only for employees. Large companies usually provide their senior management with specialised training. But this is not the case for SMEs and particularly for small traditional and family businesses. The prosperity of these companies is almost entirely related to the owners/managers. Short training courses, access to advisory and consultancy services and to video courses — focused on legal requirements, regulations, consumer protection, technical standards etc. — could enhance the performance of these companies. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.10.

| 3.4.11. | The European Commission should encourage MS to explore the positive experience in EU countries with well-developed VET systems and consider the possibility of developing programmes to facilitate such an exchange. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.11.

Brussels, 21 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  New Skills Agenda for Europe, 2016, European Education Area, 2018. The DG GROW project ‘Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills’ was also welcome, although its scope is very limited, as well as different EASME/COSME projects — e.g. 2017/001, 004, 007 and 2016/033 and 034.

1

(2)  COM(2018) 268 final.

2

(3)  OJ C 237, 6.7.2018, p. 8.

3

(4)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136.

4

(5)  This was acknowledged by the European Commission — DG EMPL, and the Commission has provided financial and other support to OECD-led National Skills Strategy country projects in several MS, including Portugal, Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Belgian Flanders. In recent years, Cedefop has also implemented dedicated programmes supporting MS (Greece, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Malta) in improving their skills anticipation and matching infrastructure: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/events-and-projects/projects/assisting-eu-countries-skills-matching

5

(6)  OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 49.

6

(7)  https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-media/press-releases/skills-mismatches-eu-businesses-are-losing-millions-and-will-be-losing-even-more

7

(8)  ‘Skills Mismatches — An Impediment to the Competitiveness of EU Businesses’, EESC.

8

(9)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136.

9

(10)  OJ C 237, 6.7.2018, p. 8, OJ C 367 10.10.2018, p. 15.

10

(11)  OJ C 173, 31.5.2017, p. 45. 40 % of adult employees feel their skills are not fully utilised: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications-and-resources/publications/3075

11

(12)  ‘Insights into skill shortages and skill mismatches’. Learning from Cedefop’s European skills and jobs survey, European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 2018. Also, Skills Panorama and Europass.

12

(13)  Unemployment Statistics, Job Vacancy Statistics, Eurostat.

13

(14)  ‘Solving the Talent Shortage’, ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, 2018. Some are challenging the reliability of this study — e.g. Cappelli (2014): https://www.nber.org/papers/w20382

14

(15)  ‘Skills Mismatches — An Impediment to the Competitiveness of EU Businesses’, study commissioned by the IME at the request of the EESC Employers’ Group.

15

(16)  Ibid.

16

(17)  Other things being equal.

17

(18)  Ibid.

18

(19)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 37.

19

(20)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 37 and examples of good practice could be found in Germany — where the ‘MINT skills’ are enhanced with the help of the ‘House of the small researchers in town’: https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/en/publications/publication/did/leitfaden-berufsorientierung-1/

20

(21)  BMW Foundation European Table findings.

21

(22)  OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 15.

22

(23)  https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/events-and-projects/projects/big-data-analysis-online-vancancies. Also see: ‘Overview of the national strategies on work 4.0 — a coherent analysis of the role of social partners’, https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/publications-other-work/publications/overview-national-strategies-work-40-coherent-analysis-role-social-partners-study

23

(24)  https://twentythirty.com/how-digitization-will-affect-the-world-of-work

24

(25)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136.

25

(26)  Such tools can give access to full degrees, shorter courses and specialisations as well as to nano degrees; provide flexible organisation by breaking the degrees into modules and the modules into courses or even into smaller units; offer opportunities for older workers to study in the later stages of their careers; reduce the cost and time of learning, and offer a better balance between working, studying and family life; give quicker and more flexible responses to the labour market’s increasing demands to provide people with the desired qualifications and skills; create trust and help employers to get information about potential employees, when they are provided by well-respected educational institutions.

26

(27)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52013PC0857&from=EN

27

(28)  http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetailDoc&id=36708&no=1

28

(29)  OJ C 262, 25.7.2018, p. 41.

29

(30)  https://www.ceemet.org/positionpaper/10-point-plan-competitive-industry

30

(31)  OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 36.

31

(32)  https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/en/publications/publication/did/leitfaden-berufsorientierung-1/

32

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/24

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Resilient democracy through a strong and diverse civil society’

(own-initiative opinion)

(2019/C 228/04)

Rapporteur: Christian MOOS

| Consultation | 12.7.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure
  Own-initiative opinion |
| Section responsible | Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship |
| Adopted in section | 6.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 145/5/2 |

Consultation

12.7.2018

Legal basis

Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Own-initiative opinion

Section responsible

Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

Adopted in section

6.3.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

145/5/2

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | Considerable political forces in Europe, mainly but not exclusively right-wing extremist movements and parties, some of them already in government, are undermining liberal democracy and want to destroy the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | A pluralistic civil society as one of the hallmarks of liberal democracy relies on civil liberties, which are threatened by authoritarian tendencies. It has a key role to play in preserving liberal democracy in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | Liberal democracy requires, inter alia, the guarantee of fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, a working system of checks and balances, a corruption-free civil service with well-run services of general interest and a vibrant civil society. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | An independent civil society is a key democratic supervisory entity and a school of democracy. It strengthens social cohesion. It can perform these functions only if the social, political and legal framework allows. Attempts to hinder financing from non-state sources restrict freedom of association and the operation of democracy. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | Civil society and democracy are being challenged in many areas. Right-wing populists are calling into question the achievements of women’s liberation. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | The polarisation of society is also reflected in the emergence of an ‘uncivil society’. Populist ways of thinking are increasingly being echoed by established actors in national and supranational institutions. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | Authoritarian elements, including from third countries, support this trend towards ‘illiberal democracy’, leading towards less freedom of the media and more corruption in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The EU still lacks an appropriate mechanism to ensure the effective preservation of democracy and the rule of law in the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | The EESC calls on all Member States to refrain from all attempts to establish ‘illiberal democracy’. If some Member States succumb to authoritarianism, the EU must employ the Treaty to the fullest. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

| 1.10. | Parties which turn against liberal democracy should be excluded from their political parties on the European level and political groups in the European Parliament. |
| --- | --- |

1.10.

| 1.11. | The EESC reiterates its call for a Democracy Semester with a European control mechanism on the rule of law and fundamental rights and a Democracy Scoreboard. |
| --- | --- |

1.11.

| 1.12. | The EESC considers that corrective economic measures should be contemplated for failure to respect Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). |
| --- | --- |

1.12.

| 1.13. | As regards the protection of the EU budget against rule of law deficiencies, cuts must not be at the expense of civil society aid recipients. |
| --- | --- |

1.13.

| 1.14. | The EESC proposes that in the new MFF there should be sufficient flexibility to allow increased support for civil society organisations if national governments reduce or stop their funding for political reasons. |
| --- | --- |

1.14.

| 1.15. | The EESC stresses that civil society organisations and initiatives receiving EU funding under the new MFF must make a clear commitment to European values. |
| --- | --- |

1.15.

| 1.16. | The EESC calls on the EU legislators to further reduce the administrative burden especially for small initiatives and organisations. |
| --- | --- |

1.16.

| 1.17. | The EESC calls on the Commission to invest more in capacity building for civil society, to strengthen cross-border cooperation networks and to provide better information on existing support instruments. The Commission should make proposals for minimum standards for combining professional activity and volunteering in civil society activities. |
| --- | --- |

1.17.

| 1.18. | The EESC supports the Parliament’s call for a proposal for the creation of a European statute for mutual societies, associations and foundations or proposes to establish an alternative system of formal interinstitutional accreditation as a first step. |
| --- | --- |

1.18.

| 1.19. | In the EESC’s view, it would be a good idea to find out why this issue has been left in abeyance and, at the same time, to consider drawing up an interinstitutional authorisation, a kind of label for NGOs. The EESC should explore this possibility. |
| --- | --- |

1.19.

| 1.20. | The EESC calls on the Member States to introduce measures to support civil society organisations, without undermining public services and tax justice. |
| --- | --- |

1.20.

| 1.21. | The EESC calls on the EU institutions to further strengthen participatory democracy. |
| --- | --- |

1.21.

| 1.22. | The EESC expects all actors to work towards European policies achieving concrete improvements in people’s lives. |
| --- | --- |

1.22.

| 1.23. | National and European policy-makers must tackle burning social questions and ensure social sustainability with inclusive education systems, inclusive growth, competitive and innovative industries, well-functioning labour markets, fair and just taxation and effective public services and social security systems. |
| --- | --- |

1.23.

| 1.24. | Strong social partners and civil society in all its diversity are needed to defend the core European values. |
| --- | --- |

1.24.

2.   Definitions

| 2.1. | ‘Liberal democracies’ are systems of governance combining democracy with constitutional liberalism, which limits the governing majority’s power by guaranteeing individual political liberties and freedoms. They are representative democracies with multi-party systems and plural civil societies, in which systems of checks and balances, including an independent judiciary, exert oversight of governing bodies and freedom of the media is guaranteed. Every natural and legal person is equally subject to the rule of law. Liberal democracies respect and protect minorities, they guarantee civic rights (notably the right to vote and stand for elections), civil liberties (e.g. the freedom of association), human rights and fundamental freedoms. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | A well-functioning liberal democracy is a political system enabling the permanent calling to account of public authorities, a system favouring the expression and participation of citizens and intermediary bodies in which they engage, in all civic spaces. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | ‘Participative democracy’, complementing representative democracy, needs intermediary bodies (trade unions, NGOs, professional networks, issue-specific associations, etc.) to involve citizens and promote popular and civic ownership of European issues and the construction of a fairer Europe, with more solidarity and inclusiveness. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | ‘Illiberal democracies’ are political systems in which elections take place but constitutional liberalism is not established. Democratically elected leaders restrict civic rights, civil liberties and the protection of minorities. The system of checks and balances and an independent judiciary and independent media are undermined in order to free the governing majority’s absolute sovereignty from constitutional limitations and controls. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | A plural ‘civil society’ respecting the principles of democracy and constitutional liberalism is a key element of liberal democracies. Individual citizens publicly engaging in civil society organisations or informal types of participation constitute civil society, which functions as an intermediary between the state and the people. In addition to the articulation of citizens’ interests, the provisions of technical expertise during legislative processes and holding decision-makers accountable, civil society contributes to community building and has an integrative function by strengthening social cohesion and creating identity. Furthermore, a rich variety of civil society organisations, most notably the social partners, is dedicated to practical non-commercial work and serves charitable or other general interest objectives, including forms of mutual self-help. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | While a vibrant civil society is key to functioning liberal democracies, its opponents also engage politically in formal organisations or informal types of participation. Such an ‘uncivil society’ does not respect the principles of democracy and constitutional liberalism, but promotes the concept of ‘illiberal democracy’. It makes use of political participation rights in order to abolish the established system of checks and balances, the rule of law and an independent judiciary and to limit media freedom. It aims to restrict civic rights, civil liberties and the protection of minorities. Instead of integrating society and strengthening social cohesion, uncivil society promotes an exclusive nationalist understanding of society that excludes many citizens, notably minorities. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

| 2.7. | ‘Populism’ is a thin ideology claiming that there is a homogenous people with a coherent will. Populists claim to be the only and true representatives of this will. While populism lacks a clear definition of the people, it constructs enemies and opponents of the people, e.g. the elite, and claims that they obstruct the people’s true will. Populists emotionalise political debates in order to create fear. |
| --- | --- |

2.7.

3.   Background

| 3.1. | Democracy is being challenged by populism, presently mainly from extreme-right parties and movements. They undermine liberal democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law, including protection of minorities, mutual checks and balances and clear limits on political power. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | In some Member States, these groups are now in government. Everywhere, they claim to be representing the ‘real’ will of ‘the people against ‘elites’. They make false promises, deny political challenges, such as climate change, and want to destroy the European project and its achievements. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | The EESC points out that some citizens turn to populists and extremists out of disillusionment. They do not necessarily support the populists’ political programmes in full. The growing wealth and income inequality, as well as poverty, provide fertile ground for right-wing groups to promote nationalism as a response to globalisation. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.4. | Despite authoritarian and economic challenges such as inequality, Europe is still a leader of liberal democracy in the world, admired by many people living in autocratic systems. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | A pluralistic civil society is one of the hallmarks of liberal democracy and underpins any constitutional arrangement based on civil liberties and the rule of law. The EESC has set up a Group on Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law (FRRL) to defend these principles, as it considers that an open civil society and civil liberties are currently threatened by authoritarian tendencies. This is because freedom and an open civil society are incompatible with the idea of ‘illiberal or guided democracy’. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

| 3.6. | The EESC considers that civil society has a key role to play in preserving liberal democracy in Europe. Only a strong and diverse civil society can defend democracy and freedom and preserve Europe from the temptations of authoritarianism. |
| --- | --- |

3.6.

| 3.7. | A strong and plural independent civil society is a value by itself in all democracies. Civil society organisations play a vital role in the promotion of European values, in helping communities to organise themselves and in mobilising citizens for the public good. |
| --- | --- |

3.7.

| 3.8. | The ESC observes a trend of decreasing trust in the EU across the continent coupled with escalating tensions with minorities, xenophobia, increasing levels of corruption, nepotism and weak democratic institutions in some countries. In this situation, NGOs are often the only line of defence upholding and promoting key values of the European project, such as respect for human rights, freedom, tolerance and solidarity. |
| --- | --- |

3.8.

| 3.9. | Article 11 TEU invites the European institutions to maintain relations with civil society actors, in particular with associations. |
| --- | --- |

3.9.

| 3.10. | The density of the landscape of associations and their relevance in the civil dialogue are indicators of the quality of democratic life in any given country. The associations’ social and civic functions are essential for a fully functioning democracy, especially in this period of disenchantment. |
| --- | --- |

3.10.

| 3.11. | The EESC stresses that forms of civic involvement that misuse political participation rights in order to abolish democracy, the guarantees offered by the rule of law and an independent judiciary are not part of civil society. |
| --- | --- |

3.11.

4.   The contribution of civil society to democracy

| 4.1. | EU citizens can exercise their right to democratic participation not only through their active and passive electoral rights, but also through civil society activities. The EESC intermediary organisations, as well as European networks of civil society organisations, such as ‘Civil Society Europe’, are their main representative forums at EU level. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | Only the guarantee of individual freedoms, in particular freedom of expression, information, assembly and association, and their enforcement can provide the foundation for a pluralistic democracy and individual political participation. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | An independent judiciary is the guarantor of the rule of law, fundamental and human rights and the right to political participation. However, the independence of the judiciary is threatened in parts of Europe. Legal actions are currently in progress against Poland and Hungary for infringement of the rule of law (1). |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | An independent judiciary is part of the checks and balances which prevent any section of society being permanently dominated by a political group. In particular, political decision-making rules may not be changed in such a way that any individuals are permanently excluded from decision-making processes. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

| 4.5. | In the same way, a corruption-free civil service with well-run services of general interest that respects and complies with fundamental rights, and in which officials have the right to contest unlawful instructions, is key to any constitutional arrangements based on freedom and the rule of law. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

| 4.6. | A functioning liberal democracy also needs citizens who through their civic involvement contribute to a society based on tolerance, non-discrimination, justice and solidarity. This requires a vibrant civil society in which citizens voluntarily engage in civic activity. Their voluntary work is based on the rights laid down in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. At the same time, they are guarantors of the values expressed in the Charter. |
| --- | --- |

4.6.

| 4.7. | In liberal democracies, an independent civil society is key in supervising and keeping the political institutions accountable and in ensuring that political actors provide adequate justification for their decisions. By critically monitoring decision-making processes and assessing the implementation of political decisions and public policy in general, civil society creates transparency and contributes its expertise to better governance. |
| --- | --- |

4.7.

| 4.8. | Civil society is a school of democracy, enabling political participation and civic education, which complements public education. |
| --- | --- |

4.8.

| 4.9. | In parallel, public education also has a key role in teaching democratic values and civic education, enabling young citizens to engage in civil society and make use of their civic rights and civil liberties. |
| --- | --- |

4.9.

| 4.10. | Civil society performs a community-building, integrating function by strengthening social cohesion and creating identity. In particular, it has to empower citizens to make use of their rights, thus contributing to a European community of citizens. |
| --- | --- |

4.10.

| 4.11. | The EESC stresses that civil society organisations and initiatives can perform these functions only if the social, political and legal framework allows. |
| --- | --- |

4.11.

5.   Current threats

| 5.1. | The EESC considers that extremist political groups are currently challenging European civil society in many areas. Election results in virtually all Member States clearly point to growing support for them and to the fact that some citizens are losing trust in democratic institutions. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | At the outermost limits on the right side of the political spectrum populist and extremist groups are gaining strength and attempting with growing success to make racism and xenophobia acceptable in Europe and to destroy social cohesion. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | Right-wing populists and extremists are calling into question the achievements of women’s liberation by invoking a reactionary image of the family. They oppose gender equality and promote homophobia. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.4. | The polarisation of society is also reflected in the emergence of an ‘uncivil society’. There are a growing number of NGOs and forms of civic involvement promoting the exclusion of parts of society. They do not share the European values of Article 2 TEU, most importantly human rights and the rule of law, and instead promote an alternative undemocratic political order. |
| --- | --- |

5.4.

| 5.5. | Encouraged by the anonymity of the internet and social media and fostered by disinformation campaigns, the culture of political and social debate is changing, becoming increasingly crude, aggressive and polarising. Against this backdrop, pro-European actors’ efforts in communicating European values to the public have mainly failed to remedy the communication crisis of the European project. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.

| 5.6. | Moderate politicians are increasingly taking up populist ways of thinking, as Brexit has shown. Representatives of ‘illiberal democracy’ are increasingly gaining access to national and supranational institutions. This gives them a platform to disseminate their ideas even more widely. |
| --- | --- |

5.6.

| 5.7. | Authoritarian governments from third countries support the development of populist and extremist actors in Europe and encourage the change in the culture of debate in the traditional media and on the internet with funding and targeted disinformation aimed at undermining the stability of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

5.7.

| 5.8. | The EESC is deeply concerned that a transformation of political systems in Europe has begun with a trend towards ‘illiberal democracy’. Reforms in some Member States are designed to hinder the effective participation of all citizens in political decisions and legally guaranteed framework conditions for civil society are being hollowed out. |
| --- | --- |

5.8.

| 5.9. | If civil society is to perform its function as a supervisory entity for political institutions, it must have the necessary resources. Attempts to hinder financing from non-state sources restrict freedom of association and the operation of democracy. |
| --- | --- |

5.9.

| 5.10. | Particularly worrying is the negative trend towards less media freedom that has been observed in Europe in the last five years. The weak economic bases of independent media, removing the institutional autonomy of public broadcasters or allowing the establishment of private media monopolies, particularly those controlled by government politicians, put the Fourth Estate at risk. |
| --- | --- |

5.10.

| 5.11. | The inter-weaving of political and business interests in particular increases the risk that corruption poses to democracy. The lack of progress in the fight against corruption in Europe should be viewed critically. The situation is exacerbated by significant deterioration in some Member States. |
| --- | --- |

5.11.

| 5.12. | The value of the EU to liberal democracy is undeniable. In the united Europe the rule of law has replaced the principle that might is right. The EU still lacks an appropriate mechanism to ensure the effective preservation of democracy and the rule of law in its Member States. Despite, or perhaps because of, this weakness, the EU is the first line of defence for liberal democracy in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

5.12.

6.   Recommendations for action to strengthen a resilient civil society in Europe

The EESC encourages all Member States to respect the EU’s values, as laid down in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and to refrain from all attempts to establish an ‘illiberal democracy’. Only if involvement in politics does not put citizens in danger can a pluralistic and resilient civil society exist and play its role in protecting democracy. However, if Member States succumb to authoritarianism, the EU must employ the current legal tools, such as the infringement procedures and the 2014 Rule of Law Framework, to the fullest.

| 6.1. | Member States must be told very clearly that abandoning democracy and the rule of law is unacceptable in the EU. |
| --- | --- |

6.1.

| 6.2. | The EESC draws attention to the procedure under Article 7 TEU, which enables the Council, in the event of a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, to withdraw its voting rights in the Council. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.

| 6.3. | The EESC reiterates its call, made in conjunction with the European Parliament, for a Democracy Semester and a European control mechanism on the rule of law and fundamental rights (2). The EESC proposes the establishment of a Democracy Scoreboard that would, inter alia, reflect the framework conditions for civil society activity and lead to specific recommendations for reform. |
| --- | --- |

6.3.

| 6.4. | Parties which turn against democracy should be excluded from their political party at European level and their political group in the European Parliament. |
| --- | --- |

6.4.

| 6.5. | The EESC considers that a mechanism should be considered by which failure to implement the reform recommendations could lead to corrective economic measures. |
| --- | --- |

6.5.

| 6.6. | The EESC welcomes the Commission’s proposal ‘to strengthen the protection of the EU budget from financial risks linked to generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States’ as a step in the right direction (3). |
| --- | --- |

6.6.

| 6.7. | Funds withheld under the new mechanism must not be at the expense of civil society aid recipients, which should directly receive support from the EU level. |
| --- | --- |

6.7.

| 6.8. | The EESC is nevertheless critical of the mechanism’s exclusive focus on sound financial management. The Committee calls for provisions making it possible to initiate proceedings in the event of shortcomings in terms of democracy and the rule of law which are not directly related to sound financial management. |
| --- | --- |

6.8.

| 6.9. | The EESC welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to create a new cluster in the next MFF entitled ‘Investing in people, social cohesion and values’ as a contribution to strengthening the resilience of European civil society. It particularly welcomes the creation of a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, on which the EESC has issued an opinion (4). |
| --- | --- |

6.9.

| 6.10. | The EESC also proposes that in the new MFF there should be sufficient flexibility to allow the Commission to increase support to civil society organisations if national governments reduce or stop their funding for political reasons. This additional funding should not mean replacing national funding in the long term, but should, if possible, be accompanied by a compensating reduction in support to the Member State in question in other areas. |
| --- | --- |

6.10.

| 6.11. | The EESC also stresses that civil society organisations and initiatives that receive EU funding under the new MFF must make a clear commitment to European values as set out in Article 2 TEU. Organisations advocating the abolition of democracy or the rule of law, racism or xenophobia should be excluded from support. |
| --- | --- |

6.11.

| 6.12. | In view of the changing participation behaviour of citizens and the growing number of informal and spontaneous initiatives, the EESC calls on the EU legislative authorities to further reduce the administrative burden associated with the application, implementation and accounting procedures for EU-supported projects and to make special support instruments available for small initiatives and organisations. |
| --- | --- |

6.12.

| 6.13. | The EESC calls on the European Commission to provide better information on the existing support instruments for civil society. This should be targeted in particular at stakeholders in remote regions of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

6.13.

| 6.14. | In order to improve compliance with the eligibility conditions for support and the principles of sound financial management by civil society actors, the EESC calls on the European Commission to increase investment in capacity-building for civil society. |
| --- | --- |

6.14.

| 6.15. | The EESC proposes that civil society cross-border networking instruments be created or reinforced. |
| --- | --- |

6.15.

| 6.16. | The EESC calls on the Member States to introduce measures to support civil society organisations, without undermining public services and tax justice. One such measure, taking into account NGOs’ ability to contribute, could be allowing limited tax deductibility for membership fees and support contributions. |
| --- | --- |

6.16.

| 6.17. | The EESC calls on the Commission to make proposals for better implementing the directive on work-life balance for parents and carers (5) in order to value volunteering and civic engagement in professional life. |
| --- | --- |

6.17.

| 6.18. | The EESC supports the Parliament’s call to the Commission to present a proposal for the creation of a European statute for mutual societies, associations and foundations (6). A complementary European legal statute or an alternative system of formal interinstitutional accreditation as a first step would help civil society organisations which no longer have sufficient legal protection in their Member States. |
| --- | --- |

6.18.

| 6.19. | In the EESC’s view, it would be a good idea to find out why this issue has been left in abeyance and, at the same time, to consider drawing up an interinstitutional authorisation, a kind of label for NGOs. The EESC should explore this possibility. |
| --- | --- |

6.19.

| 6.20. | The EESC calls on the EU institutions to implement the provisions of Article 11 TEU and to further strengthen participatory democracy at Union level through the involvement of representative associations and civil society, moving from consultation to a true dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

6.20.

| 6.21. | To prevent citizens from losing trust in the European Institutions it is important that European policy achieves concrete improvements in people’s everyday lives and that people know this. |
| --- | --- |

6.21.

| 6.22. | A resilient civil society needs a sound social environment. National and European policy-makers must tackle this and ensure social sustainability, with inclusive education systems, inclusive growth, competitive and innovative industries and well-functioning labour markets, fair and just taxation and effective public services and social security systems. Otherwise, civil unrest and abstention from voting or rising extremism will undermine the foundations of liberal democracy. Social and economic rights are indivisible from civil and political rights. |
| --- | --- |

6.22.

| 6.23. | As the pillars underpinning civil society, strong social partners are of crucial importance in stabilising European democracies. However, civil society in all its diversity is needed to defend the core European values. |
| --- | --- |

6.23.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  E.g. Case C-619/18, Commission v Poland; Case in process: C-78/18 Commission v Hungary.

1

(2)  OJ C 34, 2.2.2017, p. 8.

2

(3)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 173.

3

(4)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 178.

4

(5)  COM(2017) 253; OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 44.

5

(6)  EP declaration, 10 March 2011.

6

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/31 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/31

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The WhiteDoveWay — Proposal for an EU-led global peace-building strategy’

(own-initiative opinion)

(2019/C 228/05)

Rapporteur: Jane MORRICE

| Plenary Assembly decision | 15.2.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure
  Own-initiative opinion |
| Section responsible | External Relations |
| Adopted in section | 15.1.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 160/3/2 |

Plenary Assembly decision

15.2.2018

Legal basis

Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Own-initiative opinion

Section responsible

External Relations

Adopted in section

15.1.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

160/3/2

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Union was built on a mission of peace. It won the Nobel Peace Prize but cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Instead, the greatest peace project in modern time should take its rightful place as global leader and role model building peace in Europe and the world. With serious existential challenges facing Europe today, comprehensive renewal in the EU institutions and 100 years since the end of World War 1, there is no better moment in the history of European integration for the EU to lead the way by charting a new direction for peace-building worldwide. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The WhiteDoveWay is a metaphorical and physical route map pointing the way forward. It proposes a dynamic new EU-led Global Peace-building Strategy focusing on conflict prevention, civil society involvement, and effective communication using education and information, and a European Path of Peace, stretching from Northern Ireland to Nicosia, to physically engage citizens so they are included in the EU peace process and empowered to achieve its goal. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | To achieve this, the EESC is calling for the new EU budget to devote greatly increased funds to conflict prevention in all EU external relations peace programmes and for greater coherence and cohesion between internal and external trade, aid, development and security policies. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC strongly recommends greater involvement of civil society in the decision-making process, similar to EU peace-building initiatives around the world, such as the EU PEACE Programme in Northern Ireland, which benefit from active input from business, trade unions and the voluntary sector. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | Reflecting the success of Erasmus, the EESC calls for a serious communication effort to promote the role of education and information to deliver the EU peace-building story, to facilitate learning between internal and external NGOs, and to create a ‘WHITE DOVE’ branding of EU peace projects to increase visibility at home and abroad. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | To actively engage citizens, the EESC proposes a path of peace from Northern Ireland to Nicosia linking two divided islands on either side of Europe. As evidenced by the success of Cultural Routes, such as Compostela, travellers make such journeys as a pilgrimage or to discover more about different cultures through human interaction. On the WhiteDoveWay, they will also learn the legacy of peace which created the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | ‘White dove’ is the English translation of the name ‘Columbanus’, the Irish pilgrim described as the patron saint of European unity. He is also the patron saint of motorcyclists. Following his original path from Ireland to France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, the WhiteDoveWay will go through places of former war and conflict, such as the Western Front, South Tyrol and the Balkans. It will also be a ‘virtual’ trail offering a high-tech history book of the EU journey from war to peace and encouraging a way of living and learning represented by the EU values of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The EESC urges the EU to create a new Global Peace-building Strategy with three strands: |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

Strand 1 – conflict prevention, civil society, coherence

| — | doubling of peace building funding in all related EU policies with a focus on conflict prevention, reconciliation and intercultural dialogue promoting tolerance and respect at home and abroad; |
| --- | --- |

—

doubling of peace building funding in all related EU policies with a focus on conflict prevention, reconciliation and intercultural dialogue promoting tolerance and respect at home and abroad;

| — | structured involvement of civil society at all levels of decision-making in EU external relations policies and programmes relating to peace-building; |
| --- | --- |

—

structured involvement of civil society at all levels of decision-making in EU external relations policies and programmes relating to peace-building;

| — | greater cohesion and coherence between the EU defence, aid, trade and conflict resolution strategies in all those countries where the EU operates worldwide; |
| --- | --- |

—

greater cohesion and coherence between the EU defence, aid, trade and conflict resolution strategies in all those countries where the EU operates worldwide;

| — | youth programmes, such as Erasmus and Solidarity Corps, to include components relating to peace-building, European citizenship, mutual respect and tolerance; |
| --- | --- |

—

youth programmes, such as Erasmus and Solidarity Corps, to include components relating to peace-building, European citizenship, mutual respect and tolerance;

| — | greater coordination at inter-agency and inter-state level and exchange of experience with grassroots local, national and international state and non-state peace-building organisations. |
| --- | --- |

—

greater coordination at inter-agency and inter-state level and exchange of experience with grassroots local, national and international state and non-state peace-building organisations.

Strand 2 – Information, Communication, Education (ICE)

| — | the training of mediation, negotiation and dialogue between local, national and international peace-building NGOs; |
| --- | --- |

—

the training of mediation, negotiation and dialogue between local, national and international peace-building NGOs;

| — | incentives to encourage the learning and teaching of European integration, peace-building and civic engagement at tertiary, secondary and primary level EU-wide; |
| --- | --- |

—

incentives to encourage the learning and teaching of European integration, peace-building and civic engagement at tertiary, secondary and primary level EU-wide;

| — | the creation of European centres for peace-building in Belfast and Nicosia and learning ‘hubs’ connecting strategic sites along the WhiteDoveWay; |
| --- | --- |

—

the creation of European centres for peace-building in Belfast and Nicosia and learning ‘hubs’ connecting strategic sites along the WhiteDoveWay;

| — | official EU recognition of the White Dove symbol as the ‘trade mark’ for all EU peace projects and increased obligation on projects to publicise EU support; |
| --- | --- |

—

official EU recognition of the White Dove symbol as the ‘trade mark’ for all EU peace projects and increased obligation on projects to publicise EU support;

| — | greater effort at EC level to publicise EU peace projects using the White Dove ‘brand’. |
| --- | --- |

—

greater effort at EC level to publicise EU peace projects using the White Dove ‘brand’.

Strand 3 – European path of peace

The creation of an EU White Dove Task Force to initiate and support:

| — | consultation with local councils, regional bodies, other established routes, such as the WesternFrontWay, museums and cultural sites connected by the WhiteDoveWay; |
| --- | --- |

—

consultation with local councils, regional bodies, other established routes, such as the WesternFrontWay, museums and cultural sites connected by the WhiteDoveWay;

| — | closer collaboration with international organisations such as UN, Unesco, OSCE and Council of Europe; |
| --- | --- |

—

closer collaboration with international organisations such as UN, Unesco, OSCE and Council of Europe;

| — | networking with marathon, walking, cycling, motorcycling and other citizen initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

—

networking with marathon, walking, cycling, motorcycling and other citizen initiatives;

| — | Supporting the Friends of Columbanus’ application to the Council of Europe for official recognition as a European Cultural Route which would be one of the links within the WhiteDoveWay; |
| --- | --- |

—

Supporting the Friends of Columbanus’ application to the Council of Europe for official recognition as a European Cultural Route which would be one of the links within the WhiteDoveWay;

| — | preparing logistics to build a path linking Ireland to Cyprus through former conflict zones with ‘branches’ to places which have made significant contributions to peace such as Scandinavian countries, Central and Eastern Europe; |
| --- | --- |

—

preparing logistics to build a path linking Ireland to Cyprus through former conflict zones with ‘branches’ to places which have made significant contributions to peace such as Scandinavian countries, Central and Eastern Europe;

| — | financial and technical support for a ‘virtual reality’ WhiteDoveWay for use in schools and colleges throughout Europe as a high-tech history textbook of the future; |
| --- | --- |

—

financial and technical support for a ‘virtual reality’ WhiteDoveWay for use in schools and colleges throughout Europe as a high-tech history textbook of the future;

| — | support for an interactive online version of the WhiteDoveWay linking sites and hubs of peace-building, including storytelling, for those unable to make the journey on foot. |
| --- | --- |

—

support for an interactive online version of the WhiteDoveWay linking sites and hubs of peace-building, including storytelling, for those unable to make the journey on foot.

2.   Background

| 2.1. | The serious challenges facing the EU of today are threatening the very core of the European ideal. The refugee and immigration surge, the financial fallout, austerity, extremism, security threats, the rise of political polarisation and the impact of Brexit have shaken the EU’s very foundations. The EU’s lack of appropriate response cannot continue if the longest reign of peace in Europe is to be preserved. Given this highly volatile situation, the EU must respond with positive, ambitious, creative, constructive action and a vision reflecting the core mission of the European project – the promotion and maintaining of peace. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | The success of the EU peace project means that new generations of Europeans are far removed from the reality of war. By reminding citizens of its origins, the EU recreates a binding ideal which will enhance the credibility of the EU and its mission. To accomplish this, the EU must step up its peace-building effort not only across the world but within Europe itself. By exchanging stories of grassroots conflict resolution, compromise and consensus across different cultures, communities and countries, the EU can reinforce and promote its core values of freedom, justice, equality, tolerance, solidarity and democracy at home and abroad. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | Those outside the EU should see it as a global champion of peace, democracy and human rights. However, conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and beyond force us to look critically at the EU response to the humanitarian crises which follow in the wake of military action. To accomplish its stated aims and principles, the EU has a moral obligation, above and beyond geopolitical or economic interests, to protect the lives of innocent victims caught up in conflict, particularly children. EU funds can make a significant contribution to improving lives in these zones but the results are limited. By focusing on conflict prevention in areas where peace and security are threatened, and working closely with civil society, the EU can ensure greater grassroots engagement and increase the likelihood of lasting peace. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | Based on the premise that every euro invested in peace saves EUR 7 in defence, the EESC urges the EU to prioritise peace-building in its proposals for the new EU budget (MFF 2021-27). The new EUR 10 billion ‘European Peace Facility’ proposed by the EC should have a genuine peace-building strand actively involving local and international civil society stakeholders, two-way practitioner exchange, hubs for knowledge transfer and a strategy to communicate its message worldwide. The EESC also calls for full implementation of the 2016 Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy – preventing conflict, promoting human security, addressing the root causes of instability and working towards a safer world. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

3.   The context – commemorate, celebrate, communicate

| 3.1. | In the year that marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1, EU citizens not only commemorated the fallen but also considered the cost of conflict. By understanding the path that led to peace, policy-makers learn the lessons of history and how the processes of peace took root. Commemoration of key times of peace are reminiscent of the legacy of war and the spirit of solidarity prevailing in the aftermath. The coming years will see key events marked, such as: 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and peace in Lebanon (2019); 25 years after the Dayton Peace Agreement (2020); 2018 also marked the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and the second anniversary of the Colombian peace accord. By highlighting its support for these agreements, the EU promotes the value of its efforts worldwide. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | To reflect the European Year of Cultural Heritage, attempts to galvanise Europe’s learning from conflict into a force for greater good should include a vital new cultural component. Cultural diplomacy has been highlighted by the EC High Representative, Federica Mogherini, as a key tool for EU international diplomatic relations. Examples from protecting heritage sites to promoting cultural identities and language help create stable polities in which different ethnic/national religious/linguistic groups feel secure and more prepared to peacefully engage. While the virtue of cultural diplomacy in external relations is recognised, with growing intra-European polarisation, the concept is just as applicable to tackle discord within the EU. The sixth-century Irish pilgrim, Columbanus (1), described as the patron saint of a united Europe, provides the legacy, the story and the cultural connection for a new EU global strategy to promote shared understanding and action through peace. As such, this initiative adopts the White Dove international peace symbol in his name. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

4.   The WhiteDoveWay

Combining modern methods of social interaction with ancient ways of spreading the word, the WhiteDoveWay charts a new direction for the EU by connecting its past, present and future.

4.1.   
  Leading the Way – injecting EU leadership into global peace-building

By actively supporting the creation of stable, just, fair and prosperous societies around the world, the EU goes further than promoting peace. While EU efforts may not always be as successful as wished, the promotion of EU values encourages countries experiencing conflict to move beyond violence. The EU PEACE Programme in Northern Ireland, and EU support for the Colombian peace process are valuable examples. Further models of engagement are the 2015 EU Youth Strategy to ensure young people in the EU are not marginalised. Also, by creating greater coherence and cohesion between its cultural, defence, aid, trade and conflict resolution strategies and with international agencies, the EU could take the lead in global peace-building.

4.2.   
  Showing the Way – through Information, Communication and Education (ICE)

Leading by example and promoting its core values, the EU can show the way by engaging more creatively in ICE strategies. Exchange of experience between grassroots peace-builders in Europe and beyond is vital. The establishment of European Peace Centres providing training in mediation, negotiation, dialogue and consensus-building, as proposed in previous opinions (2), and working in partnership with civil society peace-builders is key. By showcasing its work through well-resourced, well-targeted education and information programmes, the EU increases understanding of its role and justifies its efforts to its citizens, showing them the value of multicultural engagement and helping restore their faith in the origin of the European project.

4.3.   
  Walking the Way – a Cultural Route accessible to all

| 4.3.1. | This permanent path of peace, from Northern Ireland to Nicosia, will engage people from all walks of life in a physical and mental effort to forge new friendships and meet others willing to share their experience of conflict. Stretching 5 000 km across Europe, this Cultural Route, following in the footsteps of Columbanus, will go beyond the pilgrim’s original route from Ireland to Italy to pass places profoundly touched by war and conflict, such as the Western Front, South Tyrol and the Balkans, linking people and places along the way.. Travellers will hear stories about the lasting legacy of conflict but also, most importantly, the mechanisms that create peace. The WhiteDoveWay will also set up learning hubs and branches to northern, eastern, central and southern Europe, so walkers can select routes to take in as many site visits as they see fit. The WhiteDoveWay would encourage these ‘branches’ to extend both within and outside the EU, recognising not just physical pathways but cultural links, such as to Scotland and in particular Iona, and the peace-building links to places like Ukraine and the Middle East. It could also find ways to connect to other already well-established routes, such as the Camino de Santiago. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.1.

| 4.3.2. | It will include an online portal creating a virtual and interactive experience with audiovisual components from each site and the same oral history accounts heard on the journey for those who do not have the mobility to walk the WhiteDoveWay. The virtual trail would be used as an educational tool to teach peace-building in schools and further develop moments of creativity and understanding based on relevant local history and potential links into the route to encourage widespread ownership across the EU and beyond. Modelled on technology used for cadet training in civilian protection and conflict prevention, it creates a virtual reality experience of conflict and peace-building. As a technological textbook, this meets the educational requirements of the digital age and supplements age-old teaching techniques which focus more on war-mongers than peace-builders. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.2.

5.   New EU budget (MFF) to maximise peace-building and civil society inclusion

| 5.1. | While there are no simple answers to the search for peace-building solutions, there are ways to change strategies and priorities to mitigate the worst effects of conflict. The renewal of the EU budget provides a valuable opportunity to do so by creating ‘coherence, coordination and complementarity’ between EU peace-building policies and within the EC where the complexity of structures makes practical coordination, between the EEAS and others, difficult. Similarly, there must be coherence between EU trade, aid, security and development policies and recognition of the need to ‘join the dots’ of policy and practice between EU institutions, Member States and other major donors. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

5.2.   
  Focus on conflict prevention

The new EU budget proposals for 2021-2027 relating to external action must give peace building greater priority. These proposals include a 40 % increase for security to EUR 4,8 billion, a new EUR 13 bn Defence Fund, EUR 6,5 bn for ‘military mobility’, through the Connecting Europe Facility, and funding for external action increasing by 26 % to EUR 120 bn. Crucially, the EC proposal for an ‘off-budget’ EUR 10,5 bn ‘European Peace Facility’ for joint engagement in non-EU countries is ideal for ensuring that EU action will be genuinely geared towards conflict prevention. In 2017, the EU adopted a regulation creating new support under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) to foster capacity building of military actors – Capacity Building in support of Security and Development (CBSD). The European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) repeatedly raises concerns about this and the need to have greater civil society input.

5.3.   
  Civil society inclusion – focus on women and youth

It is increasingly accepted that civil society is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness and long–term sustainability of any peace-building strategy. Cooperation with grassroots actors serves not only to increase understanding of conflict from the bottom up, but also local ‘ownership’ of the process by helping promote more ‘conflict-sensitive’ peace-building and positive reinforcement. UN Resolution 2419 highlights the role of young people in negotiating and implementing peace agreements as does UN Resolution 1325 on the role of women. Trade union activity and business, large or small, also has a vital role to play in the mobilisation of civil society. Vulnerable groups, particularly victims, must receive expert attention and the ‘good neighbourly’ approach to relations in the community and the workplace is also important. ‘Structured dialogue’ between the EU and civil society also creates ground-breaking and lasting relationships as evidenced by the EESC in relations with EU neighbours in Africa, Asia and beyond.

5.4.   
  EU awareness-raising

Given that citizen awareness of EU peace-building is limited, the new budget must place greater emphasis on ICE strategies, particularly the use of both traditional and social media. While concern about the dangers of social media and the potential threat to democracies is real, the use of media to bring about positive change is underused. Peace journalism, cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue should receive increased resources in the new EU budget. Education also plays an important role, teaching children and young people not only to ‘tolerate’ but also to respect difference. This has been exemplified by the Special EU Programmes Body and Integrated Education Movement in Northern Ireland.

5.5.   
  Best practice sharing

The EU has vast experience in areas such as South-East Asia, the Middle East, Central America, the Balkans and Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of this has been highly successful, some less so. Learning lessons from history, the EU must respect and promote the ethical approach to intervention as exemplified in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (3) which, by encouraging full participatory processes involving civil society, helps combat exploitation and corruption and promote good governance. These lessons, bad or good, must advise policy. While there is no ‘one size fits all’, there are core principles common to conflict zones which cannot be ignored. This sharing of experience should be better established, particularly between internal and external EU action which has lacked a systematic approach to shared learning so far. This is a missed opportunity and a major policy flaw which must be addressed.

5.6.   
  The way forward

The centenary year of remembrance of war and celebration of peace and cultural heritage marks a timely moment for the EU to re-establish its worth in the world, not just as an economic powerhouse but as a global leader in building, securing and promoting peace. Focusing on peace in the face of the terrorist threat at home and abroad, the EU can look to its own experience as an example of what can be achieved but must be continually nurtured to encourage intercultural dialogue, tolerance, solidarity and mutual respect.

By providing a route map for an EU-led Global Peace-building Strategy alongside a physical and virtual peace trail for travellers, the WhiteDoveWay serves as a beacon showing a way to live, learn and connect in an increasingly globalised world. People, young and old, from different socioeconomic, generational, faith, cultural and community backgrounds, coming together from far corners of the EU and beyond will learn about different cultures and traditions and build new connections based on greater understanding of EU values.

Using the White Dove symbol to signpost the direction of travel, the WhiteDoveWay would not only be a legacy to EU peace-building throughout the world but also a new vision for the EU and a message of hope in increasingly challenging times.

In the politics of peace-building, where there’s a will, there’s a WhiteDoveWay.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The president

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  Sixth century Irish pilgrim described by EU founding father Robert Schuman as ‘the patron saint of all those who seek to build a united Europe’.

1

(2)  EESC opinion on the Northern Ireland peace process, 23.10.2008 (OJ C 100, 30.4.2009, p. 100).

2

EESC opinion on The role of the EU in peace building in external relations: best practice and perspectives, 19.1.2012 (OJ C 68, 6.3.2012, p. 21).

(3)  As mentioned in the EESC opinion on Securing essential imports for the EU – through current EU trade and related policies, 16.10.2013 (OJ C 67, 6.3.2014, p. 47).

3

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/37 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/37

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)’

(2019/C 228/06)

Rapporteurs: Vladimíra DRBALOVÁ

Peter SCHMIDT

Yves SOMVILLE

| Bureau decision | 16.10.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 217/6/8 |

Bureau decision

16.10.2018

Legal basis

Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

217/6/8

Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future

1.   Introduction

| 1.1. | The EESC is a bridge between the EU institutions and its citizens, through the diversity of its members, and as such would like to propose its ambitious vision for the future, with Europe becoming the global leader on sustainable development. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The foundation of the European Union is one of the most successful peace, social and economic projects in European history. Our Europe was founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (1). These values must continue to be at the heart of the EU’s future development and policies. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | Seven decades of peace and stability in Europe is a historic and exceptional achievement. The European project and the construction of the European Union, which have created a union among the peoples of Europe and, step by step, tied European States together with a common purpose, have made this possible. This explains why the EU is still an attractive project for candidate countries and for countries participating in the EU neighbourhood policy. However, Europe must be prepared to face new geopolitical developments. The EESC should play a role in raising awareness of the fact that peace cannot be taken for granted forever. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The single market in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions is at the core of European integration. Therefore it should be able to generate sustainable growth and innovation, attract investment and foster the sustainable competitiveness of its companies in globalised markets. However, it is also important to recognise that the positive impact of the single market has not spread evenly and that not all citizens are in a position to benefit from its wealth. |
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1.4.

| 1.5. | Sustainable growth means that growth should be based not only on quantity but also — in fact even more — on quality, which means (i) no exploitation of the environment or of labour, (ii) fair living conditions, (iii) economic growth measured not only by annual flow, but also by stocks of wealth and their distribution, (iv) meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet, (v) developing economies that allow us to thrive, regardless of whether or not they grow, and (vi) a closed flow of income cycling between households, businesses, banks, government and trade, operating in a social and ecological way. Energy, materials, the natural world, human society, power, and the wealth we hold in common: all are missing from the current model. The unpaid work of carers — principally women — is ignored, though no economy could function without them (2). |
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1.5.

| 1.6. | Sustainable competitiveness, meanwhile, is a model that balances economic prosperity, environmental issues and social inclusiveness. In this context, the sustainability-adjusted global competitiveness index needs to take into consideration two new dimensions — environmental and social (3). |
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1.6.

| 1.7. | The four freedoms, namely the freedom of movement of products, citizens, services and capital, which together enable trade and economic development, employment, creativity and innovation, exchange of skills and development of infrastructure in remote areas, are the essence of Europe. Well-functioning economic freedoms and competition rules go hand in hand with fundamental social rights, but should not undermine them. |
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1.7.

| 1.8. | Nevertheless, the EU is still facing exceptional internal and external economic, social, environmental and political challenges (4) that threaten its existence: protectionism in the single market, social inequalities, populism, nationalism and extremism (5), as well as major shifts on the geopolitical scene and major technological changes. |
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1.8.

| 1.9. | The faster-changing climate, collapsing biodiversity, other environmental risks and the collective failure to deliver successful policies are also a vital threat to Europe’s population, economy and ecosystems. That is why we need a strong EU strategy for the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030. More equal societies have a better environmental record and a greater ability to become increasingly sustainable. |
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1.9.

| 1.10. | There is a clear need to address the demand for quality jobs on the part of citizens all over Europe, especially in regions with high unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, or facing structural changes. This places an obligation on all — institutions, governments, social partners and other civil society organisations — to redefine a sustainable Europe to foster quality job creation. |
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1.10.

| 1.11. | There is an urgent need to enhance access to the labour markets through a correlation between quality job creation and an enhanced education system to create adequate skillsets, for example by means of the dual system. |
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1.11.

| 1.12. | The social and environmental dimensions are intertwined and the economy must be the enabler for social, economic and cultural renewal, not least through the promotion and development of key skills and greater diversification. The UN Agenda 2030 must encourage the private sector to contribute to the achievement of sustainable economic, social and environmental objectives, thereby fostering equitable and sustainable growth of wellbeing for all and the protection of social, human and labour rights (6). |
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1.12.

| 1.13. | The cultural dimension, in all its diversity, of the European project also must be fully recognised in all EU policies. This involves understanding and promoting cultural heritage, integrating a cultural and creative dimension in education and supporting contemporary creation as a driver for cohesion and development. |
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1.13.

| 1.14. | Sustainability is a forward-looking process which must be driven by strong political resolve and the determination to shape a sustainable European Union by shifting our economies towards a resilient and cooperative, resource-efficient, low-carbon and socially inclusive future (7), whereby the behaviours, actions and decisions of governments, companies, workers, citizens and consumers are driven by the realisation of their economic, environmental and social impacts in a responsible manner.






  — | The EESC calls first for an overarching strategy for sustainability in implementing the Agenda 2030, guaranteed by an ambitious EU budget. |
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1.14.

—

The EESC calls first for an overarching strategy for sustainability in implementing the Agenda 2030, guaranteed by an ambitious EU budget.

| — | Competitiveness and sustainability are not in opposition as long as social and environmental aspects are part and parcel of the definition of competitiveness. Competitiveness must not be defined only by quantity and pricing but preferably by also taking into account European values, quality and sustainability, as part of a fully developed and well-functioning single market. |
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—

Competitiveness and sustainability are not in opposition as long as social and environmental aspects are part and parcel of the definition of competitiveness. Competitiveness must not be defined only by quantity and pricing but preferably by also taking into account European values, quality and sustainability, as part of a fully developed and well-functioning single market.

| — | Europe needs a new model of growth, one that is qualitatively different from what we have had thus far, that is more socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable, and able to encourage and accompany convergence of the digital and ecological transitions in our countries and societies. |
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—

Europe needs a new model of growth, one that is qualitatively different from what we have had thus far, that is more socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable, and able to encourage and accompany convergence of the digital and ecological transitions in our countries and societies.

| — | Sustainable investment is a crucial instrument to drive and promote the process of strengthening Europe’s leadership towards a sustainable society. It has to stimulate high-quality job creation, renewable energy, education systems, affordable and accessible green public transport, eco-designed digital technology, research and innovation. |
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—

Sustainable investment is a crucial instrument to drive and promote the process of strengthening Europe’s leadership towards a sustainable society. It has to stimulate high-quality job creation, renewable energy, education systems, affordable and accessible green public transport, eco-designed digital technology, research and innovation.

| — | European companies need to fulfil their role and their responsibilities and act as leaders in the eyes of the rest of the world if the competitiveness and economic sustainability of our European system is redefined in respect of our one and only planet’s boundaries. |
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—

European companies need to fulfil their role and their responsibilities and act as leaders in the eyes of the rest of the world if the competitiveness and economic sustainability of our European system is redefined in respect of our one and only planet’s boundaries.

2.   Peoples’ Europe

| 2.1. | In the eyes of European citizens, Europe is perceived as being less and less of a solution, and more and more of a problem. Nationalism and protectionism are current threats. Faced with the loss of identity and values, and having neglected the cultural dimension of the European project, Europe is not managing to find answers that correspond to the level of local and global issues. |
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2.1.

| 2.2. | Acknowledging citizens’ legitimate concerns and boosting their democratic participation, especially those of young people, are very important. Improving and reforming the existing EU participatory mechanisms and consultation processes is paramount. Youth issues are embedded within the European Pillar of Social Rights, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals, among others.






  — | A structured Civil Dialogue must become a real tool of democratic participation as provided for in Article 11(1) and (2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) (8). |
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2.2.

—

A structured Civil Dialogue must become a real tool of democratic participation as provided for in Article 11(1) and (2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) (8).

| — | The EESC, as the EU institutional representative of organised civil society, will continue to be an active player in the policy-making process. |
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—

The EESC, as the EU institutional representative of organised civil society, will continue to be an active player in the policy-making process.

| — | The European Citizen’s Initiative (ECI), as provided for under Article 11(4) TEU and as the first transnational participatory tool worldwide, also needs further support and improvement. For its part, the EESC has fought for a simpler and more understandable set of rules for its implementation (9), and also acts as a facilitator between the Commission and citizens, in particular by organising the annual ECI Day conference and providing assistance and support to ECI organisers. |
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—

The European Citizen’s Initiative (ECI), as provided for under Article 11(4) TEU and as the first transnational participatory tool worldwide, also needs further support and improvement. For its part, the EESC has fought for a simpler and more understandable set of rules for its implementation (9), and also acts as a facilitator between the Commission and citizens, in particular by organising the annual ECI Day conference and providing assistance and support to ECI organisers.

| — | Youth are to be engaged and to participate in the European political process (10) by promoting broader civic engagement, including through voting, volunteering, joining youth organisations and participating in workplace democracy and social dialogue (11).The EESC will foster youth participation in its activities and develop events targeted at young people, such as ‘Your Europe Your Say’ and the prize for young entrepreneurs. |
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—

Youth are to be engaged and to participate in the European political process (10) by promoting broader civic engagement, including through voting, volunteering, joining youth organisations and participating in workplace democracy and social dialogue (11).The EESC will foster youth participation in its activities and develop events targeted at young people, such as ‘Your Europe Your Say’ and the prize for young entrepreneurs.

| — | Measures should be taken to ensure increased accountability and transparency of decision-making by EU institutions and national governments, also involving the regional and local level, to gain the support of citizens, such as a reform of the Council’s working methods to improve transparency and resolving the accountability and transparency issues linked to the extensive use of closed ‘trilogues’ prior to the adoption of acts at the first and second reading of the ordinary legislative procedure (12) (13). |
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—

Measures should be taken to ensure increased accountability and transparency of decision-making by EU institutions and national governments, also involving the regional and local level, to gain the support of citizens, such as a reform of the Council’s working methods to improve transparency and resolving the accountability and transparency issues linked to the extensive use of closed ‘trilogues’ prior to the adoption of acts at the first and second reading of the ordinary legislative procedure (12) (13).

| — | Institutional mechanisms should be established to increase the impact of EESC opinions in EU policy-shaping and decision-making processes, for instance through enhanced monitoring of the follow-up given to the Committee’s opinions and the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with the EU Council to ensure, inter alia, the systematic provision to Council working groups of information on Committee opinions. |
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—

Institutional mechanisms should be established to increase the impact of EESC opinions in EU policy-shaping and decision-making processes, for instance through enhanced monitoring of the follow-up given to the Committee’s opinions and the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with the EU Council to ensure, inter alia, the systematic provision to Council working groups of information on Committee opinions.

| — | Garnering public support for the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for a new social deal is paramount. |
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Garnering public support for the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for a new social deal is paramount.

3.   Social Europe

| 3.1. | The European Social Model should provide solid and fair protection for all citizens, while alleviating poverty and providing opportunities for everyone to thrive. Decent incomes should narrow the gap between the wealthy and disadvantaged and ensure quality living. Everyone should benefit from decent work standards, equality, improved wellbeing and decreased health disparities within and between countries and across generations. Social inclusion and protection, high-quality jobs, gender equality, good quality, affordable and accessible public health and health care, access to affordable and quality housing, environmental justice, high-quality public education and equal access to culture: these must be the main principles driving national and European political agendas.






  — | A new ‘social deal’ that offers all citizens a fairer and more equal society is indispensable. That is why the EESC calls for a social action programme in order to transpose the UN Agenda 2030 to all levels. |
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3.1.

—

A new ‘social deal’ that offers all citizens a fairer and more equal society is indispensable. That is why the EESC calls for a social action programme in order to transpose the UN Agenda 2030 to all levels.

| — | The EESC calls for a general improvement of and increased investment in education systems and supports a universal entitlement to lifelong learning that enables people to acquire skills and to reskill and upskill; stepping up investments in the institutions, policies and strategies that will support people through future of work transitions; and implementing a transformative and measurable agenda for gender equality are all elements that should receive wide support (14). |
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—

The EESC calls for a general improvement of and increased investment in education systems and supports a universal entitlement to lifelong learning that enables people to acquire skills and to reskill and upskill; stepping up investments in the institutions, policies and strategies that will support people through future of work transitions; and implementing a transformative and measurable agenda for gender equality are all elements that should receive wide support (14).

| — | Public policies and legislative measures must ensure that all European citizens and residents enjoy the same level of protection and can exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms. The EU must improve its policies and actions to ensure gender equality, in addition to guaranteeing that all people facing multiple forms of discrimination have equal opportunities in society. |
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—

Public policies and legislative measures must ensure that all European citizens and residents enjoy the same level of protection and can exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms. The EU must improve its policies and actions to ensure gender equality, in addition to guaranteeing that all people facing multiple forms of discrimination have equal opportunities in society.

| — | In the context of increasing concerns over divergence in the progress of Member States, measures to ensure a minimum wage and minimum income, as part of a process of social convergence in the EU, may constitute an important element of social protection. This would help to achieve a decent standard of living in all countries, while also helping to support growth and for enhancing convergence, or avoiding divergence, within the EU (15). |
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—

In the context of increasing concerns over divergence in the progress of Member States, measures to ensure a minimum wage and minimum income, as part of a process of social convergence in the EU, may constitute an important element of social protection. This would help to achieve a decent standard of living in all countries, while also helping to support growth and for enhancing convergence, or avoiding divergence, within the EU (15).

| — | A sustainable transition requires investment in effective and integrated social protection systems offering quality services (16). |
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—

A sustainable transition requires investment in effective and integrated social protection systems offering quality services (16).

| — | Social dialogue and robust collective bargaining systems between the social partners should prevail as key tools in order to anticipate and manage the transitions and changes. |
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—

Social dialogue and robust collective bargaining systems between the social partners should prevail as key tools in order to anticipate and manage the transitions and changes.

| — | The measures above should help create a level-playing field to facilitate full implementation of the single market. |
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—

The measures above should help create a level-playing field to facilitate full implementation of the single market.

4.   Sustainable Environment

| 4.1. | Environmental risks continue to dominate the results of the annual Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS). This year, they accounted for three of the top five risks by likelihood and four by impact. Extreme weather was the risk of greatest concern, but survey respondents are increasingly worried about environmental policy failure: having fallen in the rankings after Paris, ‘failure of climate-change mitigation and adaptation’ jumped back up to second place in terms of impact this year (17). |
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4.1.

| 4.2. | There will be no life, no jobs and no entrepreneurship on a dead planet. The collapse of biodiversity and climate change therefore mean that it is an absolute prerequisite for the EU to create high-quality jobs (18) and provide a solution beneficial to employers, workers and other representatives of civil society. Delaying adaptation, or not acting at all, could substantially increase the total cost of climate change (19) and its deadly impact on biodiversity, including humanity. |
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4.2.

| 4.3. | The draft European Finance-Climate Pact has been in discussion for several years and is still being discussed. This Pact would allow the EU to maintain its leadership in sustainable development and in the fight against climate change (20).






  — | This strategy must ensure that at least the Paris Agreement has to be fully and immediately implemented and reflected through alignment of the EU’s emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 with the commitment to limit temperature increases to max. 1°C and through ambitious EU climate policies, including a rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels, moving from energy efficiency towards an absolute decrease in energy use. The EU should accelerate the just and sustainable transition to the highest possible level of renewable energy supply (21) which is clean, affordable, supports community ownership and does not lead either to energy poverty or to undermining the sustainable competitiveness of European companies at global level. |
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4.3.

—

This strategy must ensure that at least the Paris Agreement has to be fully and immediately implemented and reflected through alignment of the EU’s emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 with the commitment to limit temperature increases to max. 1°C and through ambitious EU climate policies, including a rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels, moving from energy efficiency towards an absolute decrease in energy use. The EU should accelerate the just and sustainable transition to the highest possible level of renewable energy supply (21) which is clean, affordable, supports community ownership and does not lead either to energy poverty or to undermining the sustainable competitiveness of European companies at global level.

| — | The Finance-Climate Pact must cover all aspects of a climate change policy, such as a just transition to mitigate the effects of change, and compensate for the damages and losses, as well as real policies for adaptation to climate change. |
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—

The Finance-Climate Pact must cover all aspects of a climate change policy, such as a just transition to mitigate the effects of change, and compensate for the damages and losses, as well as real policies for adaptation to climate change.

| — | The EESC reiterates its call for the development of a comprehensive food policy (22) in the EU, with the aim of providing healthy diets from sustainable food systems, linking agriculture to nutrition and ecosystem services, and ensuring supply chains which safeguard public health for all sections of European society. A fair distribution of the added value along the food supply chain is essential. |
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The EESC reiterates its call for the development of a comprehensive food policy (22) in the EU, with the aim of providing healthy diets from sustainable food systems, linking agriculture to nutrition and ecosystem services, and ensuring supply chains which safeguard public health for all sections of European society. A fair distribution of the added value along the food supply chain is essential.

| — | Agriculture could be part of the solution in mitigating climate change (circular economy, CO2 storage, etc.) since it covers a huge part of European territory. Moreover, sustainable agriculture plays an important role in maintaining the socio-economic fabric in rural areas. |
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—

Agriculture could be part of the solution in mitigating climate change (circular economy, CO2 storage, etc.) since it covers a huge part of European territory. Moreover, sustainable agriculture plays an important role in maintaining the socio-economic fabric in rural areas.

| — | EU must transform a linear economy into a circular, carbon-free economy. Circular economy policies should ensure that cycles are long-lasting, small, local and clean. For some specific industrial activities, the size of the loops can tend to be large (23). |
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—

EU must transform a linear economy into a circular, carbon-free economy. Circular economy policies should ensure that cycles are long-lasting, small, local and clean. For some specific industrial activities, the size of the loops can tend to be large (23).

| — | Common standards should be set up and enforced to deliver clean air and water and to protect our oceans. Ambitious measures must be implemented to stop deforestation and biodiversity loss in Europe and globally, and to end the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, including from the Global South. Measures should be taken to bring European consumption levels into line with the Earth’s capacity to produce, including through implementing sufficiency strategies (24). |
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—

Common standards should be set up and enforced to deliver clean air and water and to protect our oceans. Ambitious measures must be implemented to stop deforestation and biodiversity loss in Europe and globally, and to end the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, including from the Global South. Measures should be taken to bring European consumption levels into line with the Earth’s capacity to produce, including through implementing sufficiency strategies (24).

5.   European business as a stronger sustainable global leader

| 5.1. | Business is an enabler for societal and environmental development, and sustainable competitiveness is a necessary pre-condition for companies to play their role in society. Companies are increasingly operating in a sustainable way, based on their own specific circumstances and resources and in collaboration with their stakeholders, to monitor, assess and report on the social, environmental, consumer protection and human rights impacts of their business operations. Europe therefore needs to take an approach in its policies that is in line with its ambition of becoming the global leader in sustainable development. There are already frontrunners among companies in Europe, but they have to be more ambitious and spread this sustainable mind-set across value chains, giving particular encouragement to SMEs. |
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5.1.

| 5.2. | A multitude of new models are transforming the relationship between producers, distributors and consumers. Some of these new models (such as the functional economy, the sharing economy and responsible finance) seek to address other key challenges for people and the planet that are crucial for sustainable development, such as social justice, participatory governance and the conservation of resources and natural capital.






  — | The ongoing fourth industrial revolution is radically modifying the global economy, and particularly manufacturing and industry-related services. Europe needs a true digital transformation to regain global sustainable competitiveness and deliver sustainable growth and jobs. Europe needs an overarching shift to become the most dynamic digital region in the world, taking into account the digital economy’s global nature and business integration in global value chains. |
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5.2.

—

The ongoing fourth industrial revolution is radically modifying the global economy, and particularly manufacturing and industry-related services. Europe needs a true digital transformation to regain global sustainable competitiveness and deliver sustainable growth and jobs. Europe needs an overarching shift to become the most dynamic digital region in the world, taking into account the digital economy’s global nature and business integration in global value chains.

| — | Supporting such innovative models represents an opportunity for the European Union to become a leader in innovative sustainable economic models that make the idea of economic prosperity inseparable from high-quality social protection and environmental sustainability, and define a ‘European brand’. |
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—

Supporting such innovative models represents an opportunity for the European Union to become a leader in innovative sustainable economic models that make the idea of economic prosperity inseparable from high-quality social protection and environmental sustainability, and define a ‘European brand’.

| — | European companies have to remain innovation and creativity drivers and respect high standards regarding labour, consumers and the environment across Europe. While smart policy-making and good governance have an important part to play in determining the right framework, it is businesses with their workers, in close cooperation with scientists and researchers, which provide innovation and solutions in response to society’s needs. |
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—

European companies have to remain innovation and creativity drivers and respect high standards regarding labour, consumers and the environment across Europe. While smart policy-making and good governance have an important part to play in determining the right framework, it is businesses with their workers, in close cooperation with scientists and researchers, which provide innovation and solutions in response to society’s needs.

| — | A business environment that helps prepare for the future is based on open markets and fair competition, where social and environmental aspects are part of its definition, and that provides enabling and supportive conditions for doing business. |
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—

A business environment that helps prepare for the future is based on open markets and fair competition, where social and environmental aspects are part of its definition, and that provides enabling and supportive conditions for doing business.

| — | Guidance and support must be made available to enable all companies and SMEs in particular, to embrace digitalisation, reversing inadequate trends in technology and innovation investment through awareness-raising, encouraging financing, supporting R&D and investing in adequate skills. |
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Guidance and support must be made available to enable all companies and SMEs in particular, to embrace digitalisation, reversing inadequate trends in technology and innovation investment through awareness-raising, encouraging financing, supporting R&D and investing in adequate skills.

6.   Free and Fair Trade

| 6.1. | EU trade policy is a key factor that applies to the EU as a whole and indeed unites all its Member States. Trade policy has helped the EU to increase its prosperity through commercial exchanges with a wide range of partners. Today the EU is a leading force in world trade, with more than 30 million jobs linked to international commerce (25), a major role in the trade of services and significant trade surpluses in goods, for example with the USA (more than EUR 107,9 billion for the first 11 months of 2018). At the same time, the EU embodies and promotes, through trade, the values of social inclusion and environmental protection that are essential to shaping sustainable globalisation — in other words, a form of globalisation that will benefit not only large companies and investors, but also ordinary people, workers, farmers, consumers and SMEs. |
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6.1.

| 6.2. | The EU aims to promote — multilaterally, bilaterally and unilaterally — a vision of trade policy that combines the traditional mercantilist approach to market access (tariffs and non-tariffs) with sustainable development goals in line with the fight against climate change. |
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6.2.

| 6.3. | EU trade policy has strengthened the role of civil society during both the negotiation phase and the implementation phase thanks to the contributions of the Domestic Advisory Groups. The EESC supports the professionalisation of all organisations that enable citizens to have more say in determining the content of trade agreements and more control over trade partners’ compliance with ‘qualitative’ commitments and standards (26).






  — | Just like its diplomacy and its neighbourhood policy, the EU’s trade policy must reflect and be consistent with its own internal values as the global leader in sustainability. The EU should be able to maintain its competitiveness and manage its alliances with key partners, whilst maintaining, reinforcing and improving its model of high standards in the environmental and social spheres. |
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6.3.

—

Just like its diplomacy and its neighbourhood policy, the EU’s trade policy must reflect and be consistent with its own internal values as the global leader in sustainability. The EU should be able to maintain its competitiveness and manage its alliances with key partners, whilst maintaining, reinforcing and improving its model of high standards in the environmental and social spheres.

| — | The EESC calls in particular for an ambitious trade policy agenda at all three levels, unilateral, bilateral and multilateral — a policy that will create growth and jobs in the EU while promoting a rules-based trade policy at the global level. |
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—

The EESC calls in particular for an ambitious trade policy agenda at all three levels, unilateral, bilateral and multilateral — a policy that will create growth and jobs in the EU while promoting a rules-based trade policy at the global level.

| — | In unilateral terms, the EU should modernise and improve the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and Everything But Arms (EBA) in order to encourage the development of the Least Developed Countries and developing countries. |
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—

In unilateral terms, the EU should modernise and improve the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and Everything But Arms (EBA) in order to encourage the development of the Least Developed Countries and developing countries.

| — | In bilateral terms, the EU should continue to open new markets and increase business opportunities and consumer satisfaction with more partners while ensuring high social and environmental standards in agriculture, industry and services. |
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—

In bilateral terms, the EU should continue to open new markets and increase business opportunities and consumer satisfaction with more partners while ensuring high social and environmental standards in agriculture, industry and services.

| — | In multilateral terms, the EU should play a leading role in the reform of the WTO in order to avoid paralysis of the Appellate Body of the Dispute Settlement Body. The EESC recently adopted an ambitious and forward-looking set of proposals for this reform in the short and medium term (27). The aims are to ensure that the WTO, the sole guardian of international trade, makes a fundamental contribution to achieving the SDGs, maintains consistency between trade rules and international labour standards, and facilitates the fulfilment of commitments made under the Paris Agreement. |
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—

In multilateral terms, the EU should play a leading role in the reform of the WTO in order to avoid paralysis of the Appellate Body of the Dispute Settlement Body. The EESC recently adopted an ambitious and forward-looking set of proposals for this reform in the short and medium term (27). The aims are to ensure that the WTO, the sole guardian of international trade, makes a fundamental contribution to achieving the SDGs, maintains consistency between trade rules and international labour standards, and facilitates the fulfilment of commitments made under the Paris Agreement.

| — | Openness to trade requires effective trade defence instruments and an operational screening mechanism for Foreign Direct Investment in strategic EU sectors. This is of course to protect the EU and its consumers, workers and companies against unfair and predatory trade practices. |
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—

Openness to trade requires effective trade defence instruments and an operational screening mechanism for Foreign Direct Investment in strategic EU sectors. This is of course to protect the EU and its consumers, workers and companies against unfair and predatory trade practices.

| — | It is essential to deepen cooperation at international level with all the relevant organisations (OECD, UNECE, ILO, WTO and so on) in order to efficiently address global challenges including climate change, poverty, fraud, tax evasion and cyberattacks. |
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It is essential to deepen cooperation at international level with all the relevant organisations (OECD, UNECE, ILO, WTO and so on) in order to efficiently address global challenges including climate change, poverty, fraud, tax evasion and cyberattacks.

7.   Public goods and services

| 7.1. | According to Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ‘Everyone has the right to access essential services of good quality, including water, sanitation, energy, transport, financial services and digital communications’ (28). These services cannot operate only according to common competition and market rules: specific rules are essential to ensure that every citizen has affordable access to these services, which are considered essential and are recognised as common values of the Union (29).






  — | Public authorities need to drive sustainable development goals through their public procurement contracts by proactively applying environmental and social procurement criteria as defined in the new European legislation on public procurement. |
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7.1.

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Public authorities need to drive sustainable development goals through their public procurement contracts by proactively applying environmental and social procurement criteria as defined in the new European legislation on public procurement.

| — | Basic public services (30) such as education, health, childcare and public transport, and public goods such as clean drinking water, clean air and unspoiled soil, etc., must be accessible for all, at affordable costs. |
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—

Basic public services (30) such as education, health, childcare and public transport, and public goods such as clean drinking water, clean air and unspoiled soil, etc., must be accessible for all, at affordable costs.

8.   Fair taxation

| 8.1. | Tax policy in the EU has two components: direct taxation, which remains the sole responsibility of the Member States, and indirect taxation, which affects free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services in the single market. With regard to direct taxation, the EU has nevertheless established some harmonised standards for company and personal taxation, whilst Member States have taken joint measures to prevent tax avoidance and double taxation. Nevertheless, the EU must continue to promote a fair tax system that requires individuals and legal entities to pay tax on their income and profits proportionally. Concerning indirect taxation, the EU coordinates and harmonises law on value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties. It ensures that competition in the internal market is not distorted by variations in indirect taxation rates and by systems giving businesses in one country an unfair advantage over others. |
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8.1.

| 8.2. | Lack of transparency, discrimination, distortion of competition and harmful tax practices increase economic inequalities and reduce investments and jobs, leading to social dissatisfaction, mistrust and a democratic deficit. This is why a fair EU taxation policy should be implemented in keeping, and not in contradiction, with the overarching strategy of sustainability in order to promote economic and social convergence, social cohesion and investment in sustainable development.






  — | The necessary reform of EMU should include greater tax coordination between its members and a unified representation of the euro in international organisations. |
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8.2.

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The necessary reform of EMU should include greater tax coordination between its members and a unified representation of the euro in international organisations.

| — | The EESC supports fair taxation and the fight against fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and the financial practices of tax havens; a common objective of EU institutions, governments and business must be to work together in order to put in place efficient mechanisms such as the two anti-tax avoidance directives (31). |
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—

The EESC supports fair taxation and the fight against fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and the financial practices of tax havens; a common objective of EU institutions, governments and business must be to work together in order to put in place efficient mechanisms such as the two anti-tax avoidance directives (31).

| — | Coordination in the fight against fraud and tax evasion should include measures against corporate base erosion and profit shifting: the European Commission estimated that this accounted for EUR 50-70 billion annually before measures started to be implemented. Non-collected VAT is estimated to be in the region of EUR 150 billion every year. |
| --- | --- |

—

Coordination in the fight against fraud and tax evasion should include measures against corporate base erosion and profit shifting: the European Commission estimated that this accounted for EUR 50-70 billion annually before measures started to be implemented. Non-collected VAT is estimated to be in the region of EUR 150 billion every year.

| — | The EU must cooperate with other economic regions to effectively fight corruption and tax evasion worldwide and to ensure that international rules on corporation tax are clear, transparent, objective and predictable. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EU must cooperate with other economic regions to effectively fight corruption and tax evasion worldwide and to ensure that international rules on corporation tax are clear, transparent, objective and predictable.

| — | The public is increasingly demanding that taxation be used to ensure social cohesion, to combat global warming and to promote sustainable growth. |
| --- | --- |

—

The public is increasingly demanding that taxation be used to ensure social cohesion, to combat global warming and to promote sustainable growth.

| — | The EESC calls for effective and coordinated taxation measures to ensure that all companies pay their fair share of taxes and contribute to national and European public budgets to enable governments to meet their social rights (32). The EESC supports the Commission’s proposal on the establishment of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) (33). |
| --- | --- |

—

The EESC calls for effective and coordinated taxation measures to ensure that all companies pay their fair share of taxes and contribute to national and European public budgets to enable governments to meet their social rights (32). The EESC supports the Commission’s proposal on the establishment of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) (33).

| — | The new business models using internet platforms and other digital tools have resulted in companies relying less on a physical presence in a country. The EESC believes that it is very important to develop new principles on how to attribute corporate profits to an EU country and tax them, in dialogue with trading partners, and to actively participate in the ongoing discussions at OECD/G20 level on a global agreement on the digitalised economy, in order to avoid any escalation of trade and tax tensions between major economic players in the world (34). |
| --- | --- |

—

The new business models using internet platforms and other digital tools have resulted in companies relying less on a physical presence in a country. The EESC believes that it is very important to develop new principles on how to attribute corporate profits to an EU country and tax them, in dialogue with trading partners, and to actively participate in the ongoing discussions at OECD/G20 level on a global agreement on the digitalised economy, in order to avoid any escalation of trade and tax tensions between major economic players in the world (34).

9.   Governance

| 9.1. | Driving the transformation towards sustainable development requires a new governance approach and new rules and instruments, when defining and implementing EU policies. Sustainable development requires a holistic and cross-sector policy approach to ensure that economic, social and environmental challenges are addressed together.






  — | The EU needs to ensure that all its internal and external policies are coherent and aligned with the SDGs, so that the principles of efficiency, proportionality and sustainability are duly considered. |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.1.

—

The EU needs to ensure that all its internal and external policies are coherent and aligned with the SDGs, so that the principles of efficiency, proportionality and sustainability are duly considered.

| — | The use of the European Commission’s better regulation tools is another way to ensure further mainstreaming of sustainable development in European policies. All Commission impact assessments must evaluate environmental, climate, social and economic impacts so that sustainability is duly considered and factored in. Ex post evaluations must also analyse all three dimensions in a strong integrated approach. Social partner consultations are also required, respecting Treaty provisions requesting the specific consultation of labour and management in relation to legislation on social issues (Art. 154 (2)); consultations with the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of Regions and national parliaments form another component of the better regulation toolbox to meet the inclusiveness requirement that is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. |
| --- | --- |

—

The use of the European Commission’s better regulation tools is another way to ensure further mainstreaming of sustainable development in European policies. All Commission impact assessments must evaluate environmental, climate, social and economic impacts so that sustainability is duly considered and factored in. Ex post evaluations must also analyse all three dimensions in a strong integrated approach. Social partner consultations are also required, respecting Treaty provisions requesting the specific consultation of labour and management in relation to legislation on social issues (Art. 154 (2)); consultations with the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of Regions and national parliaments form another component of the better regulation toolbox to meet the inclusiveness requirement that is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.

| — | Taking into account the sustainable development goals, the REFIT Platform and impact assessments and evaluations must help to ensure that legislation is favourable to business and citizens. These tools should, in the future, continue to use all available sources, including civil society, to assess how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EU legislation in view of its objectives. These tools should contribute to extensive regulatory improvement of sustainable development in all its dimensions, aiming not only to simplify and reduce unnecessary burdens and to ensure effective achievement of legislative objectives without lowering them, but also to help to review, validate, amend, enhance or better enforce existing legislation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Taking into account the sustainable development goals, the REFIT Platform and impact assessments and evaluations must help to ensure that legislation is favourable to business and citizens. These tools should, in the future, continue to use all available sources, including civil society, to assess how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EU legislation in view of its objectives. These tools should contribute to extensive regulatory improvement of sustainable development in all its dimensions, aiming not only to simplify and reduce unnecessary burdens and to ensure effective achievement of legislative objectives without lowering them, but also to help to review, validate, amend, enhance or better enforce existing legislation.

| — | The European Semester as the EU’s economic governance framework has some focus on employment and social performance, but it is weak on the dangers presented by climate change and on the EU’s progress towards reaching the Paris targets, as reported in the Annual Growth Survey 2019 (35). The EESC calls for a forward-looking sustainable development strategy embedded in a Sustainable Development Cycle, based on complementary social, economic and environmental indicators and targets. |
| --- | --- |

—

The European Semester as the EU’s economic governance framework has some focus on employment and social performance, but it is weak on the dangers presented by climate change and on the EU’s progress towards reaching the Paris targets, as reported in the Annual Growth Survey 2019 (35). The EESC calls for a forward-looking sustainable development strategy embedded in a Sustainable Development Cycle, based on complementary social, economic and environmental indicators and targets.

| — | Social dialogue must be recognised as a tool for implementing the development agenda. Social dialogue requires an enabling environment and an effective institutional framework. This begins with respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. The EU should work with the social partners to promote sound industrial relations practices and smoothly functioning labour administrations. |
| --- | --- |

—

Social dialogue must be recognised as a tool for implementing the development agenda. Social dialogue requires an enabling environment and an effective institutional framework. This begins with respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. The EU should work with the social partners to promote sound industrial relations practices and smoothly functioning labour administrations.

| — | The European Union should strengthen its ties with the Member States and regain the trust of its citizens through a well-implemented Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach that enables integrated local development and the involvement of citizens and their organisations at grassroots level. The EESC is convinced that CLLD could have many advantages as a successful European local development tool (36). |
| --- | --- |

—

The European Union should strengthen its ties with the Member States and regain the trust of its citizens through a well-implemented Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach that enables integrated local development and the involvement of citizens and their organisations at grassroots level. The EESC is convinced that CLLD could have many advantages as a successful European local development tool (36).

10.   A comprehensive approach to migration policy

| 10.1. | The debate on the future of a sustainable Europe cannot ignore Europe’s approach to migration. Demographic developments show that Europe will need migrants, their talent, skills and entrepreneurial potential. There is an urgent need to change the narrative and policies on migration based on closer cooperation with third countries, to ensure a rational debate on the basis of facts. Refugees and migrants should be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity for Europe’s economic and social model (37). For this we need a comprehensive approach and strategy for migration.






  — | The EU should adopt policies and measures that endorse safe, orderly and regular migration and also strengthen inclusion and social cohesion. The EU should work in closer coordination with the ILO as far as the labour migration and integration programmes are concerned. |
| --- | --- | --- |

10.1.

—

The EU should adopt policies and measures that endorse safe, orderly and regular migration and also strengthen inclusion and social cohesion. The EU should work in closer coordination with the ILO as far as the labour migration and integration programmes are concerned.

| — | The EESC calls for safe, legal routes for refugees when they come to the EU. A coordinated approach from all Member States and European and national stakeholders, based on shared responsibility, fair allocation, convergence and respect for fundamental rights, is needed to include more options for family reunification, relocation and resettlement. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EESC calls for safe, legal routes for refugees when they come to the EU. A coordinated approach from all Member States and European and national stakeholders, based on shared responsibility, fair allocation, convergence and respect for fundamental rights, is needed to include more options for family reunification, relocation and resettlement.

| — | Non-integration bears economic, socio-cultural and political risks and costs. Hence, investment in migrant integration is the best insurance policy against potential future costs, problems and tensions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Non-integration bears economic, socio-cultural and political risks and costs. Hence, investment in migrant integration is the best insurance policy against potential future costs, problems and tensions.

| — | Integration is a two-way process and the host community and migrants have rights and duties; therefore the responsibility needs to be shared between them both. It is neither fair nor sustainable to expect newcomers to integrate unaided in the face of considerable social, cultural, and economic barriers. To facilitate this process, public policies should tackle the fears, concerns and worries of diverse sections of the population in EU societies in order to avoid anti-EU and xenophobic discourses. To do so, the relevant policies should include a clear, consistent and reasoned set of obligations, as well as a consistent denunciation of anti-migrant rhetoric and behaviours. |
| --- | --- |

—

Integration is a two-way process and the host community and migrants have rights and duties; therefore the responsibility needs to be shared between them both. It is neither fair nor sustainable to expect newcomers to integrate unaided in the face of considerable social, cultural, and economic barriers. To facilitate this process, public policies should tackle the fears, concerns and worries of diverse sections of the population in EU societies in order to avoid anti-EU and xenophobic discourses. To do so, the relevant policies should include a clear, consistent and reasoned set of obligations, as well as a consistent denunciation of anti-migrant rhetoric and behaviours.

| — | War, climate change and lack of prospects in third countries may create a continued and even increased influx of refugees and migrants. Limiting push factors for migration in general is a global challenge. There will be increased migration (including climate refugees) of all types due to the growing phenomenon of displaced people. For that, the EU must be better prepared to coordinate their distribution across the Member States. The EESC has already highlighted how unbalanced economic processes can add to destabilisation in this context. Therefore the EESC supports the position that the Lisbon Treaty provides a sufficiently broad mandate to revise immigration policy in order to regulate the status of ‘environmentally displaced individuals’. |
| --- | --- |

—

War, climate change and lack of prospects in third countries may create a continued and even increased influx of refugees and migrants. Limiting push factors for migration in general is a global challenge. There will be increased migration (including climate refugees) of all types due to the growing phenomenon of displaced people. For that, the EU must be better prepared to coordinate their distribution across the Member States. The EESC has already highlighted how unbalanced economic processes can add to destabilisation in this context. Therefore the EESC supports the position that the Lisbon Treaty provides a sufficiently broad mandate to revise immigration policy in order to regulate the status of ‘environmentally displaced individuals’.

11.   The EU Budget

| 11.1. | The EESC recognises the high European added value of the programmes where the Commission’s proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 concentrate the main increases in expenditure (R+D+I, Erasmus+). However, the Committee questions the fact that these increases are made at the cost of substantial cuts to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to cohesion policy and to the common agricultural policy (CAP), due to efforts to reduce the EU budget, which decreases from 1,16 % of the gross national income (GNI) of the EU-27 in the current budget, to only 1,11 % in the MFF post 2020. |
| --- | --- |

11.1.

| 11.2. | The EESC questions the proposed cuts in planned commitments for the CAP. These cuts will make it impossible to implement a model of sustainable rural development, a global objective of the new reform of the CAP, and other objectives included in the Commission’s recent communication on the future of food and agriculture. |
| --- | --- |

11.2.

| 11.3. | Unfortunately, the Commission’s proposal seems excessively geared towards preserving the status quo, and the EESC regrets the mismatch between the nature and scale of the new challenges facing the EU, and its ambitions, and the resources available to achieve them. |
| --- | --- |

11.3.

| 11.4. | People’s distrust of national and European democratic institutions is leading to the rise of political movements that question democratic values and principles and the EU itself. Some of these political movements are now part of some EU Member States’ governments.






  — | To face the economic, social and environmental priorities, new as well as ongoing, the EU needs, in this politically critical moment, a strong EU Budget. The Commission proposal on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 is modest and unambitious. Like the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, the EESC calls for resources to be set at 1,3 % of GNI and for revenues to come mostly from the EU’s own resources, establishing the tax figures proposed by the High Level Group on Own Resources (HLGOR), chaired by Mario Monti (38). |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.4.

—

To face the economic, social and environmental priorities, new as well as ongoing, the EU needs, in this politically critical moment, a strong EU Budget. The Commission proposal on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 is modest and unambitious. Like the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, the EESC calls for resources to be set at 1,3 % of GNI and for revenues to come mostly from the EU’s own resources, establishing the tax figures proposed by the High Level Group on Own Resources (HLGOR), chaired by Mario Monti (38).

| — | In the EESC’s view, resources have to be transferred to the Member States in accordance with criteria of distributive justice to restore the path of economic and social convergence that was interrupted by the crisis (39). |
| --- | --- |

—

In the EESC’s view, resources have to be transferred to the Member States in accordance with criteria of distributive justice to restore the path of economic and social convergence that was interrupted by the crisis (39).

| — | The EESC considers it necessary for the next MFF to increase funding to allow for (i) the implementation by the Member States of the Gothenburg Declaration on the European Pillar of Social Rights to stimulate the creation of quality jobs in the context of sustainable development, (ii) the realisation of the UN Agenda 2030, and (iii) the implementation of the Paris Agreement promoting just transitions towards green and digitised societies. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EESC considers it necessary for the next MFF to increase funding to allow for (i) the implementation by the Member States of the Gothenburg Declaration on the European Pillar of Social Rights to stimulate the creation of quality jobs in the context of sustainable development, (ii) the realisation of the UN Agenda 2030, and (iii) the implementation of the Paris Agreement promoting just transitions towards green and digitised societies.

| — | The EU needs ambitious budgets that are instruments of policies that develop a clear strategy for strengthening the Union, with more integration, more democracy, stronger support for civil society organisations both within the EU and outside it, greater support for companies in addressing environmental and digital challenges, a stronger social dimension and more support for rural life. Only in this way can the EU limit and overcome internal centrifugal forces and deal with external geopolitical risks. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EU needs ambitious budgets that are instruments of policies that develop a clear strategy for strengthening the Union, with more integration, more democracy, stronger support for civil society organisations both within the EU and outside it, greater support for companies in addressing environmental and digital challenges, a stronger social dimension and more support for rural life. Only in this way can the EU limit and overcome internal centrifugal forces and deal with external geopolitical risks.

| — | The EESC supports the proposal to make the receipt of EU funds by the Member States conditional upon respect for the principle of the rule of law, a fundamental pillar of values of the Union according to Article 2 of the TEU. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EESC supports the proposal to make the receipt of EU funds by the Member States conditional upon respect for the principle of the rule of law, a fundamental pillar of values of the Union according to Article 2 of the TEU.

12.   Communication

| 12.1. | Even the most ambitious political concepts and programmes at EU level will not contribute to overcoming the existing gap between the Union and its citizens if they are not adequately communicated. |
| --- | --- |

12.1.

| 12.2. | This mismatch between initiatives, activities and decisions at EU level and their perception by its citizens leads to a vicious circle of uninformed or ill-informed citizens, with the consequence that populism is increasing in most of the Member States. At the same time, we are observing the emergence of anti-Europe sentiment on the part of some sectors of the population, something which undermines the continuing work on building the European project. |
| --- | --- |

12.2.

| 12.3. | Therefore, a comprehensive common communication strategy for all EU institutions, at all levels, including all civil society players, is urgently needed in order to combat this lack of information, as well as deliberately misleading information. |
| --- | --- |

12.3.

| 12.4. | An effective communication policy has to take the form of a real dialogue between those who provide the information and those who receive this information, to avoid a top-down approach. |
| --- | --- |

12.4.

| 12.5. | Substantial, credible and lively information on European topics helps to create awareness and to generate interest in European matters. |
| --- | --- |

12.5.

| 12.6. | The EESC, as a bridge between EU and its citizens and through its 350 members, should serve as a facilitator for such coordinated measures. The diversity of the EESC’s members is a major advantage in terms of getting into contact with a maximum of citizens everywhere in Europe. In particular, more attention should be paid to youth.






  — | The pivotal role of the EESC in bridging the gap with European citizens must be better recognised and supported by the EU. |
| --- | --- | --- |

12.6.

—

The pivotal role of the EESC in bridging the gap with European citizens must be better recognised and supported by the EU.

| — | The EU must also decentralise its citizens’ dialogues so that municipalities and regions can begin to develop a joint European purpose and identity. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EU must also decentralise its citizens’ dialogues so that municipalities and regions can begin to develop a joint European purpose and identity.

| — | EU policies should be much more responsive to proposals by citizens, communities and civil society organisations, giving them a reason to be involved. |
| --- | --- |

—

EU policies should be much more responsive to proposals by citizens, communities and civil society organisations, giving them a reason to be involved.

| — | The EESC should evaluate the implementation of EU policies in the Member States each year, on the basis of the policy objectives set out in this opinion, in order to provide concrete responses to citizens on the impact of EU membership on their daily lives. |
| --- | --- |

—

The EESC should evaluate the implementation of EU policies in the Member States each year, on the basis of the policy objectives set out in this opinion, in order to provide concrete responses to citizens on the impact of EU membership on their daily lives.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  Treaty on the European Union, Article 2.

1

(2)  This definition of sustainable growth comes from Kate Raworth, of Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute, and her concept of ‘doughnut economics’, a breakthrough alternative to growth economics, and the new sustainable economic model for the 21st century that could help end inequality — https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

2

(3)  This definition is based on the work of Sten Thore and Ruzanna Tarverdyan on sustainable competitiveness: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162516000664?via%3Dihub

3

(4)  EESC Opinion of 18 October 2017 on ‘The transition towards a more sustainable European future’ (OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 44).

4

(5)  European Parliament Resolution of 25 October 2018 on ‘The rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe’.

5

The rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe

(6)  EESC Opinion of 7 December 2017 on ‘The core role of trade and investment in meeting and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 27).

6

(7)  EESC Opinion of 21 September 2016 on ‘Sustainable development: a mapping of the EU’s internal and external policies’ (OJ C 487, 28.12.2016, p. 41).

7

(8)  EESC Opinion of 14 November 2012 on Principles, procedures and action for the implementation of Articles 11(1) and 11(2) of the Lisbon Treaty (OJ C 11, 15.1.2013, p. 8).

8

(9)  EESC Opinion of 13 July 2016 on The European Citizens’ Initiative (review) (OJ C 389, 21.10.2016, p. 35).

9

(10)  Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a European Union Work Plan for Youth for 2016-2018

10

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a European Union Work Plan for Youth for 2016-2018

Eurochild Child Participation Strategy of 5 April 2017

Eurochild Child Participation Strategy

The UN Programme on Youth — Youth Participation in Development — Summary Guidelines for Development Partners.

Youth Participation in Development — Summary Guidelines for Development Partners.

(11)  EESC Opinion of 18 October 2018 on the Communication from the Commission Engaging, connecting and empowering young people: a new EU Youth Strategy (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 142).

11

(12)  EESC Opinion of 17 September 2015 on Improving the Lisbon Treaty (OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 183).

12

(13)  EESC Resolution of 5 July 2017 on the Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe and beyond (OJ C 345, 13.10.2017, p. 11).

13

(14)  ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work — Work for a brighter future of 22 January 2019.

14

Work for a brighter future

(15)  EESC Opinion of 20 February 2019 on the communication from the Commission Annual Growth Survey 2019 — For a stronger Europe in the face of global uncertainty (OJ C 190, 5.6.2019, p. 24).

15

Annual Growth Survey 2019 — For a stronger Europe in the face of global uncertainty

(16)  European Commission Reflection Paper — Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030, of 30 January 2019.

16

(17)  The Global Risk Report 2019 for the world economic forum — executive summary.

17

(18)  EESC Opinion of 25 January 2017 on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10).

18

(19)  OECD — Report on The economic consequences of Climate Change of 2 September 2016.

19

The economic consequences of Climate Change

(20)  EESC Opinion of 17 October 2018 on the European Finance-Climate Pact (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 8).

20

(21)  EESC Opinion of 2 July 2015 on The Paris Protocol — A blueprint for tackling global climate change beyond 2020 (OJ C 383, 17.11.2015, p. 74).

21

(22)  EESC Opinion of 6 December 2017 on Civil society’s contribution to the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 18).

22

(23)  EESC Opinion of 27 April 2016 on the Circular Economy Package (OJ C 264, 20.7.2016, p. 98).

23

(24)  Manifesto for a Sustainable Europe for its Citizens of 28 September 2018.

24

(25)  Communication from the Commission of 14 October 2015 on Trade for All.

25

Trade for All.

(26)  EESC Opinion of 23 January 2019 on The role of Domestic Advisory Groups in monitoring the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 28).

26

The role of Domestic Advisory Groups in monitoring the implementation of Free Trade Agreements

(27)  EESC Opinion of 23 January 2019 on Reforming the WTO to adapt to developments in world trade (OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 15).

27

Reforming the WTO to adapt to developments in world trade

(28)  These services, which the Commission describes as ‘essential services’, and whose 20th principle does not provide an exhaustive list, fall under ‘services of general interest’ subject to public service obligations. The notion of ‘essential services’ does not exist in EU law, which deals only with public services (transport) and services of general interest (economic, non-economic).

28

(29)  The EESC is currently drafting an own-initiative opinion For a better implementation of the Social Pillar, promoting essential services within the framework of the EESC contribution for the Sibiu Summit and beyond.

29

For a better implementation of the Social Pillar, promoting essential services

(30)  EESC Opinion of 17 October 2018 on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 165).

30

(31)  EESC Opinion of 20 September 2017 on A favourable tax system for fair competition and growth (OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 18).

31

(32)  See footnote 31.

32

(33)  EESC Opinion of 20 September 2017 on a Common (Consolidated) Corporate Tax Base (OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 58).

33

(34)  EESC Opinion of 12 July 2018 on The taxation of profits of multinationals in the digital economy (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 73).

34

(35)  See footnote 22.

35

(36)  EESC Opinion of 7 December 2017 on the Advantages of the Community-led Local Development (CLLD) approach for integrated local and rural development (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 36).

36

(37)  EESC Opinion of 12 December 2018 on The costs of non-immigration and non-integration (OJ C 110, 22.3.2019, p. 1).

37

(38)  Final report and recommendations of the High Level Group on Own Resources on the Future financing of the EU — December 2016.

38

Final report and recommendations of the High Level Group on Own Resources on the Future financing of the EU

(39)  EESC Opinion of 19 September 2018 on the Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 106).

39

---

ANNEX

The following amendments, which received at least a quarter of the votes cast, were rejected during the discussions (Rule 59(4) of the Rules of Procedure):

a)   Point 1.5

Amend as follows:

Sustainable growth means that growth should be based not only on quantity but also — in fact even more — on quality, which means (i) no exploitation of the environment or of labour, (ii) fair living conditions, (iii) economic growth measured not only by annual flow, but also by stocks of wealth and their distribution, (iv) meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet, (v) developing economies that allow us to thrive, regardless of whether or not they grow, and (vi) a closed flow of income cycling between households, businesses, banks, government and trade, operating in a social and ecological way. Energy, materials, the natural world, human society, power, and the wealth we hold in common: all are missing from the current model. The unpaid work of carers — principally women — is ignored, though no economy could function without them.


  The concept of sustainable growth refers to growth that recognises not only economic but also social and environmental considerations. Different kinds of economic models have been presented in recent years, for example the ‘doughnut economics’ which aims at meeting the essential needs of all (based on 12 ‘social foundations’) within the means of the planet (defined by 9 ‘planetary boundaries’) Correspondingly, proposals have been made to measure growth with indicators going ‘beyond GDP’.

Reason

The objective is to clarify the fact the fact that the deleted text is not a commonly adopted definition of sustainable growth but refers to the economic model presented by Kate Raworth mentioned in the footnote. In fact, the text does not describe the core idea of this ‘Doughnut’ model either but mingles prerequisites, features, implications and measurement aspects related to it.

Result of the vote:

| For | : | 75 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Against | : | 132 |
| Abstentions | : | 11 |

For

:

75

Against

:

132

Abstentions

:

11

b)   Point 1.6

Amend as follows:

The concept of sustainable competitiveness, meanwhile, refers to
  is a model that balances economic prosperity, environmental issues and social inclusiveness. In this context,This is reflected e.g. in the sustainability-adjusted global competitiveness index by WEF.needs to take into consideration two new dimensions
  —
  environmental and social

Reason

The sustainability-adjusted competitiveness index specifically takes into consideration environmental and social dimensions.

Result of the vote:

| For | : | 64 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Against | : | 147 |
| Abstentions | : | 13 |

For

:

64

Against

:

147

Abstentions

:

13

c)   Box 1 (after point 1.14), 2nd bullet

Amend as follows:

Competitiveness and sustainability are not in opposition as long as social and environmental aspects are part and parcel of the valuation of products and services in the markets.definition of competitiveness. Competitiveness must not be defined only by quantity and pricing but preferably by also taking into account European values, quality and sustainability.

Reason

Competitiveness in the markets is not determined by definitions.

Result of the vote:

| For | : | 66 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Against | : | 148 |
| Abstentions | : | 9 |

For

:

66

Against

:

148

Abstentions

:

9

d)   Box 1 (after point 1.14), 5th bullet

Amend as follows:

European companies, workers, consumers and the whole civil society need to fulfil their role and their responsibilities and act as leaders in the eyes of the rest of the world with respect to sustainability.if the competitiveness and economic sustainability of our European system is redefined in respect of our one and only planet’s boundaries.

Reason

All civil society actors need to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. This holds true irrespective of definitions.

Result of the vote:

| For | : | 56 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Against | : | 138 |
| Abstentions | : | 9 |

For

:

56

Against

:

138

Abstentions

:

9

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/50 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/50

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The future of cohesion policy in the post-2020 period’

(exploratory opinion)

(2019/C 228/07)

Rapporteur: Stefano MALLIA

Co-rapporteur: Ioannis VARDAKASTANIS

| Referrals | Council — Romanian Presidency, 20.9.2018
  Letter from Mr Victor NEGRESCU, Romanian Minister delegate for European affairs |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Articles 304 of the TFEU |
| Section responsible | Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion |
| Adopted in section | 8.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 71/0/1 |

Referrals

Council — Romanian Presidency, 20.9.2018

Letter from Mr Victor NEGRESCU, Romanian Minister delegate for European affairs

Legal basis

Articles 304 of the TFEU

Section responsible

Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion

Adopted in section

8.3.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

71/0/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The EESC considers cohesion policy to be the fundamental pillars for bringing the EU closer to its citizens and for reducing disparities among EU regions and inequalities among people. The EESC is of the firm view that the proposal to reduce the size of the cohesion policy budget for the period 2021-2027 is unacceptable. |
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1.1.

| 1.2. | The EESC believes that there is a need for a new ambitious and clear European strategy that is aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals and has a strong coordination mechanism which can guarantee the firm continuity between the different political cycles. Cohesion policy must form an integral part of this ambitious strategy and therefore cohesion policy itself must be developed in such a way that it has the necessary tools to meet the challenges of the future such as climate change, embracing new technologies, achieving a higher level of competitiveness and managing the transition towards sustainable development whilst creating quality jobs. |
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1.2.

| 1.3. | It is important that whilst embarking on a much needed effort to make cohesion policy future proof, we do not forget about the challenges of today, which continue to impact society greatly. Here we are specifically referring to social challenges, such as the marginalisation and discrimination of minorities and specific ethnic groups, or domestic violence, economic challenges such as access to finance and upskilling, and environmental challenges such as reducing air pollution and managing waste. |
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1.3.

| 1.4. | EU cohesion policy must have a strong territorial approach, aimed at empowering each region with the necessary tools to enhance their competitiveness in a sustainable way. The EESC is of the opinion that all regions must be eligible for funding. On the other hand, the EESC must express in no uncertain manner its disappointment at the weakening of the cross border dynamic within cohesion policy. |
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1.4.

| 1.5. | If Europe is to move to the next level of economic development cohesion policy must increasingly adopt a regionally differentiated approach when it comes to investments and policy responses. The EESC believes that this could contribute to a territorially more tailored approach, that would support at the same time the most isolated and sparsely populated areas (very low population density, islands, mountains etc.) as well as the ‘popular’ and yet challenged functional urban areas in their development. |
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1.5.

| 1.6. | The EESC welcomes the stronger link with the European Semester and also calls for integration with the country-specific recommendations as a means of encouraging structural reforms. The EESC also expects a stronger link between the European level investment strategy and that of Member States. It is important that the funds do not substitute for the efforts of the Member States but complement them. It is also essential that Member States consider carrying forward projects that prove to be successful. |
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1.6.

| 1.7. | The EESC believes that the regulatory package should be much simpler and avoid micromanaging the funds. There should be a differentiation in terms of bureaucratic procedures for operational programmes which are considered to be of a relatively small size vis-à-vis much larger programmes. Whilst, the EESC is calling on the Member State to promote the possibility offered by the actual legislative frameworks of a simplified procedure to access funds for projects of a small size, the EESC would also encourage the Commission to explore further possibilities that could facilitate the participation of smaller actors. |
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1.7.

| 1.8. | The EESC supports the use of financial instruments but calls on the Commission to ensure that when devising such instruments, a thorough test of suitability is carried out to ensure that such instruments are suitable for all Member States and that such instruments can be deployed by SMEs and NGOs. |
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1.8.

| 1.9. | One of the main problems concerning cohesion policy is the lack of effective communication. The EESC calls on the Commission to continue reviewing the current publicity obligations and to upgrade them significantly taking into consideration the modern means of digital communication channels. |
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1.9.

| 1.10. | It is high time that both the Commission and the Member States stopped paying lip service to the aspect of partnership and actually got down to ensuring that there is a strong and meaningful participation by civil society at all stages of the design and implementation of cohesion policy. This should be done by building on the successful partnership experiences that we have gained on local level. |
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1.10.

| 1.11. | The EESC points out that at EU level there is no structured involvement of civil society organisations in the process of monitoring the implementation of cohesion policy. It therefore strongly recommends that the Commission establish a European civil society cohesion forum with the participation of the social partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Through this forum the Commission can consult the social partners and CSOs annually on the state of implementation of cohesion policy throughout the different programming cycles. |
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1.11.

2.   General comments

| 2.1. | The mission of the EU’s cohesion policy as stated in Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) (1) is to strengthen economic and social cohesion by reducing disparities in the level of development between regions. This mission statement must remain at the core of all actions undertaken within the cohesion policy sphere and must be reinforced by the Commission with the Member State authorities responsible for the implementation of cohesion policy. |
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2.1.

| 2.2. | The upcoming changes society is beginning to experience as a result of globalisation and new and future technologies demand a process of adaptation that few countries have started to tackle in depth. It is important that we manage the transition towards the new economic models based on these new and future technologies. The EESC believes that cohesion policy has the means to help tackle the newly emerging challenges, and considers it to be one of the fundamental pillars for bringing the EU closer to its citizens and for reducing disparities among EU regions and inequality among people. |
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2.2.

| 2.3. | The EU budget is a small part of total public expenditure in the EU, accounting for less than 1 % of income and only around 2 % of public expenditure of the EU 28 Member States. During the period 2014-2020, the size of the EU budget was 0,98 % of the EU gross national income. The share of cohesion policy among the total budget of the EU has been around 35 % over this time (2). |
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2.3.

| 2.4. | The EESC is of the firm view that the proposal to reduce the size of the cohesion policy budget for the period 2021-2027 is unacceptable. Cohesion policy is one of the most concrete policies of the EU and one which can have an important direct bearing on the lives of citizens. We cannot expect to ask the people to support more Europe whilst at the same time we reduce the budget of such an important policy. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance that these investments do not substitute for the efforts of the Member States but complement them at both national and regional level. |
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2.4.

| 2.5. | In line with similar calls from the European Parliament, the EESC calls on the Commission to present and push forward an agenda for a strong and effective cohesion policy post-2020 (3). |
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2.5.

| 2.6. | At the same time the EESC calls on the Member States to work towards agreeing to a wider system of EU own resources to make sure that the EU budget is adequately resourced to be able to meet its wider challenges in the times ahead. |
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2.6.

| 2.7. | Although in the overall picture cohesion policy has a relatively small budget, it has proven to bring clear added value. In 2014-2020, cohesion policy mobilised more than EUR 480 billion in investments, which should result, for example, in over 1 million enterprises receiving support, 42 million citizens having access to improved health services, 25 million will benefit from flood and fire prevention, nearly 17 million additional EU citizens connected to waste water facilities, 15 million additional households with broadband access, and more than 420 000 new jobs. 5 million Europeans will also benefit from training and life-long learning programmes, and 6,6 million children will have access to new, modern schools and childcare. The EESC finds that cohesion policy must build on those local examples where the involvement of citizens was considered successful. |
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2.7.

| 2.8. | Moreover, in a number of Member States cohesion policy has proved to be the main source of public investment (4). The indirect effects of cohesion policy, those resulting from the improvements developed for the fulfilment of its requirements (in terms, for example, of transparency, accountability or equality of opportunities) have also benefited Europeans notably. |
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2.8.

| 2.9. | Nonetheless, although Europe has made a lot of progress in terms of developing and pursuing actions to strengthen its economic, social and territorial cohesion, as laid out in the TFEU, it still has a long way to go in the achievement of overall harmonious development. |
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2.9.

| 2.10. | Following the economic crisis, Europe has been able to experience economic growth again, particularly in low-income countries, and regional disparities are finally narrowing in terms of GDP per capita (5). However, differences between regions continue to be wide, and in some cases even growing. Productivity is greater in the most developed countries, and their resilience and capacity to compete in a globalised world is far beyond that of less developed Member States. This situation results in divergences in the social context of the population, such as higher levels of poverty, the number and condition of people in risk of exclusion, or access to and quality of social protection and education, among others. |
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2.10.

| 2.10.1. | Therefore, in order to further reduce economic and social disparities, the EESC believes that cohesion policy must continue to invest in innovation, employment, social inclusion, the environment, inclusive education, health programmes and infrastructures, cutting edge and accessible technology, efficient transport networks and infrastructure. This must be done in order to improve universal access to the job market and create a single market that boosts growth, productivity and specialisation in areas of comparative advantage in all regions. |
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2.10.1.

| 2.10.2. | In the globalised world, enterprises have to compete with companies from low-cost locations as well as highly innovative ones. The EU must support reforms that promote an investment-friendly environment in which businesses can thrive whilst citizens benefit from better working condition. Cohesion funds should be used to provide a better framework for start-ups, entrepreneurs and innovative SMEs and to support family businesses more effectively (6), as well as promoting diversity (gender, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, etc.) so as to become more competitive and further committed to social responsibility. |
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2.10.2.

| 2.11. | There are still many areas related to environmental goals (using less and cleaner energy, developing more efficient infrastructures, decreasing pollution etc.), cross-border security matters, education, social inclusion, accessibility for persons with disabilities, transport, public services, and other obstacles to the free movement of goods, services, people and capital that would benefit from stronger territorial cohesion. |
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2.11.

| 2.11.1. | This is why the EESC considers that all regions must be eligible for funding. EU cohesion policy must be an integral part of a European investment strategy, with a strong territorial approach, aimed at empowering each region with the necessary tools to enhance their competitiveness. It must lead to economic and structural transformation, securing a resilient base in each region, based on their own strengths (7). |
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2.11.1.

| 2.12. | Central to the construction of a common European space, European territorial cooperation (Interreg), in all its forms — cross-border, transnational, interregional and opening to neighbouring countries — is the cornerstone of European integration. It helps prevent Europe’s borders turning into barriers, brings Europeans closer together, helps to resolve common problems, facilitates the sharing of ideas and assets and encourages strategic initiatives aimed at common goals (8). For this reason, the EESC believes that it is essential that Member States continue to carry out joint measures and exchange practices and strategies. |
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2.12.

| 2.12.1. | The EESC regrets (9), however, that cohesion policy still does not offer comprehensive solutions for the challenges facing specific areas with structural and permanent disadvantages (very low population density, islands, mountain regions, etc.) mentioned in Article 174 of the TFEU. The EESC believes that a new mechanism should be developed that allows these areas to effectively tackle their specific and complex challenges. This cannot remain the sole competence of national authorities. Hence, the EESC believes that cohesion policy must encourage cooperation between the Commission and the Member States and their regional and local stakeholders in the way their specific territories are addressed. |
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2.12.1.

| 2.13. | The EU’s priority in relation to sparsely populated areas and outermost regions must be to strengthen the links that connect them with mainland Europe and their citizens’ sense of belonging to the European project. Despite the extremely tight budgetary situation, specific support for the sparsely populated or ORs must not be cut. These regions must have access to appropriate financial resources to allow them to achieve the common European objectives and to compensate for their disadvantages, particularly those linked to their remoteness (10) or its extremely low population density. Therefore, there is a need to include demographic and geographical factors when the fund distribution (‘Berlin method’) and thematic concentration requirements and co-financing rates ((1) most developed, (2) transition and (3) less developed regions) are estimated and decided. The inclusion of these factors could compensate disadvantaged sparsely populated areas and outermost regions with adequate funding quantity and the flexible orientation of the investments. |
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2.13.

| 2.14. | More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this figure is set to rise to 70 % by 2050 (11). While the economic activity of these areas is very high, it is essential that they offer a sustainable, high quality living environment for their citizens. The EESC therefore believes they should continue to receive attention under cohesion policy but also encourages their development in connection with their physical context (polycentric development, urban-rural linkages, etc.). |
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2.14.

3.   Stronger vision in a clearer, more flexible and efficient framework

| 3.1. | The EESC believes that there is a need for a new ambitious and clear European strategy that is aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals as well as with the EU’s other global commitments such as the international agreements (e.g. the Paris Agreements) as well as the UN Conventions (e.g. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and has a strong coordination mechanism which can guarantee the firm continuity between the different political cycles. In this regard, the EESC very much welcomes the Commission’s new reflection paper on a more sustainable Europe by 2030 that opens the discussion in this direction. |
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3.1.

| 3.2. | Cohesion policy must form an integral part of this ambitious strategy and therefore cohesion policy itself must be developed in such a way as to make it future proof, i.e. a policy that has the necessary tools to meet the challenges of the future such as climate change, embracing new technologies, achieving sustainable development and creating quality jobs. |
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3.2.

| 3.3. | In line with the effort to future proof cohesion policy, the EESC calls on the Council and Parliament to persist in the effort to continue revising the system for allocating funds under cohesion policy, specifically taking into account other criteria (beyond GDP). Such criteria should relate to issues such as inequality, migration, unemployment and youth unemployment, competitiveness, climate change, working conditions and demography. |
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3.3.

| 3.4. | It is important that, whilst embarking on a much needed effort to make cohesion policy future proof, we do not forget about the challenges of today, which continue to impact society greatly. Here we are specifically referring to social challenges such as the marginalisation and discrimination of minorities and specific ethnic groups, or domestic violence, economic challenges such as access to finance and upskilling, and environmental challenges such as reducing air pollution and managing waste. |
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3.4.

| 3.5. | In order to enhance the Union’s strategic planning and management, in the course of the development of the aforementioned strategy, the EESC also invites the Commission to integrate the various strategic elements tackled by the Territorial Agenda (12) and Leipzig Charter (13) currently in the process of renewal coordinated by the future German presidency of the Council of the EU. |
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3.5.

4.   Integrated and coordinated delivery

| 4.1. | The EESC believes that Europe (not only at Union level, but also with and within the Member States) needs to work towards clarifying and simplifying its administrative competences because this is how responsibilities can be determined and followed up on more efficiently. Once this is done, European administrations must strengthen cooperation and capacity. |
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4.1.

| 4.1.1. | In this regard, the EESC welcomes the stronger link with the European Semester (14) and also calls for integration with the country-specific recommendations as a means of encouraging structural reforms. The EESC agrees that it is also important to ensure full complementarity and coordination with the new, enhanced Reform Support Programme. The EESC insists on the necessity of an improved governance mechanism that also involves the regional level. |
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4.1.1.

| 4.2. | Europe must work towards creating a simpler, more flexible and effective framework for the implementation of its cohesion policy. One of the EU’s next objectives needs to be that its various cohesion policy funds (agricultural, social, regional, etc.) are governed by a single set of rules that strongly encourages integrated investment by offering simple solutions. The EESC also advocates greater synergy with and between other funding programmes and tools such as Horizon 2020, Connecting Europe Facility, etc. |
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4.2.

| 4.3. | Addressing the various aspects of some of the key challenges (social, environmental, economic, etc.) in an integrated way reflects the needs of reality more accurately. The EESC encourages the Member States to prepare and implement multi-fund programmes. |
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4.3.

| 4.4. | The EESC believes that adopting a place-based approach is essential. The EESC also stresses that involving the local level partners to identify its potential and needs and to launch actions in partnership between all local actors to meet the specific needs identified is the approach that should be encouraged and strengthened. As has rightly been pointed out by the Commission ‘moving to the next level of economic development cannot be accomplished by a one-size-fits all policy, but will require regionally differentiated investments and policy responses’ (15). |
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4.4.

| 4.5. | The EESC call on social factors (such as inequality levels, poverty, migration, education levels, etc.) to be considered when estimating the co-financing rates and thematic concentration requirements of the most developed and transition regions. Taking into consideration these factors at project level would allow the investment in actions for the most vulnerable people (such as persons with disabilities, migrants or unaccompanied minors) which, being disproportionately present in most developed EU cities and regions, are not eligible or rely on excessively high co-financing rates. |
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4.5.

| 4.6. | The EESC finds it essential that the various cohesion policy-related initiatives (strategies and programmes) of the various territorial levels, both horizontal (e.g. macro-regional strategies with transnational programmes) and vertical (between the different territorial levels), are better connected. |
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4.6.

| 4.7. | If we are to continue to implement cohesion policy primarily via different projects, we also have to simplify the preparation of the legal environment within which they are implemented. In line with the conclusions of the High Level Group on Simplification for post 2020 (16), the EESC believes that the regulatory package should be much simpler and avoid micromanaging the funds. Whilst recognising that there can be the temptation to increase efficiency through more central management, the EESC calls on the Commission to resist this and to provide the necessary tools for more funds to be managed in a decentralised way. |
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4.7.

| 4.8. | It should be noted that the administrative capacity of the smaller Member States and regions in particular could be put under severe pressure during the initial phases of the programming periods. The EESC finds it vital to substantially reduce the unnecessary administrative burden for beneficiaries (from the application for a project all the way to its final stage) while maintaining a high level of assurance of legality and regularity. |
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4.8.

| 4.9. | Experience has shown that very often small projects (under EUR 100 000) can have a big impact with the most vulnerable cohorts of society. It is however also often the case that these very same cohorts encounter significant difficulties in accessing such funds. With this in mind, whilst the EESC is calling on the Member States to promote the possibility offered by the actual legislative frameworks of a simplified procedure for accessing funds for projects of a small size, the EESC encourages the Commission to explore further possibilities that could facilitate the participation of smaller actors. |
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4.9.

| 4.10. | The EESC refers to the increasing use of financial instruments as a tool for the implementation of cohesion policy. The EESC supports this but calls on the Commission to ensure that, when devising such instruments, a thorough test of suitability must be carried out to ensure that 1) such instruments are suitable for all Member States and 2) that such instruments are suitable for SMEs and NGOs. Where situations are found where there is a lack of suitability, then alternative/compensatory measures need to be put in place to ensure that no Member State or entity is put at a disadvantage. |
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4.10.

| 4.11. | In order to increase the quality of certain aspects of implementation (such as marketing, technical possibilities for events, etc.), the EESC finds that the public sector should consult civil society and the private sector to benefit from their hands-on experience in the course of preparation. It might be wrong to expect generalist public administration staff to understand all aspects of making a ‘product’ both popular and useful. |
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4.11.

| 4.12. | The EESC finds that further measures must be taken regarding the harmonisation of indicators Europe-wise. It is essential to develop a monitoring system that presents complex results in an easily accessible way both for the decision-makers as well as for society in the wider sense. |
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4.12.

| 4.13. | The future of cohesion policy should also support new ways of integrating business entrepreneurship and social/environmental positive impacts. In this regard, enhancing support for the development of the social economy in essential for the European Union. |
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4.13.

5.   More effective overall communication

| 5.1. | One of the main problems concerning cohesion policy is the lack of effective communication that all too often surrounds projects funded by the same policy. Whilst acknowledging the various communication guidelines in force by the Commission it is clear that these do not go anywhere near being enough. It is often the case that there is little or no awareness that certain projects have taken place and/or that they are in fact funded by the EU. This results in no or little appreciation of cohesion policy. The EESC calls on the Commission to continue its efforts of reviewing the current publicity obligations and to upgrade them significantly taking into consideration the modern means of digital communication channels. A stronger use of best practice projects should be used as practical examples to encourage a stronger and better uptake of funds. |
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5.1.

| 5.2. | There is a need to improve the way in which the impact of cohesion policy is measured in certain areas, such as social inclusion, quality of life, the working conditions of citizens, increase in the competitiveness of companies, or the upgrading of public administration services. The impact needs to be communicated to EU citizens so they can become aware of the policy’s successes and failures. |
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5.2.

| 5.3. | The EESC calls on the Commission to develop a strategic communication plan in partnership with all the partners concerned, including organisations representing persons with disabilities. The EESC also believes that the communication of the best practices should be easily accessible. |
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5.3.

6.   Ensuring partnership with civil society organisations and other stakeholders

| 6.1. | The EESC reiterates the importance of multi-level governance, enhancing the structural participation of civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the process of programming, implementing, evaluating and monitoring the use of the funds. It is high time that both the Commission and the Member States stopped paying lip service to this aspect and actually got down to ensuring that there is a strong and meaningful participation by civil society at all stages of the design and implementation of cohesion policy. This will entail greater accountability by the national authorities as well as a more effective and meaningful deployment of the funds. |
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6.1.

| 6.2. | Concerning the Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP), the EESC asks that it be revised and updated in direct consultation with the civil society organisations and other stakeholders. The EESC also asks that the Code of Conduct be made binding. The EESC finds that the ECCP should be fully upheld at all levels and reinforced with strong guarantees and measures ensuring its full implementation. |
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6.2.

| 6.3. | The EESC is convinced that the approach of Community-Led-Local-Development could have many advantages and much success as a European tool that enables integrated local development and the involvement of citizens and their organisations at grassroots level (17). |
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6.3.

| 6.4. | In order to strengthen the skills and effectiveness of the partnership, the EESC calls for capacity-building and technical assistance measures for urban and other public authorities; economic and social partners; civil society, organisations and relevant bodies representing them, environmental partners and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, rights of persons with chronic illnesses, gender equality and non-discrimination. The EESC would also like to see an annual consultation mechanism established with the relevant partners. |
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6.4.

| 6.5. | Given the fact that small and micro enterprises and civil society organisations can have difficulties benefiting from opportunities offered by the European funds in general, the EESC once again requests that consistent and sizeable support is given for actions that strengthen their access to information, provide coaching and mentoring and boost their intervention capacities. This should be done by also taking into consideration the specific needs of the most vulnerable people. |
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6.5.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

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(1)  Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

1

(2)  COM(2017) 358 final, Reflection Paper on the Future of EU Finances.

2

(3)  See European Parliament report.

3

(4)  COM(2017) 358 final, Reflection Paper on the Future of EU Finances.

4

(5)  My region, My Europe, Our future: The 7th report on economic, social and territorial cohesion.

5

(6)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 1.

6

(7)  https://www.businesseurope.eu/sites/buseur/files/media/position_papers/ecofin/2017-06-09_eu_cohesion_policy.pdf

7

(8)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 116.

8

(9)  OJ C 209, 30.6.2017, p. 9.

9

(10)  OJ C 161, 6.6.2013, p. 52.

10

(11)  http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/world-urbanization-prospects-2014.html

11

(12)  https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/information/publications/communications/2011/territorial-agenda-of-the-european-union-2020

12

(13)  https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/archive/themes/urban/leipzig_charter.pdf

13

(14)  https://www.eesc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/resources/docs/qe-02-17-362-en-n.pdf and https://www.eesc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/resources/docs/qe-01-14-110-en-c.pdf

14

(15)  European Commission (2017j) Competitiveness in low-income and low-growth regions: The lagging regions report, Commission Staff Working Document, SWD(2017) 132 final, Brussels, 10.4.2017.

15

Competitiveness in low-income and low-growth regions: The lagging regions report

(16)  http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/newsroom/pdf/simplification_proposals.pdf

16

(17)  https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/advantages-community-led-local-development-clld-approach

17

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| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/57 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/57

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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The Future of the EU: Benefits to citizens and respect for European values’

(exploratory opinion at the request of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union)

(2019/C 228/08)

Rapporteur: Mihai IVAȘCU

Co-rapporteur: Stéphane BUFFETAUT

| Referral | Romanian Presidency of the Council, 20.9.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Subcommittee responsible | Subcommittee on The Future of the EU: Benefits to citizens and respect for European values |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 147/6/9 |

Referral

Romanian Presidency of the Council, 20.9.2018

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Subcommittee responsible

Subcommittee on The Future of the EU: Benefits to citizens and respect for European values

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

147/6/9

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1 | More than 60 years from the signing of the Treaty of Rome, Member States (MS) are expected to take a political position on the Future of the EU in Sibiu, in May 2019. |
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1.1

| 1.2 | Human dignity and human rights, democracy, freedom, social justice, equality, the separation of powers and the rule of law are the values on which the EU has been built. They must remain non-negotiable and be the starting point from which the EU is reformed and the political decision in Sibiu is taken. |
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1.2

| 1.3 | The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is one of the most important documents in guaranteeing the rights of our citizens. Major political decisions, like the improvement of the Treaties, must take into account this document and incorporate it into the new text. |
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1.3

| 1.4 | The European project has brought the longest period of peace in the continent's history, created a region of unprecedented wealth and social development, facilitated free movement of people, goods and services and created the largest single market in the world. All this ensures that European citizens have a significantly better standard of living, social welfare and increased opportunities compared to most parts of the globe. |
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1.4

| 1.5 | These and other benefits are sometimes taken for granted or played down by populist and Eurosceptic movements. One should never forget that due to the EU we benefit from:






  — | free movement of people, goods, capital and services; |
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1.5

—

free movement of people, goods, capital and services;

| — | the largest single market in the world; |
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—

the largest single market in the world;

| — | increased economic interconnectivity, and free and frictionless trade; |
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—

increased economic interconnectivity, and free and frictionless trade;

| — | common trade agreements negotiated from a position of strength for all MS; |
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—

common trade agreements negotiated from a position of strength for all MS;

| — | high-quality and improved social welfare guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR); |
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—

high-quality and improved social welfare guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR);

| — | the European social model; |
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—

the European social model;

| — | increased cooperation in intelligence, military matters, and law enforcement activity; |
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—

increased cooperation in intelligence, military matters, and law enforcement activity;

| — | improved environmental norms, air and water quality; |
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—

improved environmental norms, air and water quality;

| — | protection of citizens' fundamental right to privacy in the digital environment; |
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—

protection of citizens' fundamental right to privacy in the digital environment;

| — | improved health and safety standards; |
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—

improved health and safety standards;

| — | reciprocal healthcare systems across the Union; |
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—

reciprocal healthcare systems across the Union;

| — | anti-discrimination rules and policies, especially regarding minorities and women; |
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—

anti-discrimination rules and policies, especially regarding minorities and women;

| — | extraordinary educational opportunities based on exchange programmes such as Erasmus+; |
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—

extraordinary educational opportunities based on exchange programmes such as Erasmus+;

| — | etc. |
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—

etc.

| 1.6 | The Union must act to increase convergence between regions and/or MS. Upward convergence of living and working conditions, based on sustainable growth, is paramount to improve the functioning of the single market and to decrease inequality, poverty and social exclusion. |
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1.6

| 1.7 | EU citizens must regain the sense that acting at European level does not mean renouncing national policies, rather acknowledging that some projects have a better outcome when decisions are made together. Equal rules and equal opportunities for all MS and citizens should never be negotiable with the European method ensuring freedom and sovereignty in a globalised world. |
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1.7

| 1.8 | Adopting the euro should be a priority in the construction of the EU as the euro area can only reach its full potential when all the MS have joined. Together with a strong Economic and Monetary Union, the upgraded European Stability Mechanism (ESM) can play a more important role in political accountability and strengthened fiscal responsibility. Moreover, the EU Member States must take immediate and courageous action to make the EU more resilient should another economic and financial crisis occur. |
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1.8

| 1.9 | In an ever-changing world, the EESC believes that significant investment in R&D, skills supply and infrastructure are needed if the EU is to leverage its competitive advantages. Europe needs to address its challenge of a shrinking and ageing population as this has an impact on the supply of labour. Nevertheless, migration policies have to be accompanied by strong reception and integration assistance policies to avoid social and societal huge difficulties. If the EU is to remain competitive, it needs to address the labour shortage as well as the skills shortage. Europe needs a well-managed migration policy, to prepare the labour force for the skills required by the new technologies, while at same time supporting companies' growth and development. European workers must be provided with training, re-skilling, up-skilling and life-long learning programmes, in order to fully benefit from technological change. |
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1.9

| 1.10 | In recent years, protectionist currents have emerged, with trade wars brewing. The EESC believes that the EU should continue to promote free, fair and sustainable trade in a multilateral system and trade agreements that respect social, consumer and environmental rights, while supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Protectionism would not benefit the citizens. Furthermore, the EU has an important role to play in reforming the World Trade Organisation. |
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1.10

| 1.11 | Sound economic growth must be achieved together with a stable social dimension, while the EPSR represents one of the main driving forces for social cohesion. Its implementation at national level should be accelerated and should involve all relevant civil society organisations. Social partners and other civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial players in the European democratic project. |
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1.11

| 1.12 | The EESC believes that all EU citizens should be provided with equal opportunities and equal treatment in the labour market. While encouraging fair mobility, citizens should also have access to quality employment and decent living standards where they live to avoid the brain drain and social dumping. |
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1.12

| 1.13 | Climate change and environmental matters are of increasing concern for EU citizens. Several EESC opinions have shown that Europe can and needs to deliver on the implementation of the sustainability goals. It is also essential to respect the commitments made in the various agreements on climate, biodiversity and water. EU can drive the ecological transition while safeguarding social cohesion and inclusion of all, in the context of a just transition. |
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1.13

| 1.14 | The EESC believes that active programmes that facilitate youth education and inclusion in the labour force play an important role for the future of the European Union. Programmes like Erasmus+ must be encouraged in order to equip young people with knowledge, skills and competences. The EESC believes that alongside these other similar programmes supporting those with less economic resources must be immediately developed. Raising awareness among citizens about these programmes while always promoting the direct benefit offered by EU membership is crucial. Furthermore, Erasmus+, among others, can and should be used to achieve Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa in order to equip young people across both continents with knowledge, skills and competences. |
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1.14

| 1.15 | External security challenges have grown significantly but they are perceived differently by individual MS, which assign different financial resources and have different views on the use of military power. The EESC believes that the EU must provide a collective and coordinated response, proving to our citizens that we are an effective security provider. Equally important for citizens' security are measures that prevent cybercrime in the new digital environment. |
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1.15

| 1.16 | The plight of thousands of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty by putting their lives in peril to cross the Mediterranean was shocking. The political fallout has created the impression that the EU does not know how to handle such a crisis. The EESC welcomes the Commission's plan for a balanced, comprehensive and common migration policy that will help the EU to seize the opportunities of migration while tackling the challenges. |
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1.16

| 1.17 | European citizens often take for granted the positive effects of EU membership or associate them with national governments, while many hardships are blamed on the European institutions. The EESC believes that this is because of the insufficient communication of what European membership provides for its citizens, hence the EU and the Member States should make much more of an effort to better communicate European policies, goals and objectives. |
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1.17

| 1.18 | The path forward means simultaneously providing more funds for communication while using all the available channels: European, national, but also the social partners and other representative organised civil society bodies. Citizens must always be informed of the benefits they are receiving from EU membership, while keeping in mind what life was like without the Union – war, strife and economic difficulties. |
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1.18

| 1.19 | In order to get close to its citizens, the EU must continuously listen and understand what the core expectations of Europeans are and try to deliver accordingly. Hence, the EESC believes that communication, cooperation platforms and public consultations should be promoted and used as often as possible and should include all MS. |
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1.19

| 1.20 | Combating fake news represents another important challenge in a world where mis-information, dis-information and mal-information represent a growing trend. Therefore, the EESC asks for common and firm action in order to increase people's power of analysis, safeguarding freedom of expression, prevent dissemination of fake news, and build fact checking and verification tools. |
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1.20

2.   Introduction

| 2.1 | Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union states: ‘The Union's aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples’. The European Union began as a project whose aim was to ensure peace and which has evolved into the largest single market in the world, with free movement of capital, products, services and, most importantly, of its citizens. This dream has taken shape from the ashes of two world wars and has ensured development across the continent, ushering in the longest period of peace in its history. |
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2.1

| 2.2 | Now, in 2019, a year of European elections and crucial changes for the Union, all European actors must show their determination to ensure unity, prosperity and well-being for our citizens by defending democracy, human rights, separation of powers, the rule of law and the European social model (1). |
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2.2

| 2.3 | The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2) enshrines certain political, social, and economic rights for citizens across the EU. Ratified in 2000, it has added one important element omitted until then by the Treaties: the obligation that the EU must act and legislate according to the rights and values of the Charter as described in its seven chapters: Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizen's rights, Justice and General Provisions. |
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2.3

| 2.4 | Even though the benefits for European citizens are evident, some unfortunately seem to be unaware of or even question them, and in the past few years we have experienced growing tensions within MS and different views regarding the way forward. This has naturally prompted questions such as: what should the future of the European Union be? Should we do more or less together? Where should the balance lie between the different cooperation projects that MS are ready to accept? Different political forces, not least within the MS that created the EU, are questioning the direction, governance and even the principle of European integration. |
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2.4

| 2.5 | This political turning point coincides with growing trust in the EU (3) after a long trend of mistrust in the way things are done by the European institutions. Recent challenges, be they the financial crisis and the Eurozone crisis, the migration situation or Brexit have shown how vulnerable the EU institutions are to shifted blame. Eurosceptic movements have used recent events to push their agenda regardless of whether the EU was at fault or not. Populist political parties that have come to power in several MS have called the benefits of the EU into question or have provided misinformation about the Union. |
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2.5

3.   Benefits for European citizens

| 3.1 | Economic interconnectivity, increased social and political cooperation and free movement have eliminated the spectre of war from Europe, and we are enjoying the longest period of peace in the history of the continent. |
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3.1

| 3.2 | The European single market has allowed free and frictionless trade between the MS, contributing to economic wealth, prosperity and some of the highest standards of living in the world. Notwithstanding, this has not eliminated social and territorial inequalities. |
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3.2

| 3.3 | As a single economic negotiator, the EU has become a very influential player on the international stage, being able to negotiate strategic trade agreements and influence economic policy at global level. Jobs are created due to the increased connectivity and reduced operational costs for companies. |
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3.3

| 3.4 | Free movement of citizens across the Union has helped to eliminate mistrust between nations and has opened up countless educational and professional opportunities. A citizen can work, live or retire in any of the MS. It is a very common sight to see for instance a Romanian who has studied in the UK, works in Belgium and lives in the Netherlands. |
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3.4

| 3.5 | The citizens also benefit from the creation of an area of freedom, security and justice as European nations have a form of mutual protection. The EU provides a level of security that allows for local intelligence services and law enforcement authorities to have access to improved data sharing and resources. |
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3.5

| 3.6 | Since its inception, the EU in all its forms has worked towards improving the environment. For example, air and water quality all over the continent have improved dramatically since the 1950s due to Union-level coordination of efforts and regulation. |
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3.6

| 3.7 | In the digital age, privacy is highly protected in the EU, with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) having been adopted recently. It represents one of the most robust data privacy laws in the world, protecting citizens' fundamental right to privacy. |
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3.7

| 3.8 | The EU has one of the world's strictest product and food safety regimes. National authorities send information about dangerous products found on the market to the rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. The EU is also committed to the detection of unsafe products before they are sold to consumers. In the EU, employers need to ensure health and safety for workers in every aspect of their work. |
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3.8

| 3.9 | EU citizens benefit from reciprocal healthcare when they are in any of the EU's Member States. These rights apply whether they are travelling temporarily on holiday or studying abroad, residing permanently in another EU country, or travelling to another EU Member State specifically to receive medical treatment. |
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3.9

| 3.10 | All citizens of the EU have the right to vote and to run in European Parliament elections and/or municipal elections in the EU country in which they reside, under the same conditions as nationals of that country. Furthermore, EU citizens are entitled to be recruited under the same conditions as nationals of the country in which they are seeking work and cannot be asked to meet any additional requirements. |
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3.10

| 3.11 | As an EU citizen, you can register a company and launch a branch of an existing EU-based business in any EU country, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein quickly and easily. There are many different EU funds and initiatives available to support start-ups and SMEs. |
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3.11

| 3.12 | The European social model is helping to improve the living and working conditions of a large part of the EU population. The recent introduction of the European Pillar of Social Rights aims to further improve this. |
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3.12

| 3.13 | The EU is at the forefront of promoting equal economic independence for women and men. The Union continuously strives to advance on gender equality, counter pay gaps and establish effective anti-discrimination rules and policies. |
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3.13

| 3.14 | The European accession process and the prospect of joining the Union have encouraged the building of viable market economies, raised social standards and generated stable democratic institutions in Europe. |
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3.14

| 3.15 | EU citizens are entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any other EU country when they are in a non-EU country where their own national state has no representation. This right is enshrined in Article 46 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. There are only three countries in which all the MS are represented diplomatically, namely the United States, China and Russia. During emergencies, EU Member States must help EU citizens evacuate as if they were their own nationals. Protection also covers everyday situations, like a passport being stolen, a serious accident or an illness. |
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3.15

| 3.16 | Education is strongly supported within the European Union. The world-famous exchange programme Erasmus+ gives students and academics the opportunity to boost their skills and employment chances by experiencing academic life in a different country, with over 3 million people having taken advantage of it since 2014. Moreover, the exchange of ideas and culture has brought people together, helping to shape the European identity. |
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3.16

4.   European values and fundamental rights

| 4.1 | The EESC believes that in order to best protect our citizen's interests, any reform of the treaties must incorporate the text of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and no Member State should be able to opt out of enforcing it. Currently, the Charter is referenced by the Lisbon Treaty as an independent document and the United Kingdom and Poland are opting out. |
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4.1

| 4.2 | Although Europe faces many challenges and common decisions are always needed, the values on which the EU was built and which are enshrined in the treaties are non-negotiable and must represent the starting point for any new EU architecture: respect for human dignity and human rights, democracy, freedom, equality, the separation of the powers and the rule of law. |
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4.2

| 4.3 | Equal treatment and rules for EU citizens should never be negotiable and the EU has made significant and unnecessary compromises in this respect: visas for the United States for some MS only, dual food-quality standards etc. The EU must strive to equally protect the interest of all its people regardless of their nationality. |
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4.3

| 4.4 | The EESC takes the view that acting at European level does not mean renouncing national interests, nor does it mean that European and national interests collide; it simply means that some things can be delivered better jointly. Whichever direction the Union takes, it will have to envisage important reforms and clear rules for the governance of the Union in order to deal with existing political tensions and growing diversity. It is the European method that ensures freedom and sovereignty in a globalised world. The citizens benefit from the EU membership because it provides them with a legal space of opportunity and same rules for all, while strictly forbidding any discrimination on nationality grounds. |
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4.4

| 4.5 | The plight of thousands of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty by putting their lives in peril to cross the Mediterranean was shocking. The political fallout has wrongly created the impression that the EU does not know how to handle such a crisis. The EESC welcomes the Commission's plan for a balanced, comprehensive and common migration policy that will help the EU to seize the opportunities of migration while tackling the challenges. The Committee especially supports the Commission's new policy of keeping Europe as an attractive destination for migrants in a time of demographic decline as well as reducing the incentives for irregular migration. This implies also strong reception and integration assistance policies. |
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4.5

| 4.6 | The biggest challenge for the EU is to continue to be the Union that defends, protects and empowers its citizens. Therefore, it must offer solutions for the issues that people really worry about: ‘The Committee remains convinced that a good future is possible and that a stronger EU can help to better shape globalisation and digitalisation so as to provide good prospects for all citizens’ (4). |
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4.6

| 4.7 | The founders of the European project have recognised that it has a long way to go to have similar levels of legitimacy as the established democracies of its MS. We have come a long way, but any new treaty must ensure more transparency and democratic control in order to best legitimise the Union in the eyes of the public. Furthermore, more compliance of the Member States with European Union law must be ensured. |
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4.7

5.   Sustainable economic development

| 5.1 | Europe is home to the world's largest single market and second most used currency. It is the largest trading power, accounting for 16,5 % of the world's imports and exports (5), and the largest development and humanitarian aid donor. Thanks in part to Horizon 2020, the world's biggest multinational research programme, Europe is at the cutting edge of innovation. However, competition with the United States and Asia seems more intense than ever. One things is clear: no Member State can play a prominent role on the world scene by itself. |
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5.1

| 5.2 | The euro is almost 20 years old and can only reach its full potential when all MS have introduced it and when Economic and Monetary Union is complete. This would mean clear rules accepted by and applicable to all, the upgrade of the ESM to a more important role, such as the one the IMF plays internationally, as well as political accountability and strengthened fiscal councils (6). Adopting the euro should be a priority in the construction of the EU. |
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5.2

| 5.3 | The EESC has argued in the past that the EU was slow to react to the financial crisis and that reforms are necessary in the Economic and Monetary Union (7). Since then, there has been a constant drive for reform and to finalise the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union. As in the past (8), the EESC welcomes further market consolidation but warns against the creation of positions that concentrate too much decision-making power in the hands of a small number of people. A completed EMU should usher in a new single currency era for European Union businesses and citizens, significantly reducing transaction costs and eliminating foreign exchange risks, improving price transparency in trade, while reducing investment risks. |
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5.3

| 5.4 | In an ever-changing world, if Europe is to leverage its competitive advantages, it needs to focus on areas such as R&D, skills supply and infrastructure. Europe needs to address its challenge of a shrinking and ageing population as this has an impact on the supply of labour. If the EU is to remain competitive it needs to address the labour shortage as well as the skills shortage. Europe needs a well-managed migration policy and a long-term perspective to prepare the labour force for future challenges while helping companies grow and evolve. Nevertheless, migration policies have to be accompanied by strong policies to avoid social and societal difficulties. |
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5.4

| 5.5 | The EESC has also called in several of its opinions for more investment in infrastructure and public services, projects that would generate growth and well-being for its citizens. The EESC has also voiced its support for a ‘common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB), as well as taxation of financial transactions, fuels and carbon dioxide emissions which, if levied at European level, would be able both to act upon a transnational tax base and to counteract the global impact on the environment’ (9). This would decrease tax avoidance and provide uniformity in fiscal policy. The EESC has also noticed that ‘Europe seemingly has a strong position in growing innovative high tech firms, but when these companies are in need of robust capital investments, they usually go bankrupt’ (10). |
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5.5

| 5.6 | The EU has signed comprehensive trade agreements aiming to increase exchanges of goods and services while protecting and improving workers' rights and taking account of environmental challenges. However, in the past few years, protectionist currents have emerged, with trade wars brewing. The EU needs to continue on its path of promoting free, fair and sustainable trade in a multilateral system and trade agreements that respect social, consumer and environmental rights, while supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Protectionism does not benefit the citizens. The World Trade Organisation will have an important role to play, and it is crucial that the EU plays its role in its reform (11). Closing borders and blocking trade cannot be the way forward in any circumstances. |
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5.6

| 5.7 | In a world affected by climate change, the EESC has repeatedly made recommendations to improve the protection of biodiversity and the vital resources necessary for our existence. The EESC points out that protecting biodiversity is as important as preventing climate change. The EESC calls for more political will and legislative consistency in this area, and therefore recommends that all the necessary resources be rapidly made available. |
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5.7

| 5.8 | For the EESC, a climate change policy must be based on a just transition, which necessitates measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and also compensate for damages and loss. The circular economy model should be favoured as much as possible and its regulatory framework improved. Short supply chains, particularly in the food sector have to be promoted and a redefinition of the mobility policies, making them more efficient and sustainable, needs to be completed. As part of the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris, the EU is committed to meeting targets to reduce global warming. The EU has already made significant progress and can reinforce collective efforts to fulfil the commitments made at COP21 and address current needs. Nonetheless, the EESC has taken note of student and youth movements in several Member States calling for more action to protect the environment. |
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5.8

6.   Social progress and education

| 6.1 | ‘By global standards, European societies are prosperous and affluent places to live. They have the highest levels of social protection in the world and rank highly in terms of wellbeing, human development and quality of life’ (12). Yet, growing inequality and enormous gaps exist in social cohesion across the Union and we must strive to reduce the differences between MS. Upward convergence of living and working conditions based on sustainable growth, will lead to improved social conditions and decreased inequalities and should be the core objective for the future of Europe. |
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6.1

| 6.2 | An important driving force for social progress must be the European Pillar of Social Rights, an initiative strongly supported by the EESC, within a comprehensive and overarching strategy to realise the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. In order to secure a prosperous future for our citizens, the EESC reaffirms its strong commitment to any effort that will deliver ‘a fair and truly pan-European labour market to achieve a ’triple A social Europe‘ and to serve as a compass for renewed convergence’ (13). Implementation at the national level needs to be accelerated and accompanied by awareness that sound economic growth must be achieved together with a stable social dimension. Together with the EU and the Member States, all relevant civil society organisations have an important role to play. The EESC believes it is important for the wellbeing of the EU citizens that the EU continues to monitor the progress made in the implementation of the EPRS within the European Semester process, with the full involvement of social partners and other civil society organisations. |
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6.2

| 6.3 | Moreover, the EESC reaffirms that: ‘The European Union should make full use of the experience and capacity of the social partners and other civil society organisations (CSOs) operating at local, national and European level by involving them, alongside service users and according to their different roles, in the tasks of programming, implementing, monitoring and evaluating EU funding. Social partners and the other CSOs are crucial players in the European democratic project’ (14). The EU should promote collective bargaining and respect the autonomy of the social partners. |
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6.3

| 6.4 | Digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, etc. require a rapid and sustainable response. As well as the urgent and massive need for investment in quality education and R&D, with the EU lagging behind compared to other economic powers in spending as a percentage of GDP (15), the EU economy needs a labour force equipped with skills that meet the challenges of a changing competitive environment. This means that there is a shared interest and a shared responsibility of employers and employees to contribute to training, re-skilling, up-skilling and life-long learning for young people and adults, leading to successful enterprises and appropriately skilled workforce, along with the EU, Member States, social partners and other relevant organisations from the civil society. Making the EU economy more digital should be delivered within a just transition framework for technological change, ensuring that this contributes to better living and working conditions, including the creation of quality jobs and more equal societies. |
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6.4

| 6.5 | Based on the principles of the EPSR, it is essential that action be taken to address the future challenges arising for the labour market. Embracing opportunities enabled by technological progress should therefore go hand in hand with addressing the challenges of industrial change and labour market transformation. If these challenges are not addressed, there will be huge resistance to change or a significant proportion of the population will not benefit from the development of new technologies. |
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6.5

| 6.6 | The EESC has already asked that growing inequalities, poverty and social exclusion should be fought at all levels and by all stakeholders. With a view to this, the EESC believes that further efforts aimed at defining common principles, standards, policies and strategies at appropriate levels are needed with a view to better convergence of wages and establishing or increasing minimum wages to adequate levels with full respect for the autonomy of the social partners. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all citizens are covered by a minimum income. The EESC stresses that funding earmarked for social cohesion and social investment should be increased to face future challenges (16). |
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6.6

| 6.7 | The EESC believes that all EU citizens should be provided with equal opportunities and equal treatment in the labour market. While encouraging fair mobility, citizens should also have access to quality employment and decent living standards where they live to avoid the brain drain and social dumping. |
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6.7

| 6.8 | The future of the EU relies on active programmes that would facilitate youth education and inclusion in the labour force. Programmes like Erasmus+ and its predecessor Erasmus, have had an incredible impact in forging a European identity, while at the same time equipping young people with knowledge, skills and competences. The intention of the Commission to double its funding is a definite step forward, but the EESC asked in October 2018 (17) for even more funding. This kind of programme must continue and be expanded to those young people who otherwise would struggle to access quality education and cross-cultural connectivity due to economic hardship. |
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6.8

| 6.9 | As it has stated in a previous opinion, the EESC believes that ‘the Youth Strategy should be more connected with existing EU programmes, such as Erasmus+, the Youth Guarantee and the European Solidarity Corps’ and ‘should also promote a broader civic engagement, including voting, volunteering, youth-led NGOs, workplace democracy and social dialogue’ (18). It is paramount to raise awareness of these programmes while always highlighting the fact that they represent a direct benefit offered by EU membership. |
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6.9

| 6.10 | The EESC stresses the importance of subsidiarity and regional governance in delivering cohesion policies. Given the wide welfare and development gaps between different regions, even within single MS, it is vitally important that policies are delivered by those who best understand the core problems and are therefore the best equipped to act. The EU institutions must continue to safeguard against discrimination of any kind, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. |
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6.10

| 6.11 | The European social model is unique in the world and remains one of the most important benefits for European citizens. The EU, together with the Member States, must build on policies that would safeguard, defend and promote it, further facilitating economic progress and social cohesion, bearing in mind that fundamental rights must go hand in hand with the social rights. |
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6.11

7.   Security and defence

| 7.1 | Europe is a remarkably free and stable place in a world of discord and division. Of the 25 most peaceful countries, 15 are in the EU. However, terrorist attacks, ungoverned and unstable spaces across the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa, and resurgent hostile powers to the East have demonstrated that we must take firm action to preserve our peace and security. |
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7.1

| 7.2 | Although internal and external security challenges have indeed grown significantly, they are seen differently by the MS, who do not have the same perception of external threats, assign different financial resources for security and defence, and have different views on the use of military power. As many of the threats we face have transnational characteristics, the EESC believes that Member States and the EU must act as closely as possible, moving towards a collective and coordinated response, thus demonstrating to our allies that we are an effective security provider. |
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7.2

| 7.3 | A coordinated defence effort not only provides credible hard power for our MS but also helps to create jobs in high-tech sectors and foster innovation and technological development. The EESC urges MS and the European Commission to support joint action in this area, while recognising that steps have been already taken (19). |
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7.3

| 7.4 | Cyber-attacks are estimated to cost the world economy 400 billion euros every year (20) and pose a real threat to citizens' privacy and safety. The EESC believes that the EU should aim to strengthen the fight against cyber espionage, cyberterrorism and any other forms of cybercrime directed at European citizens and businesses alike. |
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7.4

8.   Communicating with citizens

| 8.1 | European citizens often take for granted the positive effects of EU membership or associate them with national governments, while many hardships are blamed on European bureaucracy and its over-interference. This is mainly due to poor communication and a disconnect with the average citizen. Hence, the EU and the Member States should make much more of an effort to better communicate European policies, goals and objectives. |
| --- | --- |

8.1

| 8.2 | The EU needs to provide more funds for communication, and has to make use of every channel available: not only through MS, but also through the social partners and the other representative organised civil society bodies. The EU must focus more on reassuring leaders and citizens alike of its role in providing peace, stability economic and social development, using all the official languages of the European Union to promote its messages. |
| --- | --- |

8.2

| 8.3 | In 2012, the EESC pointed out that ‘full implementation of Article 11 is of paramount importance if the Union is to reinforce its democratic legitimacy vis-à-vis its citizens. Ultimately, it is only through greater transparency, ownership and participation by citizens and organised civil society at both national and European level, that Europe will be able to avoid extremism, defend its democratic values and establish a community of destiny’ (21). |
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8.3

| 8.4 | If the EU wants to get close to its citizens (and if it fails to do this, it will fail as a whole), it has to listen and understand what its citizens really want and try to deliver accordingly. People want protection, fair rules for workers and businesses, healthy living and working conditions and a clear answer to external challenges. In order to achieve this, Europe must continue to be a catalyst for economic and social development and democratic stability and make sure that everybody is aware of their commitment. |
| --- | --- |

8.4

| 8.5 | Mis-information, dis-information and mal-information are more and more used by numerous actors including states, lobby groups, the media and individuals. These techniques are old, but the development and possibilities of social media have allowed the phenomenon to reach a wide audience. The best way to counter false news is to present facts and help develop people's critical faculties. However, freedom of opinion and expression must be respected at all times, just as the fight against lies must not let up. |
| --- | --- |

8.5

| 8.6 | Communication and cooperation platforms should be promoted and should include all MS. What works in one Member State may also work in another, and what one Member State has researched can be used or enhanced by another. |
| --- | --- |

8.6

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  OJ C 110, 22.3.2019, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, p. 391.

2

(3)  European Parliament Press Release, 23.5.2018.

3

(4)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 145.

4

(5)  EU by topic – Trade.

5

(6)  Independent fiscal institutions.

6

(7)  OJ C 227, 28.6.2018, p. 1.

7

(8)  OJ C 262, 25.7.2018, p. 28.

8

(9)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 131.

9

(10)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 79.

10

(11)  OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 15.

11

(12)  Reflection paper on the social dimension of Europe.

12

(13)  OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10.

13

(14)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 165.

14

(15)  OECD data, gross domestic spending on R&D.

15

(16)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 145.

16

(17)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 194.

17

(18)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 142.

18

(19)  OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 58.

19

(20)  Reform of cybersecurity in Europe.

20

(21)  OJ C 11, 15.1.2013, p. 8.

21

---

ANNEX

The following amendments were rejected during the discussion but received over a quarter of the votes.

Amendment 12

Point 5.5

Amend as follows:

| 5.5 | The EESC has also called in several of its opinions for more investment in infrastructure and public services, projects that would generate growth and well-being for its citizens. The EESC has also voiced its support for comprehensive measures being implemented to prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) by multinational corporations including the introduction of a ‘common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) and for combatting VAT fraud by closer cooperation between Member States on a daily basis., as well as taxation of financial transactions, fuels and carbon dioxide emissions which, if levied at European level, would be able both to act upon a transnational tax base and to counteract the global impact on the environment’ (1)
  .
  This would decrease tax avoidance and provide uniformity in fiscal policy. The EESC has also noticed that ‘Europe seemingly has a strong position in growing innovative high tech firms, but when these companies are in need of robust capital investments, they usually go bankrupt’ (2). |
| --- | --- |

5.5

Reason

In order to avoid misunderstandings, we should stick to general statements. There have not yet been any discussions in the Committee either regarding the taxation of multinational corporations as a source of own resources, or regarding a common European tax base for, and the taxation of, fuels and carbon dioxide emissions. The Financial Transaction Tax would decrease the pensions of workers and the since many years ongoing Council work through Enhanced Cooperation has completely stalled. Similar remarks to this amendment was made to Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Reflection paper on the future of EU finances (COM(2017) 358 final) (3).

The amendment was rejected by 76 votes for, 98 votes against with 16 abstentions.

Amendment 11

Point 5.6

Add as follows:

| 5.6 | The EU has signed comprehensive trade agreements, such as with Japan, aiming to increase exchanges of goods and services while protecting and improving workers' rights and taking account of environmental challenges. However, in the past few years, protectionist currents have emerged, with trade wars brewing. The EU needs to continue on its path of promoting free, fair and sustainable trade in a multilateral system and trade agreements that respect social, consumer and environmental rights, while supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Protectionism does not benefit the citizens. The World Trade Organisation will have an important role to play, and it is crucial that the EESC plays its role in its reform (4). Closing borders and blocking trade cannot be the way forward in any circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

5.6

Reason

To improve readability by giving one specific example of the EU's free trade agreements – to make a reference to the EU-Japan EPA

As we know, the EU-Japan EPA entered into force on 1 February 2019 and it’s the biggest trade deal concluded by both sides.

It covers 640 million people of EU and Japan, almost a third of global GDP, and 37 % of global trade.

74 000 EU companies export to Japan and 600 000 jobs tied to EU exports to Japan. It is also good for consumers as there will be more choice at lower price. In addition, it also sends a clear signal that 2 of the world biggest economies strongly support free, fair and rules-based trade.

The amendment was rejected by 73 votes for, 111 votes against with 11 abstentions.

---

(1)  
  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 131
  .

(2)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 79.

(3)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 131.

(4)  OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 15.

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/68 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/68

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Education about the European Union’

(Exploratory opinion requested by the Romanian Presidency)

(2019/C 228/09)

Rapporteur: Tatjana BABRAUSKIENĖ

Co-rapporteur: Pavel TRANTINA

| Request by the Romanian Presidency of the Council | Letter, 20.9.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
  Exploratory opinion |
| Bureau decision | 16.10.2018 |
| Section responsible | Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship |
| Adopted in section | 6.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 21.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 164/2/1 |

Request by the Romanian Presidency of the Council

Letter, 20.9.2018

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Exploratory opinion

Bureau decision

16.10.2018

Section responsible

Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

Adopted in section

6.3.2019

Adopted at plenary

21.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

164/2/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

The EESC:

| 1.1. | believes that the vitality of the EU depends to a great extent on a strong European identity and on citizens’ identifying with the EU, while preserving national self-identity, and that the success of the European project is based on its values, tolerance and a commitment to diversity of cultures, religions and heritage. Therefore, it is important to strengthen citizens’ knowledge and understanding of EU history and culture, fundamental values and rights, core principles and decisions, and the decision-making processes at EU level. It is also important to advocate global citizenship and the role of the EU as a global actor. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | underlines that holistic education, training and lifelong learning (LLL) have an essential role to play in strengthening EU identity, a sense of community and belonging, and responsibility of EU citizens, encouraging their active participation in decision-making about the EU; stresses that they contribute to peace, security, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, solidarity and mutual respect, sustainable economic growth and social inclusion and fairness, while respecting and enriching cultural diversity. The goals of EU integration, its advantages and drawbacks must be addressed boldly and confidently at the MS and EU level alike. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | emphasises that learning happens everywhere and constantly, actively and passively. Therefore, education about the EU is not only a task for formal education and does not only concern young people. Both ‘life-wide’ and ‘lifelong’ education should be supported and a special focus should be put on older generations, with means of providing information adapted to their ways of learning. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

On EU level institutions and policies, the EESC:

| 1.4. | emphasises the need to implement the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) to make quality and inclusive education, training and LLL a right for all in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | suggests putting more emphasis on education about the EU and EU identity in all its diversity as part of basic skills and key competences, in particular EU-literacy, and thus defining a set of common learning outcomes in this area (minimum knowledge, skills and attitudes towards the EU). In this respect, better evidence on the state of play in MS is needed — the EESC calls on the EC to update its study on this topic. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | calls for strategic policy measures at national and EU level to promote learning about the EU aimed to strengthen a sense of identity and belonging to the EU and to demonstrate the tangible benefits of EU membership for citizens. It is also essential that MS properly implement the Council Recommendation on promoting common values (1) and the 2015 Paris Declaration (2). |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | recommends that the future increased Erasmus+ budget (2021-2027) should foster a sense of EU belonging by ensuring learning mobility for all, especially people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and calls for all future projects to put emphasis on learning about the EU, building an EU identity and supporting intergenerational learning about the EU, as well as on language learning for all age groups, and civil dialogue for adults. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | welcomes the 30th year of Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Activities to promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of EU studies worldwide, and calls for the programme’s budget to be increased and extended to all education sectors in order to enhance education about the EU and strengthen democratic citizenship. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | calls for better information sharing about the EU with EU citizens, supported by EU and MS information, communication and education (ICE) strategies; points out the need for having a Commissioner responsible for Communication. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

| 1.10. | suggests that European and national public service media, including the Euronews channel, should have a strategic role in informing citizens about EU achievements. EU Information Offices based in the MS, as well as EP members and other representatives, EESC members and other policy makers active in the European field should also play an active role in supporting EU identity-building processes at national level. |
| --- | --- |

1.10.

| 1.11. | recommends setting up an EU level policy strategy, while respecting national competence in the area of education, in order to propose recommendations on cooperation (for instance via the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) or through a high level group) among MS to encourage initiatives in education systems and action at the national and local level on education about the EU as well as EU identity-building, in close cooperation with social partners and all relevant stakeholders. This should be supported by up-to-date studies mapping the situation concerning teaching about the EU. |
| --- | --- |

1.11.

| 1.12. | recommends incorporating education about the EU and EU identity-building in the EU2030 Strategy and the ET2030 Strategic Framework, and in the European Semester process (among the relevant country-specific recommendations), provided that accurate systematic data are available. |
| --- | --- |

1.12.

| 1.13. | calls for the provision and promotion of a centralised accessible platform with learning and teaching materials, linking various current initiatives and portals, available in different EU languages for education institutions and individual learners about the EU, EU identity-building, with a specific focus on the fundamental values of the EU, democracy, participation in democratic decision-making, tolerance, and common understanding. |
| --- | --- |

1.13.

On the initiatives at MS level, the EESC:

| 1.14. | recommends setting up national strategies to include education about EU values, history, achievements and current developments in the school curricula of all education sectors, recognising the important role of informal and non-formal learning in this regard. |
| --- | --- |

1.14.

| 1.15. | suggests that learning about the EU should be done transversally in school education as an integral part of all subjects, and that citizenship education, history, geography and economics should focus on EU citizenship and its benefits. |
| --- | --- |

1.15.

| 1.16. | requests that initial and continuous professional training of all educators includes education about the EU and calls on the MSs to support teachers’ high quality continuous professional development (CPD) on this topic. This training should include the competences for democratic culture identified by the CoE (3). |
| --- | --- |

1.16.

| 1.17. | proposes to develop initiatives to encourage and support international mobility and foreign language learning for all educators, and to establish a European Prize/Label for teaching about the EU and building an EU identity, both for schools and individuals. |
| --- | --- |

1.17.

| 1.18. | recommends encouraging and effectively supporting stakeholders, including trade unions, employers’ organisations and businesses, and other civil society organisations working in the education, training, youth and adult sectors, such as scouts and other youth and student organisations, teachers’ associations and trade unions, and parents’ organisations, to strengthen their activities on learning and teaching about the EU. |
| --- | --- |

1.18.

| 1.19. | calls on the MS to encourage partnerships between formal and non-formal education providers (i.e. schools and youth organisations and/or universities and community based organisations) to provide learning about the EU and citizenship education in general. In this connection, the EESC recommends ensuring youth bodies are involved in the process of defining curricula and in determining ways how to deliver citizenship education. |
| --- | --- |

1.19.

| 1.20. | notes the ambition of the Schuman Declaration, set out by Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950 that ‘Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan [but] it will be built through concrete achievements which first create [...] solidarity’ (4). The EESC suggests that the Europe Day (9 May) or even a separate European Education Day should be celebrated in the MS and serve as a starting point for planning education activities in schools and communities about the EU. |
| --- | --- |

1.20.

2.   Background

| 2.1. | The primary responsibility for education and cultural policies lies with the MS. However, over the years the EU has played an important complementary role and it is in the shared interest of all MS to harness the full potential of education and culture as drivers of job creation, economic growth and social fairness as well as means of experiencing European identity in all its diversity. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | The EESC considers it essential to draw the European project closer to the people by strengthening their knowledge about the history, achievements and importance of the EU in the light of Europe’s history and its positive impact on people’s everyday lives. The EESC emphasises the need for understanding and promoting the fundamental values of the EU, as this is a key for mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and solidarity, and also for understanding the core principles of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | 60 years after the Treaty of Rome, EU citizens have still not fully established their EU identity. Currently, 93 % of EU citizens feel attached to their country, of which 57 % are very attached, and 89 % feel attached to their ‘city/town/village’. However, only 56 % say that they feel attached to the EU, and only 14 % feel ‘very attached’ (5). These figures are important in the light of the upcoming EP elections and discussions on the future of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | In the last EP elections (2014), turnout was once again at its highest among voters aged 55+ (51 % turnout rate) while only 28 % of the 18-24 age group participated. Participation rate is closely linked to socioeconomic status (6). Lack of critical media literacy and the spread of mis/disinformation also add to distrust of democratic institutions and the EU. Therefore, better knowledge about the EU and democratic citizenship might help in this respect. This is not only a challenge for formal initial education. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | The EESC reminds that studies (7) and research (8) identify a significant gap between policy and practice on citizenship education and that nearly half of the MS still have no rules or recommendations concerning citizenship education in initial teacher education. While citizenship appears in teachers’ CPD, school heads do not receive CPD on this issue. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | Another cause for concern is the disparity in teaching citizenship education in the various education sectors. For example, there is less citizenship education in school-based initial vocational education and training VET compared to general education. For example, there are fewer curricula for teaching about citizenship, less guidance material for teachers and fewer recommendations regarding students’ participation in school councils or parent representation in school governing boards. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

| 2.7. | Learning about the EU should also focus on teaching about democracy (including participation, democratic politics, and democratic society), and tolerance (including interpersonal relations, tolerance towards different social and cultural groups, and an inclusive society). |
| --- | --- |

2.7.

| 2.8. | EU citizenship education in general should be a dynamic learning process (9), adapted to each context and to each learner, driven by values and equipping learners, mostly young people, with the knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes they need not only to exercise their rights, but also to contribute to their community and society and act with empathy, care and with future generations in mind. The contemporary understanding of civic education has slowly but steadily moved away from the traditional view as only the imparting of ‘knowledge and understanding of formal institutions and processes of civic life (such as voting in elections)’ to a broader understanding that includes participation and engagement in both civic and civil society and the wider range of ways in which citizens interact with and shape their communities (including schools) and societies. |
| --- | --- |

2.8.

| 2.9. | If EU citizenship is to move beyond its current narrow, legal conception and build upon and develop the idea of what it is to be European across Europe, then our approach to citizenship education requires a clear European dimension. This can help build a richer, more political conception of EU citizenship, which will be crucial if the EU wishes to increase engagement and ‘buy-in’ from citizens, and boost support for the EU as a social and political — not just economic — union. |
| --- | --- |

2.9.

3.   General comments

| 3.1. | It is of the utmost importance that people learn and are aware of their role and the possibilities for participating in democratic decision-making processes at local, national and EU levels, and that they understand institutional leadership. Holistic education, training and LLL, with special attention to democratic citizenship and common European values and European identity, would significantly contribute to peace, security, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, solidarity, mutual respect, sustainable growth, social inclusion and fairness, while respecting and enriching cultural diversity and a sense of belonging to the EU. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | The EESC in its opinion (10) on the European Education Area (2018) welcomed that the initiative proposes more inclusiveness in the future education systems and underlines that learning about the EU, democratic values, tolerance and citizenship should be considered a right for all, also as part of the implementation of the EPSR. It should be accessible for everyone, with special focus on disadvantaged groups (11) of people, so that all citizens can understand their participatory role in democracy. It is essential that MS implement the Council Recommendation on promoting common values (12). |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | Full implementation of the renewed Council Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning (2018) (13) is still lacking in the political agenda of many MS and it is essential to improve learning about the EU, its concrete benefits, democratic values, tolerance and active citizenship as part of learning literacy, multilingual competences, personal and social competences, citizenship competences, cultural awareness and personal expression. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.4. | In its opinion (14)
  on the future Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027
  , the EESC acknowledged that the previous Erasmus+ programme (2014-2021) has greatly supported education and training at European, national, regional and local levels, cultivated a sense of belonging to the EU (‘European identity’ in all its diversity), and fostered mutual understanding, democratic citizenship and European integration. The next Erasmus+ programme is essential to strengthen these processes: to support inclusiveness and common European values, foster social integration, enhance intercultural understanding and to prevent radicalisation through the participation of people of all ages in democratic processes, supported by learning mobility and cooperation between European citizens, education and training institutions, organisations, stakeholders and MS, all of which are of paramount importance for the EU’s future. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | The EESC appreciates the efforts made as part of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Activities to promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of EU studies worldwide. The EESC regrets that the proposed budget for this programme is still insufficient. While the programme has so far focussed only on universities, the EESC believes that its budget should be increased and the programme broadened to all education sectors and extended to all age groups in order to enhance education about the EU and strengthen democratic citizenship. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

| 3.6. | The EESC underlines the importance of implementing the Paris Declaration signed by EU leaders in March 2015 (15), and reminds that critical thinking and media literacy, social and civic competences, intercultural understanding and efforts to tackle discrimination through all forms of learning must become a reality. |
| --- | --- |

3.6.

4.   Specific comments on formal education

| 4.1. | The EESC reiterates the importance of supporting LLL opportunities for all via their schools and communities to become democratically engaged citizens. Inclusive education policies can become a reality if the national and European media and national policy trends are supportive and give good examples of democracy and tolerance. This should include the right to participate, support for social partnerships and civil society dialogue, freedom of speech, stopping fake news, acting inclusively while respecting cultural diversity both inside and beyond borders, standing for equality for all, and supporting migrants, refugees and minorities to be active citizens of the EU and MS alongside their cultural identity. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | Learning about the EU, democratic values, tolerance and citizenship but also about the role of the EU in the world should be a transversal topic in schools taught via all subjects and projects, and not only in specific history or citizenship classes. Learners should be shown examples of active participation in social activities and volunteering by inviting representatives of civil society and unions and from business to present their activities. Students should be encouraged to take part in democratic decision-making processes at local, national, and EU level. In addition, school heads and teachers should create a collaborative democratic school culture with the involvement of school boards, taking on board the parents and students when making decisions, and ensuring collegial governance. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | The EESC underlines the importance of having regulations or recommendations on the development of teachers’ citizenship education competences through initial teacher education available in all MS, including teachers’ and school heads’ CPD (16). |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | The EESC calls for the provision and promotion of a centralised accessible platform with learning and teaching materials
  , linking various current initiatives and portals (17), in different EU languages for education institutions and individual learners about the EU, EU identity-building, with specific focus on fundamental values of the EU, democracy, participation in democratic decision making, tolerance, and common understanding. Teaching and training materials (18), resulting from various EU funded projects, should be available for all, better promoted and used in schools and in other activities aimed at learning about the EU. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

5.   Specific comments on non-formal education

| 5.1. | The EESC understands citizenship education as part of a ‘lifelong’ and ‘life-wide’ policy and practical framework. A holistic approach to citizenship education calls for the involvement of both formal and non-formal education providers, complementing each other in terms of the content and focus of their education programmes, the pedagogical approach and the types of opportunities to experience participation. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | A wide range of learning programmes provided in non-formal learning settings focus on EU citizenship education. This is the case in youth organisations, for example, where educational work is developed around a participatory process that promotes active citizenship and broadens the horizons of young people. Youth organisations play a fundamental role as citizenship education providers by facilitating a space for socialisation, interaction, and political and social action for their members and those they work with. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | Youth organisations organise a wide range of programmes, projects and activities relating to citizenship education, often including a European dimension. These are chosen based on the mandate and target group of the organisation, and include for instance volunteering and international exchanges/events; regular local group meetings/activities; school-based exchange and host-family programmes; simulations of deliberations of EU institutions; mock elections, etc. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.4. | Due to the complementary nature of formal and non-formal education, it is crucial to encourage partnerships between formal and non-formal education providers in order to give a more practical and hands on experience of how to exercise democracy. Students’ and youth organisations should be at the centre of decision-making and should be given the means to directly support feedback and monitoring mechanisms. In this connection, the EESC recommends including young people in bodies in charge of setting curricula and determining ways to deliver citizenship education. |
| --- | --- |

5.4.

6.   Specific comments on informal learning

| 6.1. | The EESC is aware that much information about the EU can be learned through informal learning — through media, discussions in peer-groups, etc. There should be a coordinated effort and concrete measures leading to full ‘EU literacy’ of all citizens of all ages to achieve a minimum level of necessary knowledge about the EU. This should, besides other aspects, include awareness of the social and economic interdependence of EU Member States and therefore the need for a resilient European society, capable of better joint economic competitiveness. |
| --- | --- |

6.1.

| 6.2. | The EESC calls for better information sharing about the EU with EU citizens, supported by EU and MS information, communication and education (ICE) strategies and reminds of the importance for the EC to promote this agenda, including the possible reestablishment of a Commissioner responsible for Communication. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.

| 6.3. | European and pro-European national public service media, including the Euronews channel, should play a strategic role in delivering correct information about the EU. EU Information Offices based in the MS should play an active role in strengthening EU identity, with the support of EP members and other representatives, active participation of EESC members and other policy makers active in the European field. |
| --- | --- |

6.3.

| 6.4. | Reflecting the success of the Erasmus+ programme, the EESC calls for a serious communication effort to promote the role of education and information to continue the EU peace-building story, facilitate learning between NGOs both inside and outside the EU, and to create a ‘White Dove’ branding of EU peace projects to increase visibility at home and abroad. |
| --- | --- |

6.4.

| 6.5. | Current Erasmus+ students should be encouraged to use their experience from abroad to act as ambassadors of the EU amongst their peers to deliver information to younger people about Europe, about intercultural learning and about how it is to experience a different culture. |
| --- | --- |

6.5.

| 6.6. | The EESC draws attention to its own projects, such as Your Europe, Your Say (YEYS) (19), the participatory annual youth event of the EESC. Thanks to it, every year, 16-18 year old pupils from all EU Member States and the candidate countries come to Brussels for two days, learn about the EU and work together to draw up ideas and resolutions that are then passed on to the EU institutions. |
| --- | --- |

6.6.

Brussels, 21 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  Council Recommendation (2018/C 195/01) (OJ C 195, 7.6.2018, p. 1).

1

(2)  Paris Declaration, 17.3.2015.

2

(3)  CoE (2016) ‘Competences for democratic culture’.

3

(4)  Schuman declaration.

4

(5)  EC, Standard Eurobarometer 89, Spring 2018 — Report.

5

(6)  Based on face-to-face interviews with 27 331 people aged 18 and over in the EU-28.

6

(7)  Report of the European Parliament on Learning EU at school (2015/2138(INI)).

7

(8)  Eurydice, Citizenship Education at School in Europe — 2017.

8

(9)  European Youth Forum, Inspiring! Youth organisations contribution to citizenship education 2016.

9

(10)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 136.

10

(11)  Definition of ‘disadvantaged groups’ as provided by EIGE.

11

(12)  Council Recommendation (2018/C 195/01).

12

(13)  Council Recommendation (2018/C 189/01) (OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1).

13

(OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1)

(14)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 194.

14

(15)  Paris Declaration, 17.3.2015.

15

(16)  Joint Statement on Citizenship Education & EU Common Values.

16

(17)  Such as eTwinning, Open Education Europe, etc.

17

(18)  Such as: https://euhrou.cz/

18

(19)  https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/civil-society-citizens-participation/your-europe-your-say

19

---

III Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE

European Economic and Social Committee

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/74 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/74

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019’

(COM(2018) 686 final)

(2019/C 228/10)

Rapporteur: Elżbieta SZADZIŃSKA

| Referral | European Commission, 14.12.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Section responsible | Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption |
| Adopted in section | 7.3.2019 |
| Date adopted in plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 122/0/1 |

Referral

European Commission, 14.12.2018

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption

Adopted in section

7.3.2019

Date adopted in plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

122/0/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Economic and Social Committee welcomes the annual European Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019, which is an improvement on the standardisation package of 2011. Although work on this initiative will be completed in 2019, the annual programme proposes areas of focus for its final year of implementation by the current Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | Each year, the Committee draws up an opinion setting out its observations and recommendations on the Commission’s annual work programmes, as it recognises the importance of standards for boosting competitiveness in the single market and developing innovative products and services, and for increasing their quality and safety for the benefit of consumers, businesses and the environment (1). The current opinion is linked to the opinion on ‘harmonised standards’ (2). |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The EESC sees progress towards ensuring the inclusiveness and transparency of the European standardisation system through the active participation of the organisations referred to in Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. The participation of civil society representatives in the standardisation system should not be limited to the EU and national level. Their participation in international standardisation should also be supported, expanded and promoted. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.3.1. | The Committee welcomes the steps taken by the Commission to support stakeholders’ participation in standardisation work, especially through the Horizon 2020 programme. Nonetheless, the EESC recommends that the existing mechanism be strengthened and that communication about such possibilities be improved. This will enable small and medium-sized enterprises not only to help draw up standards, but also to implement them. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.1.

| 1.3.2. | Consistency between European and international standards will help strengthen the competitive position of EU industry in the global value chain. The Committee therefore supports the Commission’s dialogue with international standardisation organisations as well as with the WTO and other international fora. In this context, the Committee supports any efforts and initiatives by the Commission to step up the standardisation process and make it more effective so that better European standards can be protected and promoted at international level (3). |
| --- | --- |

1.3.2.

| 1.4. | The European standardisation system is based on a public-private partnership. Key orientations for its future development were set out in the Commission’s annual work programme. The Committee hopes that the partnership will encompass the widest possible range of stakeholders. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The inter-institutional dialogue fed into this year’s work programme and, in the Committee’s view, further dialogue in future will help strengthen the European standardisation system. Even in its earlier opinions on standardisation, the Committee expressed its willingness to set up an ad hoc forum that would involve a wide range of stakeholders (4). |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | The programme identifies areas that are relevant from the point of view of standardisation: energy, circular economy, defence, security, the internal market, the digital single market and international cooperation. The EESC regards the choice of these areas as appropriate. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | The Committee looks forward to the results of the study on the economic and societal impacts of standardisation. According to the Committee, the study should also take account of standardisation’s indirect effects, such as employment (5). Furthermore, an ex post assessment should play an important role in drawing up standardisation strategies and programmes. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The Committee reiterates its call for monitoring the efforts of key standardisation players, which are aimed at involving the broadest possible range of stakeholders in the European standardisation system. The EESC could, in particular, create an ad hoc forum on inclusiveness in the European standardisation system. This body would be responsible for organising an annual public hearing to evaluate progress made in this area (6). |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

2.   European Commission proposals

| 2.1. | In line with Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012, the Commission has published a communication setting out the annual European Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Strategic priorities for European standardisation in support of EU legislation and policies:






  — | Action in support of the digital single market strategy; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.2.

—

Action in support of the digital single market strategy;

| — | Action in support of the Energy union and climate; |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of the Energy union and climate;

| — | Action in support of the EU circular economy action plan; |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of the EU circular economy action plan;

| — | Action in support of a deeper and fairer internal market with a strengthened industrial base; |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of a deeper and fairer internal market with a strengthened industrial base;

| — | Action in support of the European defence action plan; |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of the European defence action plan;

| — | Action in support of the space strategy for Europe; |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of the space strategy for Europe;

| — | Action in support of the European agenda on security. |
| --- | --- |

—

Action in support of the European agenda on security.

| 2.3. | In addition, the Commission will:






  — | continue to work with international standardisation bodies; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.3.

—

continue to work with international standardisation bodies;

| — | develop the public-private partnership, involving a wide range of stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

—

develop the public-private partnership, involving a wide range of stakeholders;

| — | study the economic and societal impact of standardisation. |
| --- | --- |

—

study the economic and societal impact of standardisation.

| 2.4. | In accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on submitting a report on the implementation of the Regulation, the Commission will launch a review of the European standardisation system in order to evaluate its performance. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | The Joint Initiative on Standardisation (JIS) is due to be completed in 2019. The Commission will analyse the results of the JIS in three categories:






  — | Awareness, education and understanding about the European standardisation system; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.5.

—

Awareness, education and understanding about the European standardisation system;

| — | Coordination, cooperation, transparency and inclusiveness; |
| --- | --- |

—

Coordination, cooperation, transparency and inclusiveness;

| — | Competitiveness and international dimension. |
| --- | --- |

—

Competitiveness and international dimension.

3.   General comments

| 3.1. | The 2019 annual work programme sets out in more detail, and adds to, the priorities already being implemented. The objective here is to adapt the European standardisation system to the changing international situation and challenges in the global market. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | The Committee agrees with the Commission that standardisation will help support the Digital Single Market strategy by focusing on the internet of Things, big data, blockchain, intelligent transport systems and autonomous driving, smart cities, accessibility, e-Government, e-Health and artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, in accordance with the rules on protection of personal data (GDPR) (7), new standardisation should be compatible and interoperable. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.2.1. | The Committee hopes that, in line with the GDPR regulation, all participants in the digital single market will be afforded a high level of protection and security for their personal data. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.1.

| 3.3. | The Committee believes that existing safety standards and legislation in this area should be updated, particularly in the light of the new risk posed. New standards should be expected to reduce the negative impact of robots and AI on human life (8). |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.4. | Cybersecurity requirements should ensure that new devices associated with AI do not pose risks to users, such as large-scale cyber-attacks, the tracking of consumers and hacking. With its permanent mandate, the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) should play a key role in meeting that objective, with special regard to standardisation in the area of cybersecurity (9). |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | The Committee backs the proposal to cut CO2 emissions from the transport sector. This should be supported by, among other things, more efficient use of fuel and energy by cars, which will help lower costs for users. At the same time, the growing number of automated cars will require harmonised regulation, since these vehicles entail a high risk (cyber-attacks, data protection, liability in the event of an accident) (10). |
| --- | --- |

3.5.

| 3.5.1. | The Committee has already expressed its support for the third mobility package in an earlier opinion, recognising it as a step towards sustainable mobility for Europe (11). |
| --- | --- |

3.5.1.

| 3.6. | The proposal on tyre labelling (12) and the greening of the shipping sector through the use of alternative fuels, as well as the expansion of the ecodesign requirements (13) to new categories of products can all, in the Committee’s view, help tackle climate change. |
| --- | --- |

3.6.

| 3.7. | The Committee supports the development of standards on the circular economy, which will contribute to sustainable production and, in connection with that, to the conservation of natural resources (14). |
| --- | --- |

3.7.

| 3.8. | Technical standards facilitate the implementation of innovative solutions in industry. |
| --- | --- |

3.8.

| 3.9. | The Committee agrees with the Commission that the development by the European Defence Agency and European standardisation organisations of an action plan for standardisation in the area of defence should help ensure an open and competitive EU market for defence equipment (15). Similar work will be undertaken in the field of space (16). |
| --- | --- |

3.9.

| 3.10. | Steps should be taken to ensure consistency between European and international standards and to promote the application of European standards outside the EU. To this end, the Commission should step up policy dialogue with international standardisation bodies and bilateral negotiations with countries outside Europe. |
| --- | --- |

3.10.

| 3.11. | The Committee supports the Commission’s perfectly legitimate intention to demonstrate the positive impact of inclusiveness on the quality of standardisation. The participation in standardisation work of the organisations referred to in Annex III creates added value by increasing competitiveness, and benefits society as a whole. |
| --- | --- |

3.11.

| 3.12. | The Committee reiterates its call for monitoring the efforts of key standardisation players, which are aimed at involving the broadest possible range of stakeholders in the European standardisation system. The EESC could, in particular, create an ad hoc forum on inclusiveness in the European standardisation system. This body would be responsible for organising an annual public hearing to evaluate progress made in this area. |
| --- | --- |

3.12.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17; OJ C 75, 10.3.2017, p. 40; OJ C 34, 2.2.2017, p. 86; OJ C 303, 19.8.2016, p. 81.

1

(2)  INT/879 – Harmonised standards, Larghi, 2019 (see page 78 of this Official Journal).

2

(3)  INT/879 – Harmonised standards, Larghi, 2019 (see page 78 of this Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ C 303, 19.8.2016, p. 81; OJ C 75, 10.3.2017, p. 40; OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17.

4

(5)  OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17.

5

(6)  OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17.

6

(7)  OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 102.

7

(8)  OJ C 288, 31.8.2017, p. 1.

8

(9)  OJ C 227, 28.6.2018, p. 86.

9

(10)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 254; OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 274.

10

(11)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 254.

11

(12)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 280.

12

(13)  OJ C 345, 13.10.2017, p. 97.

13

(14)  OJ C 264, 20.7.2016, p. 98; OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 97; OJ C 283, 10.8.2018, p. 61; OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 207.

14

(15)  OJ C 288, 31.8.2017, p. 62.

15

(16)  OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 1.

16

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/78 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/78

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee — Harmonised standards: Enhancing transparency and legal certainty for a fully functioning Single Market’

(COM(2018) 764 final)

(2019/C 228/11)

Rapporteur: Gerardo
  LARGHI

| Referral | European Commission, 18.2.2019 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Section responsible | Single Market, Production and Consumption |
| Adopted in section | 7.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary session | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 125/0/2 |

Referral

European Commission, 18.2.2019

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

Single Market, Production and Consumption

Adopted in section

7.3.2019

Adopted at plenary session

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

125/0/2

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) endorses the Commission communication on harmonised standards, aimed at increasing transparency and legal certainty for the single market and ensuring that it operates effectively. In particular, the EESC reiterates its support for the principle of harmonised standards as a key instrument for completing the single market, offering growth opportunities for businesses and workers, building consumer trust in product quality and safety and providing better environmental protection. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The EESC believes that an effective strategy for harmonised standardisation must be based on faster drafting of standards and publication thereof in the Official Journal of the EU, but also on strengthening governance underpinned by transparency and stakeholder involvement, and on a strategy for defending the European standards on which our production system and growth and employment opportunities — as well as product quality and safety — depend internationally. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The EESC believes that, in terms of swifter adoption of harmonised standards, the measures proposed by the Commission would appear to take the right approach and are broadly acceptable. On the other hand, more could be done in the area of transparency and inclusion, as there are still very many stakeholders who are potentially interested in the standardisation process but who in practice do not participate in it. This constraint is clearly reflected in the EU’s difficulty in systematically defending its standards internationally in International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) negotiations. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The Committee therefore reiterates its call for greater support for stakeholder involvement, including by strengthening and better publicising the financial instruments already available (H2020). To this end, this funding should be maintained and, if possible, increased in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027). The same recommendation applies to funding for the stakeholders referred to in Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1). In addition, in order to make the standardisation process more inclusive, the EESC confirms its willingness to host an annual multi-stakeholder forum to assess the progress made in this regard, as well as facilitating exchange of good practices between different production sectors. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC believes that the initiatives already put in place by the Commission to deal with the backlog in developing standards are showing encouraging signs. However, it is clear that some key sectors, such as the digital sector, are still showing signs of serious delays in sensitive areas, such as the blockchain, which have a cross-cutting impact on the lives of all citizens, businesses and workers. The EESC therefore calls on the Commission to draw up increasingly specific work programmes with clear, well-defined time frames. Moreover, it awaits with interest the outcome of the economic and social impact assessment on standardisation, and hopes that it will also properly take into due account indirect aspects such as employment levels and worker safety. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

2.   Introduction

| 2.1. | Harmonised standards are a specific category of European standards developed by a European Standardisation Organisation (2) (ESO) at the request of — with a ‘mandate’ from — the European Commission within a public-private partnership. Around 20 % of all European standards are developed following a standardisation request from the European Commission. Harmonised standards can be used to prove that certain products or services placed on the market comply with the technical requirements of the relevant EU legislation. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | The technical requirements laid down in EU legislation are mandatory, while the use of harmonised standards is usually voluntary. However, it is so complicated for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, to certify their own alternative standards that, in practice, harmonised standards are observed and recognised by practically all companies. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | Thus, although in theory the use of harmonised standards is voluntary, in practice they make a key contribution to the operation and development of the single market, in that they provide a presumption of conformity, which ensures legal certainty and allows new products to enter the market without additional costs. The development of a proper system of harmonised rules, therefore, should bring benefits for all, providing growth opportunities for companies and workers, ensuring the health and safety of consumers and helping to protect the environment in a circular economy. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | In March 2018 the European Council asked the Commission to assess progress in implementing the single market and the remaining barriers to its completion. Communication COM(2018) 772 (3) was a response to this request. In the assessment great emphasis was placed on standardisation as key to removing technical barriers to trade, by ensuring that complementary products and services are interoperable, facilitating the market introduction of innovative products and building the trust of consumers. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | However, rapidly evolving technological developments, digitisation and the development of the collaborative economy mean that the standardisation system needs to be made increasingly speedy, modern, efficient and flexible. In this context, harmonised standards are a key factor. Moreover, a recent judgment of the European Court of Justice (4) stated that even though they are developed by independent private organisations and their use remains voluntary, harmonised standards form an integral part of EU law; the Commission is therefore under obligation to monitor the process and ensure that standards are drawn up swiftly and implemented effectively. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | For this reason the Commission has published the communication under consideration, in order to take stock of the initiatives already under way with regard to harmonised standardisation and to see how much remains to be done to fully implement Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on European Standardisation. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

3.   Gist of the Commission proposal

| 3.1. | The Commission’s proposal is based on four actions to be launched immediately with a view to making further progress on the issues of inclusiveness, legal certainty, predictability and the rapid achievement of the benefits for the single market arising from the availability of harmonised standards. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

3.2.   Action 1. Eliminate the remaining backlog in as short a time as possible

| 3.2.1. | In 2017 the REFIT platform highlighted a clear backlog in the standardisation process, which various stakeholders had already pointed out (5). These delays were predominantly in the sectors subject to the digital transformation of the economy. Thus, in agreement with the European Standardisation Organisations, a strategy for tackling the backlog was developed. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.1.

3.3.   Action 2. Streamline procedures for publishing references of harmonised standards in the Official Journal.

| 3.3.1. | This action is based on a thorough overhaul of the way the Commission works. It has led to a pool of consultants being set up to identify emerging issues early on the development process. In addition, structural dialogue was set up within the public-private partnership, and inter-institutional dialogue involving the principal European institutions (including the EESC) and stakeholders, which led to decisions on harmonised standards being taken by the Commission by means of the accelerated written procedure from 1 December 2018. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.1.

| 3.4. | Action 3. Draft a guidance document on the practical aspects of the implementation of the Standardisation Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.4.1. | The guidance document will serve to clarify the role and responsibilities of the various players at all stages of drawing up harmonised standards. It will, in particular, explain the substantive and procedural aspects of the new format of the standardisation request which the Commission is developing with the aim of ensuring greater transparency and predictability in the development of the standards. It will also clarify the role of the Commission and its expert consultants. Finally, it will provide additional guidance to improve the consistency and speed of the assessment procedure for harmonised standards across the all relevant sectors. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.1.

3.5.   Action 4. Reinforce the system of consultants to obtain swift and robust assessments of harmonised standards, allowing timely publication thereof in the Official Journal of the EU.

| 3.5.1. | In order to ensure better upstream coordination in the process of assessing harmonised standards, which the ESOs are in the process of developing, the Commission will continue to rely on the scientific input of the Joint Research Centre and, at the same time, will reinforce its liaison with the technical committees in charge of developing standards through the recently introduced system of expert consultants. The goal will be to maximise the speed, quality and accuracy of the assessments to improve the effectiveness of the whole process and to ensure that the references to harmonised standards are published as quickly as possible in the Official Journal. |
| --- | --- |

3.5.1.

4.   General comments

| 4.1. | The EESC endorses the Commission communication on harmonised standards, aimed at increasing transparency and legal certainty for a single market and ensuring that it operates effectively. The proposal was discussed in parallel with EESC Opinion INT/878 (6) on The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019 (7), for obvious reasons of similarity of content, in order to provide a thorough, coordinated and coherent response. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | The EESC reiterates its full support for the principle of harmonised standards as a key instrument for completing the single market, offering growth opportunities for businesses and workers, building consumer trust in product quality and safety and providing better environmental protection (8). The EESC also believes that a harmonised standards strategy cannot be separated from the global processes taking place, which it should reflect in terms of defending standards defined at European level. In fact, any delays in the European standardisation process or a failure to defend European standards in the ISO negotiations could mean that our standards are overlooked or are not compatible with those approved at international level, which would clearly be harmful for businesses and consumers. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | The EESC welcomes the Commission’s initiative, which has enabled part of the harmonised standards backlog accumulated over the years (9) to be tackled. However, for some key digital sectors such as the blockchain we point out that only very recently has an ad hoc working group started work on the subject, clearly with a considerable delay. Since it is extremely difficult to regulate innovation at a sufficiently swift pace, it would be appropriate to draw up a clearer and more specific work programme that sets out well-defined time frames and procedures for implementation. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | The EESC believes that it is clearly appropriate to streamline internal Commission procedures to speed up decision-making processes and publication in the Official Journal, as this is one of the causes of the backlog that has built up over the years in the area of harmonised standards. In particular, it is essential that the system of harmonised standards is able to cope with the new market challenges, to prevent individual Member States forging ahead in a way which could create conflict between the different national regulatory systems. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

| 4.5. | In the broader simplification process proposed by the Commission, it is crucial that transparency and, in particular, inclusiveness, are ensured in the governance processes. This means that, as was the case with the interinstitutional dialogue launched in June 2018, the European Economic and Social Committee must continue to be fully involved, along with the other stakeholders, at both European and national level (10). |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

| 4.6. | The EESC points out that actively involving interested stakeholders at national, European and international levels helps to achieve stronger, higher-quality standards and should be encouraged and supported. Stakeholders still face numerous difficulties in gaining access to the processes for defining harmonised standards. In particular, there are problems of information and awareness regarding the importance of this instrument and the procedures for gaining access to it, restrictive criteria for participation and excessively high costs for small organisations or businesses. |
| --- | --- |

4.6.

| 4.7. | In this regard, the Committee notes that there is little awareness of the funds made available through the H2020 programme to finance stakeholder involvement in standardisation processes and they should be more easily accessible and better publicised (11). It is also important that all the funding currently provided for is maintained and, if possible, increased in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027). The same recommendation applies to funding for the stakeholders referred to in Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. |
| --- | --- |

4.7.

| 4.8. | In order to make standardisation support measures more effective, it is recommended that projects funded under Horizon Europe also include stakeholder involvement in innovation standardisation activities carried out in the context of dissemination activities. |
| --- | --- |

4.8.

| 4.9. | In line with its previous opinions (12), the EESC calls for close monitoring of the efforts of key standardisation players in order to increase the inclusiveness of the European Standardisation System (ESS). In this connection, the EESC could set up an ad hoc forum on the inclusiveness of the ESS. This body would be responsible for organising an annual public hearing to assess the progress made in this respect, as well as promoting the exchange of good practices between different production sectors. |
| --- | --- |

4.9.

5.   Specific comments

| 5.1. | The Committee notes that the endeavours proposed by the Commission to streamline internal procedures and increase the number of consultants could cover several operational and decision-making levels, concerning both the staffing and operation of the internal organisation. These improvements are necessary but should be properly funded. The EESC therefore calls on the Commission to better clarify this aspect, emphasising the need to set aside funding commensurate with the challenges in the sector, in line with the objectives of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 (13). |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | The EESC reiterates the need to build a stronger European culture of standardisation with specific awareness-raising campaigns targeting individuals from school age up to political decision-makers, and for this to be reflected in international agreements (14). It would also be useful to develop specific awareness-raising campaigns targeting SMEs and start-ups. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | The EESC hopes that the social and economic impact assessment of the standardisation system contained in the European standardisation work programme for 2019 will provide for an ad hoc forum dedicated to harmonised standards and realistic consideration of the possible disadvantages and opportunities, not only with regard to the internal market but also internationally. This means that the assessment should also consider the indirect effects of standardisation, such as employment levels and safety of workers (15). |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 12.

1

(2)  European Committee for Standardization (CEN), European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (Cenelec) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

2

(3)  COM(2018) 772 final: The Single Market in a changing world. A unique asset in need of renewed political commitment.

3

(4)  Judgment in case C-613/14 James Elliot Construction/Irish Asphalt Limited.

4

(5)  REFIT platform, Opinion XXII.2.b.

5

(6)  INT/878, European standardisation for 2019 (see page 74 of this Official Journal).

6

(7)  COM(2018) 686 final.

7

(8)  OJ C 75, 10.3.2017, p. 40.

8

(9)  European Commission data.

9

(10)  OJ C 34, 2.2.2017, p. 86; OJ C 75, 10.3.2017, p. 40.

10

(11)  The H2020 LEIT (Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies) work programme finances projects aimed at supporting stakeholder involvement in the standardisation process. One of these is the two-year StandICT.eu project (www.standict.eu) to standardise ICT innovation, with a budget of EUR 2 million and a range of potential beneficiaries of about 300 individuals selected through regular open calls. The 2019-2020 LEIT work programme includes an open call of this kind, ‘ICT-45-2020: Reinforcing European presence in international ICT standardisation: Standardisation Observatory and Support Facility’, but its funding has been doubled from EUR 2 to 4 million and will be carried out over 2-3 years.

11

(12)  OJ C 303, 19.8.2016, p. 81; OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17.

12

(13)  OJ C 197, 8.6.2018, p. 17.

13

(14)  See footnote 10.

14

(15)  See footnote 8.

15

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/83 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/83

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Towards a comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors

(COM(2018) 734 final)

(2019/C 228/12)

Rapporteur: Brian CURTIS (UK/II)

| Referral | European Commission, 14.12.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Bureau decision | 10.7.2018 |
| Section responsible | Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment |
| Adopted in section | 27.2.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 21.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 173/0/1 |

Referral

European Commission, 14.12.2018

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Bureau decision

10.7.2018

Section responsible

Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment

Adopted in section

27.2.2019

Adopted at plenary

21.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

173/0/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the Commission communication on Endocrine Disruptors (EDs), which aims to better protect human and animal health. In particular, the EESC considers it necessary to carry out a complete fitness check on current legislation, including the social and economic impact, in order to establish the real state of play. A holistic approach is crucial to supporting a long-term strategy which makes it possible to deal with EDs in a coherent, consistent and scientific way. Nevertheless, the Committee considers that this strategy should be reinforced with a realistic action plan which sets targets and deadlines. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The Committee supports the proposal which aims to define a more coherent legislative framework. In this framework it will be important to respect the principle ‘one substance, one toxicology’ and to base the new strategy on harmonised use of the precautionary principle, in line with the effective provisions already adopted on biocides and pesticides (1). The new strategy could be included under the ‘cross-sectoral umbrella’ represented by REACH. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The mechanism of governance should be science-based, in order to ensure transparency for citizens and stakeholders. For this reason, public and independent research should be supported by an adequate budget. In particular, independent research could provide agreed scientific criteria and/or methods to address, support and stimulate European industrial R&I activity and production. The EESC recommends that this budget should not be lower than the current budget under Horizon 2020. In particular, the Committee recommends establishing a specific budget line for early identification of EDs and the risks for animal and human health, identification of safe alternative substances and environmental remediation. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | Bans or restrictions on some substances or products, once they are plausibly identified as EDs, could have a relevant impact on enterprises and workplaces. For this reason, the EESC recommends that the Commission provide for a specific financial mechanism to support the transition towards more sustainable production, in order to improve industries’ production techniques and mechanisms and update workers’ skills. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC supports the proposal for an Annual Stakeholder Meeting. Nevertheless, the Committee considers that the dialogue between stakeholders and the European Commission should include a permanent, structured system of information exchange and consultation, in order to be really effective. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | The Committee asks that the broad awareness campaign on POPs which the Commission will be organising at EU level be developed with reference to a similar approach focused on EDs. The EESC also reiterates its recommendation to create an open data bank for POPs and EDs in order to provide a useful tool for enterprises and consumers. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | The Committee firmly believes that the European strategy on EDs should have an international dimension in order to effectively protect citizens’ health against potentially unsafe products from third countries. For this reason, the EESC endorses the Commission proposal for a more proactive EU role at global level, supporting the OECD in improving its tests. Moreover, the EESC believes that the EU should promote sustainability and the upholding of ED provisions in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. In this context, the EU could work in cooperation with the WHO and UNEP to sign a global convention on EDs, as it has already done for POPs (Stockholm Convention), and based on the existing UN list of identified or potential EDs. These initiatives will also be useful to create a level playing field and protect the European production model from unfair competition. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The EESC supports the open strategy undertaken by the Commission and considers that organised civil society could play a crucial role in developing national awareness campaigns, in order to inform a wider population base about the activities taken by the EU to protect the health of citizens. Such initiatives should start in schools in order to reduce the risks of exposure to EDs and to promote safe behaviour. In particular, the EESC recommends that education and training initiatives be harmonised and considered part of the same strategy under a lifelong learning approach. Specific training courses should be compulsory and available for all European workers whose job is directly or indirectly related to EDs. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

2.   Introduction

| 2.1. | Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are synthetic or natural chemical substances that alter the way in which the endocrine system works, and consequently they negatively affect the health of humans and animals, including metabolism, growth, sleep and mood. Exposure to EDs is due to a number of different sources, such as residues of pesticides, metals and additives or contaminants in food and cosmetics. Some EDs are substances naturally present in the environment. Humans and animals may be exposed to endocrine disruptors through food, dust or water, by inhaling gases and particles in the air, or simply through skin contact (personal care products). Sometimes, the effects caused by an endocrine-disrupting substance are only seen long after exposure (2). It should be noted that items with ED properties can include substances present in specific foodstuffs (e.g. vegetables), some vitamins and other food supplements, as well as key pharmaceuticals, (e.g. for the treatment of cancer, and especially female birth control): EU citizens may be exposed to large quantities of ED through such items. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Concerns about EDs have been growing since the 1990s. In December 1999, the Commission adopted the Community Strategy for endocrine disruptors (3), which has been developed since then by action in the fields of research, regulation and international cooperation. A broad study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the problem of the wide impact of endocrine disruptors on a large number of humans and animals, in particular on foetuses and pregnant women (preterm birth and low birth weight, malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders), children and adolescents (alteration of normal development and functioning of reproductive system, such as earlier onset of breast development in young girls), but also on adults (loss of fertility, obesity, cancer) (4). |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | A large number of man-made and natural chemicals are known to interact with hormone synthesis, activity or metabolism, but only a small fraction of them have been properly investigated for their potential to induce adverse effects through endocrine-related mechanisms as outlined also by a recent UN Report. The speed with which the increases in disease incidence have occurred in recent decades rules out genetic factors as the sole plausible explanation. Environmental and other non-genetic factors, including nutrition, age of mother, viral diseases and chemical exposures, are also at play, but are not always easy to identify (5). |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.4. | Significant progress in understanding and regulating EDs has been made, and the EU is now recognised as a global leader in dealing with these chemicals, while its legislation is among the most protective in the world. Specific provisions are now included in legislation on pesticides and biocides, chemicals in general (the ‘REACH Regulation’), medical devices and water (6). Other legislation, such as that on food contact materials, cosmetics, toys or protecting workers in the workplace (7), does not contain specific provisions on EDs. However, substances with endocrine disrupting properties are subject to case-by-case regulatory action on the basis of the general requirements of the legislation. Nevertheless, the lack of coordination has made the current legislation fragmented and sometimes incoherent (e.g. Bisphenol A is a raw material broadly used in several manufacturing sectors. It is prohibited in cosmetics and baby bottles but still permitted in other food and feed contact materials and in thermal paper.) |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

3.   Gist of the proposal

| 3.1. | Coming almost 20 years after the adoption of the Community Strategy, the communication notes that the Commission intends to carry out a fitness check on current legislation, in order to establish the state of play. This should be the first step towards updating EU legislation and making it coherent and coordinated with regard to three crucial aspects: definition, identification and regulatory consequences (in particular on protection measures). |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | A common definition of EDs is the starting point for the horizontal approach and it is a key element of the new path. It will be based on the WHO definition of endocrine disruptors (8). A common definition is necessary to establish a harmonised method for identifying EDs. |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | With regard to identification, the Commission is seeking to enhance three lines of action:






  — | a horizontal mechanism for identifying EDs, |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.3.

—

a horizontal mechanism for identifying EDs,

| — | updating data requirements in legislation to identify new endocrine disruptors more accurately, |
| --- | --- |

—

updating data requirements in legislation to identify new endocrine disruptors more accurately,

| — | improving communication throughout the supply chain with regard to endocrine disruptors under REACH (safety data sheets). |
| --- | --- |

—

improving communication throughout the supply chain with regard to endocrine disruptors under REACH (safety data sheets).

| 3.4. | The third aspect consists of implementing the same measures and provisions in line with the precautionary principle, in order to protect the public from exposure to harm, when scientific investigation has found a plausible risk. This should entail banning the production of such substances with limited possibilities for derogations. For this reason, the fitness check will pay specific attention to the consistency and intensity of measures to protect all citizens, with a specific focus on vulnerable population groups that are particularly sensitive to EDs when the endocrine system is in a phase of change, such as foetuses, adolescents and pregnant women. |
| --- | --- |

3.4.

| 3.5. | Research will be crucial in the future legislative framework, because there are still several knowledge gaps, such as:






  — | precisely how exposure to EDs contributes to the development of diseases, |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.5.

—

precisely how exposure to EDs contributes to the development of diseases,

| — | whether a ‘safe threshold’ can be established for EDs under which no adverse effect occurs, |
| --- | --- |

—

whether a ‘safe threshold’ can be established for EDs under which no adverse effect occurs,

| — | which mixture can produce a ‘cocktail effect’ and how ‘mixtures’ work in general, |
| --- | --- |

—

which mixture can produce a ‘cocktail effect’ and how ‘mixtures’ work in general,

| — | how we can make our testing methods more efficient. |
| --- | --- |

—

how we can make our testing methods more efficient.

| 3.6. | Since 1999, over 50 projects on EDs have been funded under the EU framework programmes for research and development (over EUR 150 million in funding (9)). A further EUR 52 million have been allocated under Horizon 2020. New projects will be financed under the Horizon Europe Programme (10). In particular, the Commission proposes the following lines of research:






  — | further development of hazard assessment, risk assessment and management of chemicals, including as regards cocktail effects, and the collection, sharing and combination of required data, |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.6.

—

further development of hazard assessment, risk assessment and management of chemicals, including as regards cocktail effects, and the collection, sharing and combination of required data,

| — | elimination of substances of concern in the production and end-of-life phases; support for the development of safe substitutes, and safe and cost-efficient production technologies, |
| --- | --- |

—

elimination of substances of concern in the production and end-of-life phases; support for the development of safe substitutes, and safe and cost-efficient production technologies,

| — | eco-innovation to prevent and remedy environmental pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals which are now deemed to be of concern, while also considering the interface between chemicals, products and waste. |
| --- | --- |

—

eco-innovation to prevent and remedy environmental pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals which are now deemed to be of concern, while also considering the interface between chemicals, products and waste.

| 3.7. | In order to make the new strategy more effective, the Commission is envisaging a more proactive role for the EU at global level and an open dialogue with stakeholders and the general public. Such activities will be structured around four initiatives:






  — | a Forum on EDs will be organised on an annual basis. The Forum will enable scientists and public and private stakeholders to exchange information and best practices, identify challenges and build synergies, in order to support the Commission’s work, |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.7.

—

a Forum on EDs will be organised on an annual basis. The Forum will enable scientists and public and private stakeholders to exchange information and best practices, identify challenges and build synergies, in order to support the Commission’s work,

| — | enhanced support for the work of relevant international organisations, with a specific focus on providing the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with the necessary support to make progress in the development of internationally agreed test guidelines, |
| --- | --- |

—

enhanced support for the work of relevant international organisations, with a specific focus on providing the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with the necessary support to make progress in the development of internationally agreed test guidelines,

| — | exploring possibilities for the inclusion of EDs in the existing international system for classifying chemicals. This would provide a global solution for the identification of endocrine disruptors (similar to the system already in place for other hazard classes such as mutagens, carcinogens, and substances toxic for reproduction), |
| --- | --- |

—

exploring possibilities for the inclusion of EDs in the existing international system for classifying chemicals. This would provide a global solution for the identification of endocrine disruptors (similar to the system already in place for other hazard classes such as mutagens, carcinogens, and substances toxic for reproduction),

| — | a one-stop-shop web portal to inform individuals, enterprises and stakeholders about this topic. Since there are different levels of information and awareness in Europe, Member States will be encouraged to develop specific campaigns with a special focus on vulnerable groups. |
| --- | --- |

—

a one-stop-shop web portal to inform individuals, enterprises and stakeholders about this topic. Since there are different levels of information and awareness in Europe, Member States will be encouraged to develop specific campaigns with a special focus on vulnerable groups.

4.   General comments

| 4.1. | The EESC welcomes the Commission communication on EDs. In particular, the Committee considers it necessary to carry out a complete fitness check on current legislation, including the social and economic impact, in order to establish the real state of play. A holistic approach is crucial to supporting a long-term strategy (11) which makes it possible to deal with EDs in coherent, consistent and scientific way. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | The Committee agrees with the Commission that endocrine disruptors are substances of particular concern. For this reason, the Committee supports the proposal to create a coherent legislative framework and harmonised use of the precautionary principle, in line with the effective provisions already adopted on biocides and pesticides (12). |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | In particular, the EESC considers that the coherence of the new legislative framework will be the main challenge for the EU, because several substances, such as ‘bisphenol A’, broadly used as additives in various sectors, are considered in a very different way. For this reason, it is important to respect the scientific principle ‘one substance, one toxicology (13)’. This means that the criteria for identifying a substance as an ED must be consistent and coherent across all regulatory fields in the EU. Then, even if exceptions may be possible, the regulatory decisions should in general be coherent and coordinated. Last but not least, the new strategy could be included under the ‘cross-sectoral umbrella’ provided by REACH to ensure consistency. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | In the new context, the mechanism of governance should be science-based, in order to ensure transparency for citizens and stakeholders. For this reason, it is important to establish an adequate budget to support public and independent research. The EESC believes that agreed scientific criteria and/or methods based on independent research data could address, support and stimulate European industrial R&I activity and production. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

| 4.5. | The Committee considers that the ban or restrictions imposed on some substances or products, once plausibly identified as EDs, could have a relevant impact on the enterprises and workplaces. For this reason, the Commission should provide for a specific financial mechanism to support the transition towards more sustainable production, both for enterprises, in order to make their production techniques and mechanisms more innovative, and for workers, in order to update their skills (14). |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

| 4.6. | Independent research is crucial to improve and complete our knowledge of EDs. The Committee notes that the Commission proposal does not specify the exact budget for research and innovation on EDs in the Horizon Europe Programme. The EESC recommends that this budget should not be lower than the current budget under Horizon 2020. |
| --- | --- |

4.6.

| 4.7. | The EESC agrees with the Commission proposal on investments in research and innovation, but considers that some other fields will be crucial in the coming years and should therefore be financed:






  (a) | early identification of EDs. According to the WHO, there are more than 800 substances that are potential EDs (15). Due to their broad use, it is important to invest in speeding up scientific individuation techniques and mechanisms for data analysis (in order to achieve better interpretation of the existing data); |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.7.

(a)

early identification of EDs. According to the WHO, there are more than 800 substances that are potential EDs (15). Due to their broad use, it is important to invest in speeding up scientific individuation techniques and mechanisms for data analysis (in order to achieve better interpretation of the existing data);

| (b) | identification of safe alternative substances and methods. The new pathway undertaken by the EC could drive the discovery of many new EDs. Some of these substances are particularly useful in many productive sectors, therefore it is important to invest in researching safe alternatives and safe production methods. The absence of data does not mean that a substance is safe, and for this reason it is important to increase scientific investigation. Efforts should be made to broaden the list of substances evaluated, not merely focusing on substances already widely tested; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

identification of safe alternative substances and methods. The new pathway undertaken by the EC could drive the discovery of many new EDs. Some of these substances are particularly useful in many productive sectors, therefore it is important to invest in researching safe alternatives and safe production methods. The absence of data does not mean that a substance is safe, and for this reason it is important to increase scientific investigation. Efforts should be made to broaden the list of substances evaluated, not merely focusing on substances already widely tested;

| (c) | environmental remediation. Once a new ED substance is plausibly identified, it is important to apply a specific procedure concerning risk assessment and management of such substances in the environment in order to plan, if needed (particularly due to its persistence), a specific strategy for environmental remediation. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

environmental remediation. Once a new ED substance is plausibly identified, it is important to apply a specific procedure concerning risk assessment and management of such substances in the environment in order to plan, if needed (particularly due to its persistence), a specific strategy for environmental remediation.

| 4.8. | The EESC supports the proposal for an Annual Stakeholder Meeting. Nevertheless, the Committee considers that the dialogue between stakeholders and the European Commission should include a permanent, structured system of information exchange and consultation, in order to be really effective. The EESC would like to participate in and contribute to the annual meeting. |
| --- | --- |

4.8.

| 4.9. | EDs and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are different substances and have different effects on human beings and the environment, but they are equally dangerous to health and unknown to citizens. Because the EU strategy on POPs bears several similarities to the Commission communication on EDs, the Committee proposes to develop these strategies with a similar approach in order to enhance political and scientific process. In particular, in line with the EESC NAT/719 opinion on Recast of POPs, the Committee asks that particular attention be paid to EDs in the broad awareness campaign on POPs, to be organised by the Commission at EU level. The EESC also reiterates its recommendation to create an open data bank on POPs and EDs in order to provide a useful tool for enterprises and consumers. |
| --- | --- |

4.9.

5.   Specific comments

| 5.1. | The EESC sees the Commission communication as an important step towards better protection of citizens’ health by defining a more sustainable manufacturing system. Nevertheless, the Committee considers that this strategy should be reinforced with a realistic action plan, which sets targets and deadlines. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | A well-designed circular economy, with a specific focus an secondary raw materials (16), could become a vehicle for minimising the exposure of EU citizens to endocrine disruptors. The Committee considers that the Commission proposal needs to be clearly and strictly linked to the current legislation developed under the 7th Environment Action Plan (17) and the other crucial policy initiatives for sustainability, such as the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Plastic Strategy seeking to exclude the production of toxic products. This issue is very sensitive, particularly concerning cocktail effects which are a cause of disease in human beings and harmful for the environment. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | The EESC encourages the Commission to define more accurately the proposal to organise a public consultation on EDs. The Committee is convinced that more than individual people, organised civil society itself could play an important role, chiefly because specific knowledge and experience are necessary to give useful, reliable and science-based advice (18). |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.4. | The Committee firmly believes that any European strategy on EDs should have an international dimension and be developed at international level in order to effectively protect citizens’ health against potentially unsafe products from third countries. For this reason, the EESC endorses the Commission proposal for a more proactive EU role at global level, supporting the OECD in improving its tests. Moreover, the EESC believes that the EU should promote sustainability and the upholding of ED provisions in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. In this sense, the EU could work in cooperation with the WHO and UNEP to sign a global convention on EDs, as it has already done for POPs (Stockholm Convention), based on the existing UN list of identified or potential EDs (19). These initiatives will also be useful to create a level playing field and protect European production model against unfair competition (20). |
| --- | --- |

5.4.

| 5.5. | The EESC supports the open strategy undertaken by the Commission and considers that organised civil society could play a crucial role in developing national awareness campaigns in order to inform a wider population base about the activities taken by the EU to protect the health of citizens. An effective awareness campaign should start in schools in order to reduce the risks of exposure to EDs and to promote safe behaviour (21). In particular, the EESC recommends that education and training initiatives be harmonised and considered part of the same strategy under a lifelong learning approach. Furthermore, the Committee considers that specific training courses should be compulsory and available for all European workers whose job is directly or indirectly related to EDs (22). |
| --- | --- |

5.5.

Brussels, 21 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 167, 27.6.2012, p. 1); Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1).

1

(2)  ECHA website. https://chemicalsinourlife.echa.europa.eu/endocrine-disrupters-and-our-healthAccording to the widely recognised WHO definition (WHO-IPCS) of 2002, an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), is ‘an exogenous substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations’.

2

(3)  COM(1999) 706.

3

(4)  World Health Organisation, State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, 2012, pages VII-XII.

4

(5)  https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste/what-we-do/emerging-issues/scientific-knowledge-endocrine-disrupting

5

(6)  Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009; Regulation (EU) No 528/2012; Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1); Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 117, 5.5.2017, p. 1); Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).

6

(7)  Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 338, 13.11.2004, p. 4); Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p. 59); Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 170, 30.6.2009, p. 1); Council Directive 98/24/EC (OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11); Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 50).

7

(8)  ‘An exogenous substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations’.

8

‘An exogenous substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations’.

(9)  EC data.

9

(10)  COM(2018) 435 final and COM(2018) 436 final — see in particular, in the second pillar on Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness, the Health cluster (with a proposed budget of EUR 7,7 billion) and the Non-nuclear direct actions of the Joint Research Centre cluster (with a proposed budget of EUR 2,2 billion).

10

(11)  EESC opinion on ‘Drinking water directive’ (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 107); EESC opinion on EU actions to improve environmental compliance and governance (OJ C 283, 10.8.2018, p. 83); EESC opinion on The current system guaranteeing food safety and security of the food supply in the EU and ways to improve it (OJ C 268, 14.8.2015, p. 1); EESC opinion on Toys’ safety (OJ C 77, 31.3.2009, p. 8); EESC opinion on ‘Civil society’s contribution to the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU’ (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 18).

11

Drinking water directive

EU actions to improve environmental compliance and governance

The current system guaranteeing food safety and security of the food supply in the EU and ways to improve it

Toys’ safety

(12)  Regulation (EU) No 528/2012; Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009; EESC opinion on ‘Biocidal products’ (OJ C 347, 18.12.2010, p. 62).

12

Biocidal products

(13)  ‘Scientific principles for the identification of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: a consensus statement’, Solecki, 2017. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-016-1866-9

13

Scientific principles for the identification of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: a consensus statement

(14)  EESC opinion on Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (OJ C 288, 31.8.2017, p. 56); EESC opinion on the Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 93).

14

Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work

Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

(15)  According to TEDX (the Endocrine Data Exchange) that list includes more than 1 000 substances.

15

(16)  EESC opinion on an Interface between Chemicals, Products and Waste legislation (OJ C 283, 10.8.2018, p. 56).

16

Interface between Chemicals, Products and Waste legislation

EESC opinion on a Strategy on Plastic in a Circular Economy (including action on marine litter) (OJ C 283, 10.8.2018, p. 61).

Strategy on Plastic in a Circular Economy (including action on marine litter)

(17)  Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 171).

17

(18)  EESC opinion on ‘Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)’ (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 93).

18

Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

(19)  In August 2018, the UN published a list of 45 chemicals, or groups of chemicals, that have been identified as EDs or potential EDs following a thorough scientific assessment based on the WHO/IPCS 2002 definitions of EDs and potential EDs. Unfortunately, the absence of an international convention on EDs does not make it possible to establish an agreed international procedure to protect human and animal health from exposure to such substances. https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste/what-we-do/emerging-issues/scientific-knowledge-endocrine-disrupting

19

(20)  EESC opinion on ‘Transition towards a more sustainable European future’ (OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 44).

20

Transition towards a more sustainable European future

(21)  E.g. Decalog for citizens on EDs. http://old.iss.it/inte/index.php?lang=2&id=289&tipo=29

21

(22)  EESC opinion on the Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 93).

22

the Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/89 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/89

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Action Plan against Disinformation’

(JOIN(2018) 36 final)

(2019/C 228/13)

Rapporteur: Ulrich SAMM

Co-rapporteur: Giulia BARBUCCI

| Referral | European Commission, 12.3.2019 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Section responsible | Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society |
| Adopted in section | 5.3.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 142/2/1 |

Referral

European Commission, 12.3.2019

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society

Adopted in section

5.3.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

142/2/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The EESC takes careful note of the initiative’s definition of disinformation as verifiably false or misleading information that is a threat to democracy and does public harm. Spreading disinformation has become a part of a hybrid war with a clear political aim. However, it also emphasises that, in addition to false information, highly selective information, defamation, scare-mongering and inciting hatred attack citizens’ fundamental rights (freedoms) and minority rights. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.2. | The most effective disinformation always contains some truth. Therefore, multiple actions from all stakeholders are needed to provide quality information and raise awareness. To this end, the EESC welcomes the initiative for coordinated action to protect the EU, its institutions and its citizens against disinformation. The EESC emphasises the urgency of such measures but is also concerned, however, that the impact of this action plan might be limited given that the May 2019 European elections are not far off. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.3. | The EESC recognises that disinformation primarily comes from three sources: from the Russian Federation (well documented by the European External Action Service), economic subjects and media from other third countries (including China and the United States) and from internal sources — various media operating in countries of the Union itself and from politically extreme movements and organisations. The EESC urges the Commission to widen its monitoring and take countermeasures accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC emphasises that it is urgent that Member States take the steps needed to preserve the integrity of their electoral systems and infrastructure and test them during all phases of the European elections. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC shares the Commission’s view that a comprehensive response to disinformation also requires active participation by civil society organisations. The EESC is pro-active in supporting the joint efforts against disinformation, for example through its opinions, hearings, going local events and numerous press activities by its professional Communication Group. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | Building resilience means involving all sectors of society and, in particular, improving citizens’ media literacy. Awareness-raising and critical thinking start at school but also require a continuous lifelong refresher. These activities require allocation of proper funding — right now and in the new Multiannual Financial Framework. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | Joint efforts have to be supported by as many actors as possible at EU level, in Member States and also within the southern and eastern partnership involving public and private organisations. Independent fact-checkers and quality journalism play a key role and need proper funding to be able to operate almost in real time. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The EESC welcomes, in particular, the research funding allocated in Horizon 2020 and in Horizon Europe to achieve a better understanding of the sources of disinformation and the intentions, tools and objectives behind disinformation. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | The strengthening of the Strategic Communication Task Forces is overdue. The EESC therefore welcomes the plan to provide additional staff and new tools. In view of the considerable resources provided in certain countries for the generation of disinformation, it appears that the EU needs an adequate response. Therefore the anticipated increase of resources for the Strategic Communications Task Forces can thus only be seen as a first step towards further growth in the years to come. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

| 1.10. | The EESC agrees that the other two Strategic Communications Task Forces (Western Balkans and South) should be reviewed, and urges the Member States to contribute to the work of the Strategic Communications Task Forces by sending national experts. |
| --- | --- |

1.10.

| 1.11. | The EESC welcomes the Code of Practice as a voluntary commitment for social media platforms and advertisers to fight disinformation, but at the same time has doubts about the effectiveness of such voluntary actions. The Commission is urged to propose further actions, including actions of a regulatory nature like penalties, should the implementation of the Code of Practice continue to be unsatisfactory. |
| --- | --- |

1.11.

| 1.12. | The EESC urgently appeals to private businesses to start seeing the placing of advertisements on online platforms contributing to spreading disinformation as unethical and irresponsible, and urges them to take steps to prevent this behaviour. |
| --- | --- |

1.12.

2.   Introduction — Disinformation as a threat for the Union’s democratic systems

| 2.1. | Within the context of this initiative disinformation is understood as verifiably false or misleading information that is created, presented and disseminated for economic gain or to intentionally deceive the public, causing public harm and threatening democracy. Often, rights are attacked by defamation, scare-mongering and inciting hatred. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | Those who distribute disinformation do so sometimes by claiming freedom of expression. The right to information and press freedom are indeed fundamental rights of the European Union, but we need to fight any abuse of this right when disinformation is intentionally used to cause harm to society. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.3. | Digital techniques make it easier to generate and distribute disinformation. Such techniques include:






  — | troll attacks on social media profiles; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.3.

—

troll attacks on social media profiles;

| — | the use of internet automated software (bots); |
| --- | --- |

—

the use of internet automated software (bots);

| — | falsification of documents; |
| --- | --- |

—

falsification of documents;

| — | video manipulation (deep-fakes); |
| --- | --- |

—

video manipulation (deep-fakes);

| — | fake social media profiles. |
| --- | --- |

—

fake social media profiles.

| 2.4. | Social media have become important means of spreading disinformation, including in some cases, like Cambridge Analytica, to target the delivery of disinformation content to specific users, who are identified by the unauthorised access and use of personal data, with the ultimate goal of influencing the election results and thereby threatening democracy.
  Besides social media, more traditional methods such as television, newspapers, websites, chain emails and messages also continue to play an important role in many regions. The tools and techniques used are changing fast. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

Besides social media, more traditional methods such as television, newspapers, websites, chain emails and messages also continue to play an important role in many regions. The tools and techniques used are changing fast.

| 2.5. | The actors behind disinformation may be internal, within Member States, or external, including state (or government sponsored) and non-state actors. According to reports, more than 30 countries are using disinformation and influencing activities in different forms, including in their own countries. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | According to the EU Hybrid Fusion Cell, established in 2016 within the European External Action Service, disinformation by the Russian Federation poses the greatest external threat to the EU. Disinformation produced and/or spread by Russian sources has been reported in the context of several elections and referenda in the EU. Disinformation campaigns related to the war in Syria, to the downing of the MH-17 aircraft in the East of Ukraine and to the use of chemical weapons in the Salisbury attack have been well documented. Other third countries, however, also play an important role in disinformation and numerous actors within the EU provide false information as well. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

| 2.7. | In 2018 the EU put forward a number of initiatives against disinformation, illegal content and for data protection:






  — | Joint Communication on bolstering resilience against hybrid threats (JOIN(2018)16); |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.7.

—

Joint Communication on bolstering resilience against hybrid threats (JOIN(2018)16);

| — | Recommendation on measures to effectively tackle illegal content online (C(2018) 1177); |
| --- | --- |

—

Recommendation on measures to effectively tackle illegal content online (C(2018) 1177);

| — | Regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online (COM(2018) 640); |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online (COM(2018) 640);

| — | Regulation as regards a verification procedure related to infringements of rules on the protection of personal data in the context of elections to the European Parliament (COM(2018) 636) (1); |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation as regards a verification procedure related to infringements of rules on the protection of personal data in the context of elections to the European Parliament (COM(2018) 636) (1);

| — | Revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (EU) 2018/1808; |
| --- | --- |

—

Revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (EU) 2018/1808;

| — | Communication on Tackling Illegal Content Online – Towards an enhanced responsibility of online platforms (COM(2017) 555) (2); |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on Tackling Illegal Content Online – Towards an enhanced responsibility of online platforms (COM(2017) 555) (2);

| — | Regulation for establishing the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and the Network of National Coordination Centres (COM(2018) 630) (3); |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation for establishing the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and the Network of National Coordination Centres (COM(2018) 630) (3);

| — | Communication on Tackling online disinformation: a European Approach (COM(2018) 236) (4) and a report on its implementation (COM(2018) 794); |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication on Tackling online disinformation: a European Approach (COM(2018) 236) (4) and a report on its implementation (COM(2018) 794);

| — | Communication to secure free and fair European elections (COM(2018) 637), presented on 19-20 September 2018 to the EU leaders’ meeting in Salzburg. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication to secure free and fair European elections (COM(2018) 637), presented on 19-20 September 2018 to the EU leaders’ meeting in Salzburg.

| 2.8. | In view of the 2019 European Parliament elections and more than 50 presidential, national or local/regional elections being held in Member States by 2020, this calls for urgent and immediate coordinated action to protect the Union, its institutions and its citizens against disinformation. |
| --- | --- |

2.8.

3.   Gist of the Action Plan against Disinformation

| 3.1. | This Action Plan JOIN(2018) 36 by the Commission and the High Representative of the Union answers the European Council’s call for measures to ‘protect the Union’s democratic systems and combat disinformation’. The coordinated response to disinformation is based on four pillars: |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | Improving the capabilities of Union institutions to detect, analyse and expose disinformation.






  — | Strengthening of the Strategic Communication Task Forces and Union Delegations through additional staff and new tools; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.2.

—

Strengthening of the Strategic Communication Task Forces and Union Delegations through additional staff and new tools;

| — | Reviewing the mandates of the Strategic Communications Task Forces for Western Balkans and South. |
| --- | --- |

—

Reviewing the mandates of the Strategic Communications Task Forces for Western Balkans and South.

| 3.3. | Strengthening coordinated and joint responses to disinformation.






  — | By March 2019, establishment of a Rapid Alert System for addressing disinformation campaigns, working closely with existing networks, the European Parliament as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and G7’s Rapid Response Mechanism; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.3.

—

By March 2019, establishment of a Rapid Alert System for addressing disinformation campaigns, working closely with existing networks, the European Parliament as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and G7’s Rapid Response Mechanism;

| — | step up communication efforts on Union values and policies; |
| --- | --- |

—

step up communication efforts on Union values and policies;

| — | strengthen strategic communications in the Union’s neighbourhood. |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthen strategic communications in the Union’s neighbourhood.

| 3.4. | Mobilising the private sector to tackle disinformation.






  — | A Code of Practice for online platforms, advertisers and the advertising industry on Disinformation was published on 26 September 2018 The Commission will ensure close and continuous monitoring of its implementation. |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.4.

—

A Code of Practice for online platforms, advertisers and the advertising industry on Disinformation was published on 26 September 2018 The Commission will ensure close and continuous monitoring of its implementation.

| 3.5. | Raising awareness and improving societal resilience.






  — | targeted campaigns for the public and training events for media and public opinion shapers in the Union and its neighbourhood to raise awareness of the negative effects of disinformation; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.5.

—

targeted campaigns for the public and training events for media and public opinion shapers in the Union and its neighbourhood to raise awareness of the negative effects of disinformation;

| — | efforts to support the work of independent media and quality journalism as well as the research into disinformation will be continued; |
| --- | --- |

—

efforts to support the work of independent media and quality journalism as well as the research into disinformation will be continued;

| — | Member States, in cooperation with the Commission, should support the creation of teams of multi-disciplinary independent fact-checkers and researchers with specific knowledge of local information environments to detect and expose disinformation campaigns across different social networks and digital media; |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States, in cooperation with the Commission, should support the creation of teams of multi-disciplinary independent fact-checkers and researchers with specific knowledge of local information environments to detect and expose disinformation campaigns across different social networks and digital media;

| — | As part of the Media Literacy Week in March 2019, in cooperation with the Member States, the Commission will support cross-border cooperation amongst media literacy practitioners; |
| --- | --- |

—

As part of the Media Literacy Week in March 2019, in cooperation with the Member States, the Commission will support cross-border cooperation amongst media literacy practitioners;

| — | Member States should rapidly implement the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which deal with media literacy; |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States should rapidly implement the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which deal with media literacy;

| — | The Commission will closely monitor how the Elections Package is implemented and, where appropriate, provide relevant support and advice. |
| --- | --- |

—

The Commission will closely monitor how the Elections Package is implemented and, where appropriate, provide relevant support and advice.

4.   General comments

| 4.1. | The EESC takes careful note of the initiative’s definition of disinformation as verifiably false or misleading information that is a threat to democracy and does public harm. However, it emphasises that, in addition to false information, highly selective information, defamation, scare-mongering and inciting hatred attack fundamental citizens’ rights (freedoms) and minority rights. The most effective disinformation always contains some truth Therefore, multiple actions from all stakeholders are needed to provide quality information and raise awareness. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | Spreading disinformation has become part of a hybrid war with a clear political aim. The EESC, therefore welcomes this initiative for coordinated action to protect the EU, its institutions and its citizens against disinformation. The EESC emphasises the urgency of such measures but is also concerned, however, that the impact of this action plan might be limited given that the May 2019 European elections are not far off. However, there is no doubt that in the long run these joint efforts against disinformation will be key in protecting the EU’s democratic systems. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.3. | The EESC recognises that disinformation primarily comes from three sources: from the Russian Federation (well documented by the European External Action Service), economic subjects and media from other third countries (including China and the United States) and from internal sources — various media operating in countries of the Union itself and from politically extreme movements and organisations. The EESC urges the Commission to widen its monitoring and take countermeasures accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | The EESC emphasises that it is urgent that Member States take the steps needed to preserve the integrity of their electoral systems and infrastructure and test them ahead of the European elections, but also during and after the electoral process. It is crucial that the European Commission supports them in this task. Exchange of best practices, such as the Swedish example from 2018, should serve as a model for this. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

| 4.5. | The EESC welcomes the Commission’s view that a comprehensive response to disinformation also requires active participation by civil society organisations. Building resilience requires involving all sectors of society and, in particular, improving citizens’ media literacy to understand how to spot and fend off disinformation. Awareness-raising and critical thinking start at school but also require a continuous life-long refresher. However, these activities require allocation of proper funding — right now and in the new Multiannual Financial Framework. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

| 4.6. | The EESC is pro-active in supporting the joint efforts against disinformation, for example through its opinions, hearings, going local events and numerous press activities by its professional Communication Group. |
| --- | --- |

4.6.

| 4.7. | Joint efforts have to be supported by as many actors as possible at EU level, in Member States and also within the southern and eastern partnership involving public and private organisations. Independent fact-checkers and quality journalism play a key role and need proper funding to be able to operate almost in real time. |
| --- | --- |

4.7.

| 4.8. | In the long term, proper media literacy is the key to the future of democracy in Europe. The EESC supports the efforts to achieve a better understanding of the sources of disinformation, the intentions, tools and objectives behind disinformation and how and why citizens, and sometimes entire communities, are drawn to disinformation narratives and become part of the mechanisms disseminating fake news. The EESC welcomes, in particular, the funding allocated for this objective in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. |
| --- | --- |

4.8.

5.   Specific comments and recommendations

| 5.1. | The strengthening of the Strategic Communications Task Forces is overdue, as already expressed in former opinions (5). The EESC therefore welcomes the plan to provide additional staff and new tools and signs up to the request to the Member States to upgrade, where appropriate, their national capacity in this area as well. In view of the considerable resources provided in certain countries for the generation of disinformation, it appears that the EU needs an adequate response; the anticipated increase of resources for the Strategic Communications Task Forces can thus only be seen as a first step towards further growth in the years to come. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.2. | The EESC agrees that the mandate of the East Strategic Communication Task Force should be maintained and that of the other two Strategic Communications Task Forces (Western Balkans and South) should be reviewed in the light of the growing scale and importance of disinformation activities in those regions. The EESC urges the Member States to contribute to the work of the Strategic Communications Task Forces by sending national experts. Only then can the Rapid Alert System be truly efficient. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.3. | The EESC also welcomes the urgently needed measures to secure free and fair European elections and the recommended use of sanctions where appropriate, including for the illegal use of personal data to influence the outcome of the elections. It also welcomes the good cooperation with the US, NATO and Norway and demands that the important role of the UK be preserved whether or not Brexit takes place. The fight against disinformation has to be fought in in solidarity between Member States. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.4. | The Action Plan is accompanied by a progress report (6) on the various actions, notably regarding the Code of Practice as a voluntary commitment for social media platforms and advertisers. Under the Code of Practice, internet firms are obliged to reduce revenue for accounts and websites misrepresenting information, clamp down on fake accounts and bots, give prominence to reliable sources of news and improve the transparency of funding for political advertising. |
| --- | --- |

5.4.

| 5.5. | The EESC welcomes the Code of Practice, but at the same time has doubts regarding the effectiveness of such voluntary actions, doubts which were also expressed recently by the Commission at the presentation of the first report given by Google, Facebook, Twitter and Mozilla on 29 January. The Commission is urged to propose further actions, including actions of a regulatory nature, like imposing penalties in case countermeasures against fake accounts aren’t implemented fast enough or the execution of other parts of the Code of Practice continues to be unsatisfactory. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.

| 5.6. | The EESC urgently appeals to private businesses to start seeing the placing of advertisements on online platforms contributing to spreading disinformation as unethical and irresponsible, and urges them to take steps to prevent this behaviour. |
| --- | --- |

5.6.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  EESC opinion on Protection of personal data in the context of EP elections (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  OJ C 237, 6.7.2018, p. 19.

2

(3)  EESC opinion on European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and the Network of National Coordination Centres (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 183.

4

(5)  OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 183.

5

(6)  COM(2018) 794.

6

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/95 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/95

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank — Connecting Europe and Asia — Building blocks for an EU Strategy’

(JOIN(2018) 31 final)

(2019/C 228/14)

Rapporteur: Jonathan PEEL

| Referral | European Commission, 14.12.2018 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Section responsible | External Relations |
| Adopted in section | 26.2.2019 |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 133/2/1 |

Referral

European Commission, 14.12.2018

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

External Relations

Adopted in section

26.2.2019

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

133/2/1

1.   Conclusions and recommendations

| 1.1. | The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the publication of the Joint Communication ‘Connecting Europe and Asia — Building blocks for an EU Strategy’ (1), issued by the Commission together with the EU High Representative on 19 September 2018. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

| 1.1.1. | This initiative is most timely. The world order is changing at its fastest rate for nearly thirty years, the post-war international trading order is under significant challenge, the balance of global economic power is moving eastwards and Asian global purchasing power is growing exponentially. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.1.

| 1.2. | The EESC however considers the Communication to be a seriously missed opportunity. The Committee notes with deep concern the number of significant strategic gaps. Key economic and geopolitical realities have not been reflected. There appears to be limited ambition and little fresh forward thinking. The opportunity has not been taken to give any real depth of vision to the future development of the EU’s relationship and connectivity with Asia, with little overt recognition of its broad diversity or complexity. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

| 1.2.1. | There is no roadmap nor any firm indication of the EU’s strategic objectives, whether these be complementary or competitive. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.1.

| 1.2.2. | The EESC questions why so little, if any, reference is made to many recent, critically important developments affecting both the EU and Asia. There is, for example:






  — | No attempt to identify or examine any of the major strategic challenges facing Europe in its future relationships with Asia, |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.2.2.

—

No attempt to identify or examine any of the major strategic challenges facing Europe in its future relationships with Asia,

| — | No encouragement or examination of Asian-led connectivity or investment issues in turn pointed in the main or in part towards Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

No encouragement or examination of Asian-led connectivity or investment issues in turn pointed in the main or in part towards Europe,

| — | No reference to the major trade or economic partnership agreements between the EU and leading Asian countries, either already in force or those still in progress: the omission of any reference to the recent EU-Japan EPA, the most significant such agreement (and now in operation), we find astounding, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to the major trade or economic partnership agreements between the EU and leading Asian countries, either already in force or those still in progress: the omission of any reference to the recent EU-Japan EPA, the most significant such agreement (and now in operation), we find astounding,

| — | No reference under ‘people-to-people connectivity’ to any of the existing civil society dialogues between EU and Asia, especially the flagship civil society monitoring bodies set up under these trade agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference under ‘people-to-people connectivity’ to any of the existing civil society dialogues between EU and Asia, especially the flagship civil society monitoring bodies set up under these trade agreements,

| — | No attempt to evaluate the potential role for civil society, despite this active monitoring role, especially given there is little such tradition across Asia, |
| --- | --- |

—

No attempt to evaluate the potential role for civil society, despite this active monitoring role, especially given there is little such tradition across Asia,

| — | No attempt to examine social issues, despite these often being a key topic for such bodies — including implementation of core ILO conventions, promotion of gender equality (Sustainable Development Goal 5), or even human rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

No attempt to examine social issues, despite these often being a key topic for such bodies — including implementation of core ILO conventions, promotion of gender equality (Sustainable Development Goal 5), or even human rights,

| — | No mention whatsoever of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — despite the fact that the BRI is not only directed towards Europe but affects every other Asian country as well, and in spite of it proposing actual trade, infrastructure and financial support, |
| --- | --- |

—

No mention whatsoever of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — despite the fact that the BRI is not only directed towards Europe but affects every other Asian country as well, and in spite of it proposing actual trade, infrastructure and financial support,

| — | No consideration of the potential of the BRI to incur large debts without creating many new jobs, nor any examination of its potential strategic opportunities or challenges for Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

No consideration of the potential of the BRI to incur large debts without creating many new jobs, nor any examination of its potential strategic opportunities or challenges for Europe,

| — | No attempt, other than in passing, to look at the EU’s Central Asia Strategy, nor how this is being affected by the strategic power play in the area involving China, the Russian Federation and many others, including Turkey, Iran and India, |
| --- | --- |

—

No attempt, other than in passing, to look at the EU’s Central Asia Strategy, nor how this is being affected by the strategic power play in the area involving China, the Russian Federation and many others, including Turkey, Iran and India,

| — | No reference to or evaluation of the Eurasian Economic Union, set up by Russia and which includes both European and Central Asian countries, and with ambitions for further expansion, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to or evaluation of the Eurasian Economic Union, set up by Russia and which includes both European and Central Asian countries, and with ambitions for further expansion,

| — | No reference to managing the demand for energy and the competing interests for the vast hydrocarbon resources found within Central Asia — apart from its reference to ‘supporting energy connectivity both between and with partners in Asia’, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to managing the demand for energy and the competing interests for the vast hydrocarbon resources found within Central Asia — apart from its reference to ‘supporting energy connectivity both between and with partners in Asia’,

| — | No reference to current connectivity initiatives regarding transport or energy, such as the Intergovernmental Commission for the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to current connectivity initiatives regarding transport or energy, such as the Intergovernmental Commission for the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) (2),

| — | No attempt to link transport and the need for infrastructure in the region with, for example Sustainable Development Goal 9, which covers infrastructure, |
| --- | --- |

—

No attempt to link transport and the need for infrastructure in the region with, for example Sustainable Development Goal 9, which covers infrastructure,

| — | Likewise little reference to the challenges facing both the EU and Asia in meeting the targets arising out of the Paris Climate Agreement, notably over environmental pollution, |
| --- | --- |

—

Likewise little reference to the challenges facing both the EU and Asia in meeting the targets arising out of the Paris Climate Agreement, notably over environmental pollution,

| — | No reference to the growing danger of armed conflict, including the use of space and digital technology, or to the need for dialogue with Asian countries here, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to the growing danger of armed conflict, including the use of space and digital technology, or to the need for dialogue with Asian countries here,

| — | No reference to how best to work with Asian countries to bolster international organisations, notably the WTO, |
| --- | --- |

—

No reference to how best to work with Asian countries to bolster international organisations, notably the WTO,

| — | There is only a passing mention of India, despite its size and potential strength — and just one of Iran, increasingly a key player in the wider region. |
| --- | --- |

—

There is only a passing mention of India, despite its size and potential strength — and just one of Iran, increasingly a key player in the wider region.

| 1.3. | The EESC does however welcome the emphasis in the Communication on sustainable, comprehensive and rules-based connectivity. It rightly stresses the importance of promoting ‘a circular economy, low greenhouse gas emissions, and a climate resilient future in order to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement’. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

| 1.4. | The EESC believes that it is imperative that the EU makes a formal response to the BRI. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

| 1.4.1. | Many had been expecting this Communication to form a key part of the EU response to the BRI, but it is not mentioned. Originally the BRI was called the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ — the ‘Silk Road’ being the historic EU-Asia connectivity route. The EU already has a Strategic Partnership with China. The BRI looks to build actual links between Asia and Europe: the Communication is far more nebulous. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.1.

| 1.4.2. | The EESC draws attention to the specific linkage made by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (3) between the BRI and the ‘16 + 1’‘format’ between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries (including 11 Member States). This report feared that the Chinese pledge to invest USD 3 billion in infrastructure in these countries could create ‘large debts’ for relevant European governments ‘to Chinese state-owned banks [...] and create few jobs in Europe’. The Communication places great emphasis on fiscal viability and innovative financing, but ignores this concern. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.2.

| 1.4.3. | The Committee considers that it is essential that a formal connection between the BRI and the SDGs be established. The Communication emphasises the SDGs. The EU-China Round Table, which involves both the EESC and the China Economic and Social Council (CESC), has twice endorsed this linkage at recent meetings. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.3.

| 1.4.4. | The BRI has to work both ways. The EESC agrees with the EU Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) that its future depends on trade and investment flowing equally in both directions. This will require China to open its markets. EU business has also expressed concern, calling for greater information and transparency before it can get involved with BRI based projects. These concerns are equally relevant in a pan-Asia context. |
| --- | --- |

1.4.4.

| 1.5. | The EESC strongly recommends that much greater resources be put towards the EU’s relations with Asia, ‘home’, as the EEAS points out, ‘to two thirds of the world’s poor’. In comparison with the far bigger proportion of the EU development budget that goes to Africa and Latin America, the resources earmarked for many poorer Asian countries are inadequate. |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

| 1.6. | The Committee believes that the European Commission should extend the economic foreign policy instruments, supporting European businesses and particularly consortia, already in place for Africa under the auspices of InvestEU, to cover Asia and other parts of the world. Such support shall be equally carried out respecting workers’ rights in procurement procedures also in third countries receiving foreign investments. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

| 1.7. | The section on energy is very short. The Committee urges that the EU’s considerable expertise in enhancing cooperation to improve energy efficiency and deploy renewable energy sources be fully deployed. We note too that there is no reference either to the varying competing interests for the vast hydrocarbon resources found within Central Asia, and regret that there is no reference to water, another hugely important, potentially dangerous and vital strategic commodity. |
| --- | --- |

1.7.

| 1.8. | The EESC welcomes the Communication’s comments on digital connectivity, especially its call for ‘a peaceful, secure and open ICT environment, while addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting human rights and freedoms online, including personal data protection’. Yet it is most disappointing that nothing is said about how to deal with European or Asian countries that take very different approaches to these issues. |
| --- | --- |

1.8.

| 1.9. | The EESC was surprised to read only that the EU ‘should work towards connecting the well-developed Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T) framework with networks in Asia’: we repeat our recommendation (4) first made in 2011 that China’s and the EU’s proposed transport corridors become fully aligned, especially rail infrastructure where possible. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.

| 1.9.1. | The EESC also repeats its 2015 recommendation that the EU should put greater effort into getting results from TRACECA ‘to speed up the development of a sustainable infrastructure chain, ensuring multi-modal transport (notably rail and road infrastructure) through linking the corridor with the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-Ts)’. |
| --- | --- |

1.9.1.

2.   Background: the importance of Asia to the EU

| 2.1. | The EESC welcomes being a named recipient of the Joint Communication ‘Connecting Europe and Asia — Building blocks for an EU Strategy’, issued shortly before the 12th ASEM (5) summit in Brussels in October 2018. |
| --- | --- |

2.1.

| 2.2. | This initiative to determine a Euro-Asian Connectivity strategy is most timely. The world is undergoing fundamental, structural change. The increasing economic strength and purchasing power of the East is gathering pace; the global trading order is under its strongest challenge yet due to the imposition by the US Administration of unilateral import tariffs and by its challenge to the WTO; the EU is under unprecedented internal challenge, whilst many countries are also undergoing serious internal change (e.g. the UK and Turkey), or are, like Russia or Iran, reasserting themselves. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.

| 2.2.1. | EU-Asia connectivity has existed for millennia. Before the discovery of the sea route in 1 497, this was primarily through what is now known as the Silk Roads. This covered far more than trade; it included all movement involving goods, ideas and peoples, ranging from cultural, medicinal and religious interplay through to access to key resources and technological innovation. From Asia, routes west also involved access to Africa, again witnessed today in the Chinese BRI. |
| --- | --- |

2.2.1.

| 2.3. | Four major Asian countries are amongst the EU’s top ten trading partners, namely China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India. A further seven Asian countries appear within the top thirty. Of these, the EU has already negotiated major Free Trade Agreements (FTA) or Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the Republic of Korea (no8), which came into force in 2011, with Japan (no6), now in force, and with Singapore (no14) and Vietnam (no19), where EP consent has yet to be sought. Negotiations for EU FTAs with Indonesia (no29), Malaysia (no21) and Thailand (no24) and other ASEAN countries are either ongoing or currently stalled. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.

| 2.3.1. | Each of the signed FTAs or EPAs includes a strong Trade and Sustainable Development chapter which involves an active civil society monitoring role and where the EESC in turn is heavily involved (extensively covered in other recent EESC opinions (6)). Separate Investment Protection Agreements (IPAs) have also been signed with both Singapore and Vietnam, but not yet reached with Japan. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.1.

| 2.3.2. | In turn, negotiations with China (no2) for a comprehensive, stand-alone Investment Agreement began in 2013 but are proceeding slowly: the 20th round of negotiations is under way. Negotiations for an FTA with India (no9), launched in 2007, however have been stalled since 2013. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.2.

| 2.3.3. | The EESC notes with considerable surprise that the Communication does not make any reference to any of these agreements or negotiations. |
| --- | --- |

2.3.3.

| 2.4. | Asia accounts for some 60 % of the world population, for some 35 % of EU exports, and 45 % of its imports. As well as high-income industrialised partners and dynamic emerging economies, it ‘is also home to two thirds of the world’s poor’, as the EEAS website (7) points out. This states that ‘development cooperation therefore remains high on the EU’s agenda’ with Asia, with more than EUR 5 billion allocated, adding that ‘policies are being put in place jointly to address common challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, security and stability, governance and human rights, as well as the prevention of, and response to natural and human disasters’. Yet the amounts allocated for Africa and Latin America are relatively much larger. |
| --- | --- |

2.4.

| 2.5. | Asia covers a huge diversity of peoples and cultures: no one size can fit all. It can never mirror the EU. Human rights and the approach to social issues vary enormously across Asia. Apart from the economic powerhouses of East Asia and India (where economic development has yet to fulfil expectations), countries differ widely from each other. Even the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) membership ranges from Singapore to the three least developed countries of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. |
| --- | --- |

2.5.

| 2.6. | The Committee in turn has recently produced several Asia-oriented opinions, especially with regard to EU trade and investment negotiations, as well as two opinions on Central Asia (8), the second in 2015 at the request of the then Latvian EU presidency. |
| --- | --- |

2.6.

3.   General comments: building blocks?

| 3.1. | The Communication’s emphasis on sustainable, comprehensive and rules-based connectivity is welcome, if somewhat general. This includes environmental protection, safety and security as well as social and individual rights, together with the need for fair and transparent competition. It stresses too the importance of promoting ‘a circular economy, low greenhouse gas emissions, and a climate resilient future in order to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement’. |
| --- | --- |

3.1.

| 3.2. | The EESC would be deeply concerned if the Communication had not spelt all this out, not least as these core themes have been emphasised and developed ever since the Commission’s 2006 Trade Communication, ‘Global Europe’. That set out to ensure that the benefits of trade liberalisation and European values ‘are passed on to citizens. As we pursue social justice and cohesion at home we should also seek to promote our values, including social and environmental standards and cultural diversity around the world’ (9). These themes were developed by the 2015 ‘Trade for all’ Communication (10). |
| --- | --- |

3.2.

| 3.3. | We therefore strongly support the underlying premise of the Joint Communication, which is exhortative in tone. Despite that, there seems to be a major disconnect with many recent developments within Asia, especially those that may in time present strategic challenges to Europe itself. Such developments range from the BRI, to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to the increased interconnectivity between Russia, China, Central Asia, Turkey, Iran and even India, notably over energy and transport. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.

| 3.3.1. | It is very disappointing that the opportunity has not been taken to give any real depth of vision with regard to the future development of the EU’s relationship and connectivity with Asia. There is no examination of what Asian countries may want in turn from the EU: investment? Markets? Help with capacity building? The document reads more like a list of ‘building blocks’ that are already in place, rather than setting out any range of ambition as to what the EU would wish to build, positively, for the future. There appears little fresh forward thinking, especially ‘outside the box’.
  Perhaps never the aim of the Joint Communication, but we consider that a large number of key opportunities have been missed. These have already been spelt out in detail above. |
| --- | --- |

3.3.1.

Perhaps never the aim of the Joint Communication, but we consider that a large number of key opportunities have been missed. These have already been spelt out in detail above.

4.   Connectivity

| 4.1. | The core theme of the Communication is connectivity. This follows the definition set out by the ASEM Ministerial meeting in November 2017. Despite it being aimed in turn for the 2018 summit, ASEM is not looked at. Connectivity here covers a very broad range of issues, separated into six specific areas. These include rail, road, air and sea infrastructure, energy (electricity, gas) infrastructure, ICT, AI, and smart grids, and trade and investment relations, as well as the key people-to-people dimension. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

| 4.2. | To ‘sustainable connectivity’ the Communication adds ‘fiscal viability’, expanded in a later section as ‘international partnerships in finance’ and covered in depth. Whilst this includes a reference to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), unloved by the US, there is no reference to the concerns raised by the EP (11) about the Chinese ‘16 + 1 Initiative’ creating large debts and few jobs in Europe, not that these effects would or do stop at EU borders. That followed the Chinese pledge made at the 2017 Summit to invest USD 3 billion in infrastructure in these 16 European countries, the EP stressing such projects ‘must not be awarded in a non-transparent tender’. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

| 4.2.1. | The EP called on Member States to work far more closely to ensure ‘no compromising of national and European interests for short term financial support’. This overall concern finds an echo in the EU proposal concerning screening of inward Foreign Direct Investment (12). |
| --- | --- |

4.2.1.

| 4.2.2. | The Committee notes that, whereas for Africa there are EU support instruments for European businesses and consortia, these do not exist for Asia-Europe connections. Not least as this puts such businesses at a disadvantage compared with Chinese companies that are supported by the BRI, we believe that the Commission now needs to extend this policy in place for Africa, and that InvestEU be extended to cover investment risks both in Asia as well as in other parts of the world. Such support shall be equally carried out respecting workers’ rights in procurement procedures also in third countries receiving foreign investments. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.2.

| 4.3. | ‘Comprehensive connectivity’ in turn includes transport, digital and energy connectivity. With regard to digital connectivity, section 3.2 of the Communication refers to high capacity network links, universal and affordable access to the internet, and ‘a peaceful, secure and open ICT environment, while addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting human rights and freedoms online, including personal data protection’. Yet nothing is said about how to deal with those countries that take very different approaches to these issues. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

| 4.4. | On transport the Communication points out that 70 % of trade goes by sea and 25 % by air, inevitable given the distances involved. We note however that, in dealing with customs formalities, no account has apparently been taken of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which entered into force in February 2017. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

| 4.4.1. | It recognises that the potential for growth in transport is substantial, pointing out that ‘rail remains relatively marginal’. Sea transport is far more appropriate for many Asian countries and a ship can take up to 200 times as many containers than a train. But sea transport is a global, not an Asian, issue. It adds that ‘road transport usually makes sense over medium distances ... and as a secondary transport network’. But why is there no mention of the IGC TRACECA (13)? |
| --- | --- |

4.4.1.

| 4.4.2. | A key recommendation of the EESC’s 2015 opinion on Central Asia (14) was that the EU should put greater effort into getting results from TRACECA ‘to speed up the development of a sustainable infrastructure chain, ensuring multi-modal transport (notably rail and road infrastructure) through linking the corridor with the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-Ts)’. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.2.

| 4.4.3. | The EESC pointed out that ‘for the EU, TRACECA remains an important initiative. It is an international programme to strengthen economic relations, trade and transport communication from the Black Sea basin to the South Caucasus and Central Asia based on existing transport systems, through the political will and common aspirations of its 13 Member States’. If there are issues of corruption here, these need to be tackled directly. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.3.

| 4.4.4. | The EESC is also surprised to see merely a proposal that the EU ‘should work towards connecting the well-developed (TEN-T) framework with networks in Asia’. Our 2015 opinion repeated our ‘2011 recommendation that China’s and the EU’s proposed transport corridors need to become fully aligned, not least where possible in rail infrastructure’. The EESC repeats this again in 2019. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.4.

| 4.4.5. | That opinion also noted that ‘building a modern and interoperable road and strategic railway infrastructure along the Silk Road route is a key interest for China, the EU and Russia as well. The successful integration of this region through modern and reliable infrastructure should offer a major opportunity not just for greater regional economic integration but also to promote the mobility of people and multicultural exchange, in turn producing a better environment for advancing the rule of law and democracy’. In view of SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation), this becomes even more urgent. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.5.

| 4.4.6. | We regret too that nothing is said about extending road and rail connections towards India and SE Asia, despite the considerable recent road building in both Central Asia and Iran. The US abandonment of the JCPOA Agreement (15) may be a key factor here. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.6.

| 4.5. | The section on energy connectivity (3.3) is notably short. The EESC previously recommended ‘that the viability of EU links with Central Asia’s considerable potential energy reserves must be based on practical and economic considerations. The EU is right to participate in the development of the energy sector in these countries, not least because their reserves offer Europe additional and complementary (as opposed to alternative) sources of energy, albeit complicated by issues of transit and transport. However, it will be important to avoid any potential misunderstanding with China in the context of our mutual interest to increase energy supplies from Central Asia’. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.

| 4.5.1. | Again the EESC repeats its recommendation ‘that the EU’s considerable expertise in enhancing cooperation to improve energy efficiency and deploy renewable energy sources be deployed, as there is significant untapped potential in the region’. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.1.

| 4.5.2. | The EESC notes with surprise that water is not mentioned despite being a vital commodity for much of Asia, with a real potential for conflict. Management of water, like environmental sustainability, is critically important, notably water efficiency and water wastage. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.2.

| 4.5.3. | Climate change will exacerbate water shortages. There is already the potential for conflict within Central Asia between those countries that have water but no serious hydrocarbon resources and those with oil and gas — but no water. Potential damming of major rivers, such as the Mekong, remains an outstanding concern, whereas the melting of the ‘third pole’, the Himalayan ice cap, can also be expected to pose a particular challenge. |
| --- | --- |

4.5.3.

5.   Belt and Road Initiative and wider EU-Asia considerations

| 5.1. | The EESC will not be alone in its surprise that the Communication did not mention the BRI: many were expecting this to form a key part of Europe’s response. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.

| 5.1.1. | When first launched in Astana in 2013 by President Xi the BRI was called the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’: the ‘Silk Roads’ are the historic EU-Asia connectivity route. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.1.

| 5.1.2. | The BRI was initially backed by a fund of USD 16,3 billion, by now far higher: it offered actual money. Not only aimed at building closer links with Europe, it was part of a broader vision to expand regional cooperation between China and other Asian countries, as well as Africa, to enhance regional connectivity, deepen trade and economic relations and expand people-to-people ties. It now aims to build trade and infrastructure involving over seventy countries by land and sea, adding investment, development, financial and people-to-people connectivity — a strong signal of China’s desire to play a greater role globally, despite many (including India and Japan) having concerns about the political and financial strings attached. |
| --- | --- |

5.1.2.

| 5.1.3. | The Committee believes that it is imperative that the EU makes a formal response to the BRI. The EU-China Strategic Partnership is important. Whereas the BRI aims to provide actual infrastructure, transport and trade links, what this Communication offers is far more nebulous. Does the EU want that in future roads may lead to Beijing, rather than to Rome? |
| --- | --- |

5.1.3.

| 5.2. | The BRI is a key factor in EU Asia connectivity. Reference has already been made to the concerns expressed by the EP. In its turn, the EUCCC have stressed that the BRI must be a two-way vehicle, saying its future ‘depends on trade and investment flowing equally in both directions, which will require China to open its markets’. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.

| 5.2.1. | The EUCCC believes the success of the BRI ‘will largely be predicated on open markets, balanced trade, transparency and reciprocity’. It points to the need in Asia, as elsewhere, for sound infrastructure, saying ‘improved connectivity can be a major contributor to economic growth, so such an approach is in the interests of all participants in this ambitious project’. It calls for ‘transparent public procurement processes’ to be put in place ‘that will allow European and Chinese companies, and especially private companies, to compete on an even playing field with projects going to the strongest bidders. Not doing so would likely result in funds being wasted and projects failing’ (16). |
| --- | --- |

5.2.1.

| 5.2.2. | The Communication (section 5.3) also speaks about ‘a level playing for business’. EU business has expressed its concerns, also calling for greater transparency and deeper company involvement at an earlier stage in BRI projects, to allow due diligence, assessment of commercial viability and ensure a rules-based market economy and non-discriminatory public procurement also apply. |
| --- | --- |

5.2.2.

| 5.3. | The Communication emphasises the SDGs. The EESC believes it is essential to make a formal connection between the SDGs and the BRI. The 2017 Joint Statement of the EU-China Round Table (17)‘emphasises that the implementation of BRI should contribute to the realisation of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change’. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.

| 5.3.1. | The 2018 Joint Statement (18) further stated ‘with respect to important infrastructure initiatives, that as important trade and investment partners, the EU and the PRC should continue to align the development and implementation of major initiatives, and deepen cooperation in trade, investment facilitation, e-commerce, connectivity, infrastructure, IT, energy, people-to-people contacts and other fields’. Authorities on both sides it added should ‘ensure all joint initiatives and projects are fiscally and environmentally sustainable, and thus, contribute to the achievement of the SDGs’. It pointed out that ‘both the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement highlight the outstanding needs for global infrastructure, and finds that all SDGs need to be taken into consideration in the context of the BRI and the Euro-Asian Connectivity Strategy’. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.1.

| 5.3.2. | The Round Table concluded ‘that, for major projects to be beneficial to both sides, they need to deliver mutual benefit and to be transparent, interoperable, reciprocal and sustainable, based on consultation, contribution and shared benefits’. |
| --- | --- |

5.3.2.

| 5.4. | Turning to wider considerations for EU-Asian connectivity, it is clear that many of the issues relevant to the BRI have much broader application. For example, the Communication lays emphasis on the SDGs, but this is not spelt out in depth. The most relevant SDGs, not only for the BRI, but for pan-Asian connectivity, include:






  — | Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation), |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.4.

—

Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation),

| — | Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all), |
| --- | --- |

—

Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all),

| — | Goal 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation), |
| --- | --- |

—

Goal 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation),

| — | Goal 8 (Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all), and |
| --- | --- |

—

Goal 8 (Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all), and

| — | Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources). |
| --- | --- |

—

Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources).

| 5.4.1. | Many other SDGs also need to be taken into account, notably Goal 5 (Achieve Gender Equality), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), and Goal 15 (Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss). |
| --- | --- |

5.4.1.

| 5.5. | The Communication rightly lays great emphasis on ‘rules-based connectivity’. Here the WTO has a significant role, now under threat from the US Trump Administration. A key WTO task is to promote transparency in international trade, notably through its system of ‘peer-review’ whereby the trading practices of its members are kept under regular review. The WTO is the right forum where concerns, such as those raised by the US over China, including dumping and hidden subsidies, should be dealt with. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.

| 5.5.1. | For this and many other geo-political reasons, given the exponential growth in trade for a large number of Asian states, positive support for the WTO will be strong, and widespread Asian backing will be there for the EU in its championing of the WTO, its role and its key activities. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.1.

| 5.5.2. | A specific target of SDG 17 (revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development) is to ‘promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO’. As its Nairobi Ministerial Declaration (19) spelt out, ‘international trade can play a role towards achieving sustainable, robust and balanced growth for all’, whilst emphasising this would be far harder without an effective multilateral trade mechanism. |
| --- | --- |

5.5.2.

6.   Empowerment of civil society

| 6.1. | As mentioned, there has been a strong Trade and Sustainable Development chapter in all EU FTAs and EPAs since 2011, with an active monitoring role involving civil society. |
| --- | --- |

6.1.

| 6.1.1. | Nevertheless, the role and concept of civil society is markedly different in Asia than it is in Europe, or elsewhere. The setting up of an effective Civil Society Forum under the EU-Korea FTA has been successful if a long undertaking. The establishment of a similar mechanism between the EU and Japan is under way, built up through long-standing, in-depth and fruitful contact. For neither Singapore nor Vietnam however is there any existing mechanism to build on following ratification. Other ASEAN countries, notably Indonesia, are likely to follow. Despite it being the flagship for EU connectivity with civil society in Asia here the Communication remains silent. |
| --- | --- |

6.1.1.

| 6.2. | The EESC welcomes the inclusion of the concept of people-to-people connectivity in the Communication. This specifically refers to ‘connectivity and mobility amongst students, academics and researchers’ (section 3.4) as ‘key to mutual understanding and economic growth’, highlighting the Erasmus programme and the ‘Marie Sklodowska Curie actions’. Most people-to-people connectivity arises through trade, tourism or sport, although the EU has also established a wide range of dialogue initiatives with China, India and others. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.

| 6.2.1. | The involvement of youth, particularly through education and exchange programmes is particularly important. The revised, highly sought after EU Erasmus+ programme is key. This helps develop deeper educational ties, and mobility at tertiary level, which should be accompanied by visa facilitation and fee waivers for the most gifted students. However, this programme is global, and given the diversity within Asia not easy or perhaps even desirable to gain a specific Asian context. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.1.

| 6.2.2. | But this has to work both ways: Asia also has high-end skills to offer. Many Asian countries are more interested in mutual recognition of qualifications, greater mobility of labour and easy access to visas, as already shown by the impasse in the negotiations with India. |
| --- | --- |

6.2.2.

| 6.3. | However, the EU needs to do more to win hearts and minds in Asia. The Communication has disappointingly little to say about human rights (due perhaps to the diversity across Asia), the rule of law, good governance and democratisation. The EU must encourage confidence building. Asia as a whole faces difficult challenges due to the painful and widespread transition from command to more national market-oriented economies in many countries, hampered as ever by endemic periods of ethnic, environmental and economic turbulence, not to mention corruption. |
| --- | --- |

6.3.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---

(1)  JOIN(2018) 31 final.

1

(2)  www.traceca-org.org/en/traceca/

2

(3)  EP 2017/2274(INI), 11 July 2018.

3

(4)  EESC opinions on The review of the EU-Central Asia Strategy — a civil society contribution (OJ C 242, 23.7.2015, p. 1), and The EU’s role and relationship with Central Asia and the contribution of civil society (OJ C 248, 25.8.2011, p. 49).

4

(5)  Asia Europe Meeting, comprising 30 European and 21 Asian countries.

5

(6)  Including opinions on (i) The role of Domestic Advisory Groups in monitoring the implementation of Free Trade Agreements; (ii) Trade for All — Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy (OJ C 264, 20.7.2016, p. 123); and (iii) Trade and sustainable development chapters in EU Free Trade agreements (OJ C 227, 28.6.2018, p. 27).

6

(7)  https://eeas.europa.eu/regions/asia/334/asia_en

7

(8)  See footnote 4.

8

(9)  COM(2006) 567 final, point 3.1.iii.

9

(10)  COM(2015) 497 final

10

(11)  See footnote 3.

11

(12)  COM(2017) 487 final.

12

(13)  See footnote 2.

13

(14)  See footnote 4.

14

(15)  The 2015 Joint and Comprehensive Plan of Action signed with Iran.

15

(16)  As restated 27 May 2017.

16

(17)  15th EU-China Round Table.

17

(18)  16th EU-China Round Table.

18

(19)  Nairobi Ministerial Declaration.

19

---

| 5.7.2019 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 228/103 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

5.7.2019

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 228/103

---

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards the resources for the specific allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative’

(COM(2019) 55 final — 2019/0027 (COD))

(2019/C 228/15)

| Referral | European Parliament, 11.2.2019
  Council of the European Union, 19.2.2019 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Articles 177 and 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| Section responsible | Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship |
| Adopted at plenary | 20.3.2019 |
| Plenary session No | 542 |
| Outcome of vote
  (for/against/abstentions) | 132/0/1 |

Referral

European Parliament, 11.2.2019

Council of the European Union, 19.2.2019

Legal basis

Articles 177 and 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship

Adopted at plenary

20.3.2019

Plenary session No

542

Outcome of vote

(for/against/abstentions)

132/0/1

Since the Committee unreservedly endorses the content of the proposal and feels that it requires no comment on its part, it decided, at its 542nd plenary session of 20 and 21 March 2019 (meeting of 20 March 2019), unanimously, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.

Brussels, 20 March 2019.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Luca JAHIER

---