# Official Journal C 260/7 Au

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 260 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 587 August 2015 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 260

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 587 August 2015

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | Committee of the Regions |
| | 112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015 |
| 2015/C 260/01 | Resolution on the European Committee of the Regions’ priorities for the sixth term of office 2015-2020 | 1 |
| | OPINIONS |
| | Committee of the Regions |
| | 112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015 |
| 2015/C 260/02 | Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Better protecting the marine environment | 6 |
| 2015/C 260/03 | Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — A decent life for all: from vision to collective action | 12 |
| 2015/C 260/04 | Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Local and regional support for fair trade in Europe | 17 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Committee of the Regions

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

2015/C 260/01

Resolution on the European Committee of the Regions’ priorities for the sixth term of office 2015-2020

1

OPINIONS

Committee of the Regions

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

2015/C 260/02

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Better protecting the marine environment

6

2015/C 260/03

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — A decent life for all: from vision to collective action

12

2015/C 260/04

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Local and regional support for fair trade in Europe

17

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS |
| | 112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015 |
| 2015/C 260/05 | Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States | 22 |

III   Preparatory acts

COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

2015/C 260/05

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

22

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| EN | |
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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Committee of the Regions

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

| 7.8.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.8.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/1

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Resolution on the European Committee of the Regions’ priorities for the sixth term of office 2015-2020

(2015/C 260/01)

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) will focus on the following key priorities during its current 5-year term (2015-2020):

I.   
  A fresh start for the European economy: creating jobs and sustainable growth in cities and regions to provide a better quality of life for citizens.

A bottom-up approach — which involves including regional and local authorities in European Partnerships — is needed to stimulate targeted investment in the real economy and to trigger an exchange of best practice. At the same time, this will address citizens’ demands for quality spending and sound implementation of public policies. A new entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a functioning Digital Single Market and Smart Specialisation, could lead to new skills, knowledge, innovation and employment.

The CoR highlights the following measures, aimed at implementing this priority:

| 1. | building on positive economic trends and converting them into sustainable jobs, with specific focus on education and on matching skills and training with the needs of the labour market. High-quality general and vocational education, the development of training places and improved mobility are in particular needed in order to improve the situation of young people affected by high unemployment. The positive experience with the dual vocational training system could be helpful here; |
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1.

building on positive economic trends and converting them into sustainable jobs, with specific focus on education and on matching skills and training with the needs of the labour market. High-quality general and vocational education, the development of training places and improved mobility are in particular needed in order to improve the situation of young people affected by high unemployment. The positive experience with the dual vocational training system could be helpful here;

| 2. | monitoring the implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investment, in partnership with the European Investment Bank, while maintaining solidarity with the regions lagging behind; |
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2.

monitoring the implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investment, in partnership with the European Investment Bank, while maintaining solidarity with the regions lagging behind;

| 3. | strengthening the social dimension of the EU and of the Economic and Monetary Union by developing incentives for reforms in order to accelerate the achievement of the social objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and coordination between the automatic stabilisers at EMU level; |
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3.

strengthening the social dimension of the EU and of the Economic and Monetary Union by developing incentives for reforms in order to accelerate the achievement of the social objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and coordination between the automatic stabilisers at EMU level;

| 4. | contributing to the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 and to future Cohesion Policy; calling for review of the EU own resources and supporting the alignment of public budgets with territorially-based, spending-quality objectives and sufficient levels of payment appropriations; |
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4.

contributing to the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 and to future Cohesion Policy; calling for review of the EU own resources and supporting the alignment of public budgets with territorially-based, spending-quality objectives and sufficient levels of payment appropriations;

| 5. | enhancing the investment capacity of local and regional authorities by encouraging flexibility in the application of European economic governance rules, while respecting the need for sound public finances and the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact; |
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5.

enhancing the investment capacity of local and regional authorities by encouraging flexibility in the application of European economic governance rules, while respecting the need for sound public finances and the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact;

| 6. | promoting synergies among the various EU funds available, strengthening the interconnection between the European Fund for Strategic Investment and existing funds to achieve a multiplier financial effect; focusing on simplification of EU’s financial instruments; |
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6.

promoting synergies among the various EU funds available, strengthening the interconnection between the European Fund for Strategic Investment and existing funds to achieve a multiplier financial effect; focusing on simplification of EU’s financial instruments;

| 7. | boosting entrepreneurial spirit: enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises and promoting the social economy by improving access to finance, inspiring innovation and target infrastructure, and by reducing red tape; |
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7.

boosting entrepreneurial spirit: enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises and promoting the social economy by improving access to finance, inspiring innovation and target infrastructure, and by reducing red tape;

| 8. | considers language, culture and cultural heritage as a human value, supporting national, regional and local identity; |
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8.

considers language, culture and cultural heritage as a human value, supporting national, regional and local identity;

| 9. | creating the right conditions for digital networks and services to flourish. Maximising the growth potential of the digital economy by investing in high-speed, trustworthy ICT infrastructure, and research and innovation to boost industrial competitiveness, public services, inclusiveness and skills; |
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9.

creating the right conditions for digital networks and services to flourish. Maximising the growth potential of the digital economy by investing in high-speed, trustworthy ICT infrastructure, and research and innovation to boost industrial competitiveness, public services, inclusiveness and skills;

| 10. | boosting the research and innovation capacity of the regions and bridging the digital and innovation divide between them; improving regional competitiveness by promoting smart specialisation and the sharing of best practice; therefore stimulate leading interregional networks such as the Vanguard initiative that have put the industrial renaissance at the core of their S3-activities with a view to promote exchange of experiences, creation of stairways of excellence and joint processing of project application; |
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10.

boosting the research and innovation capacity of the regions and bridging the digital and innovation divide between them; improving regional competitiveness by promoting smart specialisation and the sharing of best practice; therefore stimulate leading interregional networks such as the Vanguard initiative that have put the industrial renaissance at the core of their S3-activities with a view to promote exchange of experiences, creation of stairways of excellence and joint processing of project application;

| 11. | making the best use of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) covering the innovation chain, and Key enabling technologies (KET) as a means to being at the forefront of managing the shift to a low carbon, and knowledge-based economy; |
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11.

making the best use of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) covering the innovation chain, and Key enabling technologies (KET) as a means to being at the forefront of managing the shift to a low carbon, and knowledge-based economy;

| 12. | supporting better access to online goods and services across Europe for consumers and businesses by removing key differences between the online and offline worlds and breaking down barriers to cross-border online activity while ensuring that regulatory approaches towards new forms of exchanges such as the sharing economy are coordinated at European level; |
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12.

supporting better access to online goods and services across Europe for consumers and businesses by removing key differences between the online and offline worlds and breaking down barriers to cross-border online activity while ensuring that regulatory approaches towards new forms of exchanges such as the sharing economy are coordinated at European level;

| 13. | supporting the increase of innovative e-government so as to enable the lives citizens and businesses to be made easier and less dependent on bureaucracy; |
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13.

supporting the increase of innovative e-government so as to enable the lives citizens and businesses to be made easier and less dependent on bureaucracy;

| 14. | ensuring better regulatory and financial conditions, in order to facilitate the modernisation and expansion of current energy infrastructure set out as part of the EU’s new 2030 energy and climate change objectives, in particular achieving a crisis-proof and climate-friendly Energy Union, with the aim of fair conditions of competition in the energy sector; |
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14.

ensuring better regulatory and financial conditions, in order to facilitate the modernisation and expansion of current energy infrastructure set out as part of the EU’s new 2030 energy and climate change objectives, in particular achieving a crisis-proof and climate-friendly Energy Union, with the aim of fair conditions of competition in the energy sector;

| 15. | ensuring that legislation is stable, in order to support investment in renewable energies, including the circular economy and eco-design initiatives. Emphasising the importance of providing the resources needed to allow regions and cities to play a leading role in delivering sustainable energy projects. |
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15.

ensuring that legislation is stable, in order to support investment in renewable energies, including the circular economy and eco-design initiatives. Emphasising the importance of providing the resources needed to allow regions and cities to play a leading role in delivering sustainable energy projects.

| 16. | promoting building resilience to disasters as one of the fundamentals for sustainable growth and jobs; highlighting the key role of local and regional authorities. |
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16.

promoting building resilience to disasters as one of the fundamentals for sustainable growth and jobs; highlighting the key role of local and regional authorities.

II.   
  The territorial dimension of EU legislation matters: working in the interest of citizens, no matter where they chose to live and work.

EU policies should bridge distances and knowledge gaps between regions and cities, turning territorial, economic, social, cultural, geographical and demographic characteristics into strengths in both urban and rural areas.

The CoR highlights the following measures, aimed at implementing this priority:

| 17. | calling for a stronger territorial dimension within EU policies and projects across the European Union, including as part of the revision of the Europe 2020 Strategy; |
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17.

calling for a stronger territorial dimension within EU policies and projects across the European Union, including as part of the revision of the Europe 2020 Strategy;

| 18. | promote the recognition of demographic challenges as a threat to the whole of Europe and the creation of a European strategy to address these challenges; |
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18.

promote the recognition of demographic challenges as a threat to the whole of Europe and the creation of a European strategy to address these challenges;

| 19. | scrutinising and assessing the territorial impact of EU legislation on the single market and relating to initiatives which are designed to have a territorial impact (i.e. the Energy Union, the Digital Single Market, the Labour Mobility Package, the Capital Markets Union, the future Transport Policy). Particular focus is needed on the key areas of state aid, its modernisation, industrial policy, public procurement and the delivery of the services of general interest; |
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19.

scrutinising and assessing the territorial impact of EU legislation on the single market and relating to initiatives which are designed to have a territorial impact (i.e. the Energy Union, the Digital Single Market, the Labour Mobility Package, the Capital Markets Union, the future Transport Policy). Particular focus is needed on the key areas of state aid, its modernisation, industrial policy, public procurement and the delivery of the services of general interest;

| 20. | shaping the development of future Cohesion Policy, including the development of European spatial planning, with particular focus on strengthening the Urban Agenda and the balance between urban and rural areas and the further development of financial instruments in cohesion policy; encouraging debate on ‘Beyond GDP’ and the development of alternative indicators for well-being and sustainable development; |
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20.

shaping the development of future Cohesion Policy, including the development of European spatial planning, with particular focus on strengthening the Urban Agenda and the balance between urban and rural areas and the further development of financial instruments in cohesion policy; encouraging debate on ‘Beyond GDP’ and the development of alternative indicators for well-being and sustainable development;

| 21. | attentiveness and sensitivity to questions of financing and the sources of funds; early consideration of the future of regional support and the Structural Funds after 2020 in the interests of the municipalities and regions; |
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21.

attentiveness and sensitivity to questions of financing and the sources of funds; early consideration of the future of regional support and the Structural Funds after 2020 in the interests of the municipalities and regions;

| 22. | calls for a refocus on the revitalisation of towns and cities centres which have been neglected by large scale shopping developments in the outskirts of towns; |
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22.

calls for a refocus on the revitalisation of towns and cities centres which have been neglected by large scale shopping developments in the outskirts of towns;

| 23. | contributing to policy debates on the future of EU agriculture, rural development and fisheries policies; |
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23.

contributing to policy debates on the future of EU agriculture, rural development and fisheries policies;

| 24. | empowering local and regional authorities to monitor over time their natural resources, such as water, and ensure they are able to prepare for situations of extreme conditions such as overabundance or shortage, and to share that best practice throughout Europe; |
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24.

empowering local and regional authorities to monitor over time their natural resources, such as water, and ensure they are able to prepare for situations of extreme conditions such as overabundance or shortage, and to share that best practice throughout Europe;

| 25. | promoting the development of cross-border solutions, interregional networking and the implementation of macro-regional strategies by extending the use of European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation; |
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25.

promoting the development of cross-border solutions, interregional networking and the implementation of macro-regional strategies by extending the use of European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation;

| 26. | promoting specific regional and local characteristics as part of the process of completing the TEN-T networks and future transport policy after 2020 and supporting new initiatives on the reduction of noise emissions from rail and air transport. |
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26.

promoting specific regional and local characteristics as part of the process of completing the TEN-T networks and future transport policy after 2020 and supporting new initiatives on the reduction of noise emissions from rail and air transport.

III.   
  A simpler, more connected Europe: reconnecting citizens and businesses at local and regional level.

The CoR must encourage debate on the questions of how to make it easier for European’s to benefit from the added value that the EU provides, and how to help businesses to thrive. It is essential that the new initiatives be transparent. Cutting red tape, improving access to finance for SMEs and promoting innovative public procurement shall continue to be at the heart of our priorities.

The CoR highlights the following measures, aimed at implementing this priority:

| 27. | monitoring adherence to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and ensuring that action is taken at the adequate level. Calling for territorial impact assessments to become a standard practice promoted by the European Commission; |
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27.

monitoring adherence to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and ensuring that action is taken at the adequate level. Calling for territorial impact assessments to become a standard practice promoted by the European Commission;

| 28. | more transparency and co-determination through bottom-up procedures in order to strengthen the local and regional authorities’ opportunities for action and influence and to promote citizens’ trust in, and closeness to, the European Union; |
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28.

more transparency and co-determination through bottom-up procedures in order to strengthen the local and regional authorities’ opportunities for action and influence and to promote citizens’ trust in, and closeness to, the European Union;

| 29. | promoting multilevel governance in future legislation, as well as in discussions on the evolution of the European Semester and expanding the European Monetary Union; |
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29.

promoting multilevel governance in future legislation, as well as in discussions on the evolution of the European Semester and expanding the European Monetary Union;

| 30. | contributing to an interinstitutional agreement on better law-making and getting involved in the REFIT programme in order to contribute to evaluations of EU legislation from a regional and local perspective, increase transparency and propose simplification of legislation to the EU legislator where necessary; |
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30.

contributing to an interinstitutional agreement on better law-making and getting involved in the REFIT programme in order to contribute to evaluations of EU legislation from a regional and local perspective, increase transparency and propose simplification of legislation to the EU legislator where necessary;

| 31. | encouraging the reduction of red tape and regulatory burdens at all levels of government, thus allowing businesses to thrive and citizens to benefit fully from the EU’s added value; |
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31.

encouraging the reduction of red tape and regulatory burdens at all levels of government, thus allowing businesses to thrive and citizens to benefit fully from the EU’s added value;

| 32. | promoting the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) principles for effective public investment; |
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32.

promoting the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) principles for effective public investment;

| 33. | improving the Transparency Register by ensuring that it recognises that local and regional authorities and their representative associations are exempt from any requirement to register, since they are an integral part of the EU’s institutional framework, and their representatives are democratically elected by citizens. |
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33.

improving the Transparency Register by ensuring that it recognises that local and regional authorities and their representative associations are exempt from any requirement to register, since they are an integral part of the EU’s institutional framework, and their representatives are democratically elected by citizens.

IV.   
  Stability and cooperation within and outside of the European Union: supporting our neighbours on their path towards European values.

The CoR should ensure that efforts to cooperate with our neighbours are founded on cooperation between local and regional authorities and people-to-people contact. Institutional and capacity building, political solidarity and city-diplomacy have been successfully used in the past to establish European values in neighbouring countries and they should be the main tools for the future.

The CoR highlights the following measures, aimed at implementing this priority:

| 34. | expanding the territorial dimension — and the devolution principle — of EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies. Building on the CoR’s partnerships with candidate countries from the Union for the Mediterranean area (ARLEM) and the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP); |
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34.

expanding the territorial dimension — and the devolution principle — of EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies. Building on the CoR’s partnerships with candidate countries from the Union for the Mediterranean area (ARLEM) and the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP);

| 35. | supporting the development of a comprehensive EU migration policy and strengthened local and regional crisis management capacities. Promoting an exchange of best practice examples and strengthened cooperation at local and regional level, independently of a framework submitted by the Commission. Involvement in the debate on the review of the Dublin III Regulation in order to develop a fair burden sharing within the EU, and to address the root causes of illegal migration and human trafficking, taking account of humanitarian and development-policy aspects; |
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35.

supporting the development of a comprehensive EU migration policy and strengthened local and regional crisis management capacities. Promoting an exchange of best practice examples and strengthened cooperation at local and regional level, independently of a framework submitted by the Commission. Involvement in the debate on the review of the Dublin III Regulation in order to develop a fair burden sharing within the EU, and to address the root causes of illegal migration and human trafficking, taking account of humanitarian and development-policy aspects;

| 36. | setting up ‘migration and integration partnerships’ between cities and regions in countries of origin and destination. This will enhance mutual trust and promote decentralised cooperation — particularly on areas such as urban concentration, climate change and resource shortages; |
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36.

setting up ‘migration and integration partnerships’ between cities and regions in countries of origin and destination. This will enhance mutual trust and promote decentralised cooperation — particularly on areas such as urban concentration, climate change and resource shortages;

| 37. | supporting policies which address security and social stability challenges at local and regional level including across borders — such as radicalisation and xenophobia, racism, and ultimately violence, in isolated form, or on organised form such as and terrorism; |
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37.

supporting policies which address security and social stability challenges at local and regional level including across borders — such as radicalisation and xenophobia, racism, and ultimately violence, in isolated form, or on organised form such as and terrorism;

| 38. | highlighting the regional and local dimension in negotiations on the EU’s Strategic Partnerships with key international players, with particular reference to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Trade in Services Agreement. It is necessary to ensure that the final agreements respect European social and environmental standards, for example in relation to the question of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or the protection of services of general interest. |
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38.

highlighting the regional and local dimension in negotiations on the EU’s Strategic Partnerships with key international players, with particular reference to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Trade in Services Agreement. It is necessary to ensure that the final agreements respect European social and environmental standards, for example in relation to the question of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or the protection of services of general interest.

V.   
  Europe of the citizens is Europe of the future: enhancing forward-looking partnerships between European Union and its people.

The CoR must help to reconnect Europe with its people by encouraging dialogue with local and regional representatives, and citizens of all ages. We should also publicise our work effectively and focus on showcasing the added value of the EU and results achieved at home.

The CoR highlights the following measures, aimed at implementing this priority:

| 39. | communicating about Europe and its values, stimulating public debate with citizens and showcasing the impact that Europe has on citizens’ wellbeing; |
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39.

communicating about Europe and its values, stimulating public debate with citizens and showcasing the impact that Europe has on citizens’ wellbeing;

| 40. | improving the CoR’s communication on its added value within the European Union, while strengthening its relations with the other institutions; deepening and developing the procedure for subsidiarity monitoring and further developing follow-up practice through analysis of the impact of opinions on the basis of measurable criteria; |
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40.

improving the CoR’s communication on its added value within the European Union, while strengthening its relations with the other institutions; deepening and developing the procedure for subsidiarity monitoring and further developing follow-up practice through analysis of the impact of opinions on the basis of measurable criteria;

| 41. | contributing to the ongoing debate on the implementation of the Lisbon treaty, with a view to participating in institutional debates on possible future Treaty revisions. |
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41.

contributing to the ongoing debate on the implementation of the Lisbon treaty, with a view to participating in institutional debates on possible future Treaty revisions.

The CoR instructs its president to forward this resolution to the EU institutions and the presidencies of the Council of the EU for the period 2015-2020.

Brussels, 4 June 2015.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Markku MARKKULA

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OPINIONS

Committee of the Regions

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

| 7.8.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/6 |
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7.8.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/6

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Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Better protecting the marine environment

(2015/C 260/02)

| Rapporteur | Hermann KUHN (DE/PES), Member of the Bremen City Parliament |
| --- | --- |
| Reference document | Own-initiative opinion |

Rapporteur

Hermann KUHN (DE/PES), Member of the Bremen City Parliament

Reference document

Own-initiative opinion

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | underlines the central importance of an integrated maritime policy for the European Union. Europe’s maritime areas and its coasts are central to people’s well-being and prosperity — they are Europe’s trade routes, climate regulator, sources of food, energy and resources, and a much-valued location for residence and recreation. A healthy marine environment is a key element for ensuring the sustainability of life outside this environment too (1); |
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1.

underlines the central importance of an integrated maritime policy for the European Union. Europe’s maritime areas and its coasts are central to people’s well-being and prosperity — they are Europe’s trade routes, climate regulator, sources of food, energy and resources, and a much-valued location for residence and recreation. A healthy marine environment is a key element for ensuring the sustainability of life outside this environment too (1);

| 2. | is deeply concerned that Europe’s seas are not in a healthy state, in particular, that many fish stocks are still being exploited above the maximum sustainable yield, and that the inputs and concentrations of nutrients and hazardous materials and waste, as well as the quantity of non-native species and non-material inputs (noise, light and heat), all too often exceed environmentally acceptable levels; it is likewise concerned that climate change is increasingly affecting marine and coastal ecosystems; |
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2.

is deeply concerned that Europe’s seas are not in a healthy state, in particular, that many fish stocks are still being exploited above the maximum sustainable yield, and that the inputs and concentrations of nutrients and hazardous materials and waste, as well as the quantity of non-native species and non-material inputs (noise, light and heat), all too often exceed environmentally acceptable levels; it is likewise concerned that climate change is increasingly affecting marine and coastal ecosystems;

| 3. | is aware that, at present, seas are subject to ever-increasing pressure from a wide array of economic activities and that their basic conditions will be at long-term risk if decisive steps are not taken to achieve ‘good environmental status’. Failure to protect the seas would be costly for European societies in every respect (2); |
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3.

is aware that, at present, seas are subject to ever-increasing pressure from a wide array of economic activities and that their basic conditions will be at long-term risk if decisive steps are not taken to achieve ‘good environmental status’. Failure to protect the seas would be costly for European societies in every respect (2);

| 4. | underlines that future generations are also entitled to a biologically diverse and dynamic marine environment that is safe, clean, healthy and productive; |
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4.

underlines that future generations are also entitled to a biologically diverse and dynamic marine environment that is safe, clean, healthy and productive;

| 5. | therefore reiterates its positive assessment of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008) as an environmental pillar of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy, which makes the achievement of ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 a binding target (3); |
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5.

therefore reiterates its positive assessment of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008) as an environmental pillar of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy, which makes the achievement of ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 a binding target (3);

Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) — implementation status

| 6. | acknowledges the strenuous efforts made to date by the Member States within a tight timeframe to secure a good environmental status, especially with regard to initial assessment, the definition of good environmental status, the setting of environmental targets and the creation and implementation of supervision programmes; |
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6.

acknowledges the strenuous efforts made to date by the Member States within a tight timeframe to secure a good environmental status, especially with regard to initial assessment, the definition of good environmental status, the setting of environmental targets and the creation and implementation of supervision programmes;

| 7. | is nevertheless concerned that the Commission considers the targets set by the Member States to be generally lacking in ambition, vague and inconsistent, making it very difficult to know how much still needs to be done to meet the target (4); |
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7.

is nevertheless concerned that the Commission considers the targets set by the Member States to be generally lacking in ambition, vague and inconsistent, making it very difficult to know how much still needs to be done to meet the target (4);

| 8. | welcomes the Common Implementation Strategy pursued by the Commission and the Member States within the Marine Strategy Coordination Group and expects their work to give rise to a better common understanding of the implementation of the MSFD; calls on the Commission to present, as soon as possible, its revision of the criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status (2010/477/EU); |
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8.

welcomes the Common Implementation Strategy pursued by the Commission and the Member States within the Marine Strategy Coordination Group and expects their work to give rise to a better common understanding of the implementation of the MSFD; calls on the Commission to present, as soon as possible, its revision of the criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status (2010/477/EU);

| 9. | points out that, under the MSFD, Member States currently have until the end of 2015 to draw up programmes of measures, which must be implemented from 2016 onwards; firmly supports the Commission’s call for a political step-change in marine protection and is convinced that consultation on the programmes of measures must be used to this end (5); |
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9.

points out that, under the MSFD, Member States currently have until the end of 2015 to draw up programmes of measures, which must be implemented from 2016 onwards; firmly supports the Commission’s call for a political step-change in marine protection and is convinced that consultation on the programmes of measures must be used to this end (5);

| 10. | calls on the Member States to maintain a strict interpretation of the exception clauses set out in the MSFD for the purposes of the future implementation of the directive, so that attainment of good environmental status is not jeopardised; |
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10.

calls on the Member States to maintain a strict interpretation of the exception clauses set out in the MSFD for the purposes of the future implementation of the directive, so that attainment of good environmental status is not jeopardised;

| 11. | stresses that, while success in achieving good environmental status of the seas by 2020 will yield major benefits for the economy and living conditions in coastal regions as well as regions far from the coast, any failure could also result in significant adverse economic consequences. This is one reason why all local and regional authorities must be involved in framing programmes of measures and contribute to this process; |
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11.

stresses that, while success in achieving good environmental status of the seas by 2020 will yield major benefits for the economy and living conditions in coastal regions as well as regions far from the coast, any failure could also result in significant adverse economic consequences. This is one reason why all local and regional authorities must be involved in framing programmes of measures and contribute to this process;

Knowledge

| 12. | notes that the Member States have already made considerable efforts in inspecting, analysing and assessing data on seas; points out, however, that scientific understanding of the condition of the seas and the exposure pathways of man-made pollution remains patchy (6); |
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12.

notes that the Member States have already made considerable efforts in inspecting, analysing and assessing data on seas; points out, however, that scientific understanding of the condition of the seas and the exposure pathways of man-made pollution remains patchy (6);

| 13. | urges that incomplete knowledge not be allowed to impede the framing of concrete, ambitious programmes of measures; |
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13.

urges that incomplete knowledge not be allowed to impede the framing of concrete, ambitious programmes of measures;

| 14. | strongly endorses the Commission’s proposals to further develop coordination between the Member States in the procurement, analysis and assessment of scientific information on the marine environment at Union and regional levels, in particular promoting the pooling of information between the European Environment Agency, Regional Sea Conventions and the Member States, and better tie-ins with existing assessments under other EU legislation; |
| --- | --- |

14.

strongly endorses the Commission’s proposals to further develop coordination between the Member States in the procurement, analysis and assessment of scientific information on the marine environment at Union and regional levels, in particular promoting the pooling of information between the European Environment Agency, Regional Sea Conventions and the Member States, and better tie-ins with existing assessments under other EU legislation;

| 15. | calls on all parties concerned to make greater use of the resources available under EU programmes for the 2020-2014 programming period (especially EMFF, Horizon 2020, Interreg) in implementing projects to research the marine environment; |
| --- | --- |

15.

calls on all parties concerned to make greater use of the resources available under EU programmes for the 2020-2014 programming period (especially EMFF, Horizon 2020, Interreg) in implementing projects to research the marine environment;

| 16. | takes the view that private stakeholders too, as part of the authorisation of offshore operations for example, should in future increasingly be required to gather information on the health of the seas and make this available to be integrated into other data collections and assessments for the purposes of marine protection; |
| --- | --- |

16.

takes the view that private stakeholders too, as part of the authorisation of offshore operations for example, should in future increasingly be required to gather information on the health of the seas and make this available to be integrated into other data collections and assessments for the purposes of marine protection;

Governance

| 17. | is aware that framing programmes of measures for the MSFD falls within the remit and responsibility of the Member States; is convinced, however, that the only way to protect the seas is for all tiers of government, business and civil society to pull together, and for this reason the Committee addresses its calls and expectations to all the parties involved; |
| --- | --- |

17.

is aware that framing programmes of measures for the MSFD falls within the remit and responsibility of the Member States; is convinced, however, that the only way to protect the seas is for all tiers of government, business and civil society to pull together, and for this reason the Committee addresses its calls and expectations to all the parties involved;

| 18. | is pleased that the Commission wishes to continue playing an active part in analysing and assessing implementation in the Member States; encourages it to play a supporting, coordinating and stimulating role to promote the integration of all Union regulation relevant to marine protection, including support programmes, and to encourage compliance with them; |
| --- | --- |

18.

is pleased that the Commission wishes to continue playing an active part in analysing and assessing implementation in the Member States; encourages it to play a supporting, coordinating and stimulating role to promote the integration of all Union regulation relevant to marine protection, including support programmes, and to encourage compliance with them;

| 19. | would like the Commission to submit regular assessments on MSFD implementation, including in particular the identification of best practices; in order to facilitate the sharing of local solutions, also offers to make available the existing common Technical Platform for cooperation on the environment between the European Committee of the Regions and the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

19.

would like the Commission to submit regular assessments on MSFD implementation, including in particular the identification of best practices; in order to facilitate the sharing of local solutions, also offers to make available the existing common Technical Platform for cooperation on the environment between the European Committee of the Regions and the Commission;

| 20. | points out that local and regional authorities have a wealth of experience and knowledge, since they have to deal with the consequences of the condition of the sea; therefore calls for them to be closely and appropriately involved in framing national programmes of measures; |
| --- | --- |

20.

points out that local and regional authorities have a wealth of experience and knowledge, since they have to deal with the consequences of the condition of the sea; therefore calls for them to be closely and appropriately involved in framing national programmes of measures;

| 21. | recommends taking account of the principles of participation, cooperation, transparency, inclusion and policy coherence, within the meaning of the ‘rules of good governance’, when developing programmes of measures; |
| --- | --- |

21.

recommends taking account of the principles of participation, cooperation, transparency, inclusion and policy coherence, within the meaning of the ‘rules of good governance’, when developing programmes of measures;

| 22. | expects Member States to turn to the Union should the solutions to problems fall within the Union’s competence and expects the Union then to take steps to find such solutions; |
| --- | --- |

22.

expects Member States to turn to the Union should the solutions to problems fall within the Union’s competence and expects the Union then to take steps to find such solutions;

| 23. | is concerned by the Commission’s statements to the effect that until now cooperation within regional sea basins has been lacking; is fully convinced that joint regional planning of measures for sea basins will be the key to ensuring shared success. Water has no borders (7); |
| --- | --- |

23.

is concerned by the Commission’s statements to the effect that until now cooperation within regional sea basins has been lacking; is fully convinced that joint regional planning of measures for sea basins will be the key to ensuring shared success. Water has no borders (7);

| 24. | welcomes the major contribution made by Regional Sea Conventions to marine protection; is of the view that these agreements might also be suitable platforms for drawing up regionally coordinated measures among the Member States and calls for local and regional authorities to be involved in this work. EGTCs could also make a contribution to regional cooperation here; |
| --- | --- |

24.

welcomes the major contribution made by Regional Sea Conventions to marine protection; is of the view that these agreements might also be suitable platforms for drawing up regionally coordinated measures among the Member States and calls for local and regional authorities to be involved in this work. EGTCs could also make a contribution to regional cooperation here;

| 25. | suggests that the new procedures for cross-border maritime spatial planning be used in this connection, not least in order to be able to influence the circumstances of increased pressure on the seas in line with the objectives of marine protection; in this, consideration should also be given to a procedure for compulsory compensatory measures at sea (8); |
| --- | --- |

25.

suggests that the new procedures for cross-border maritime spatial planning be used in this connection, not least in order to be able to influence the circumstances of increased pressure on the seas in line with the objectives of marine protection; in this, consideration should also be given to a procedure for compulsory compensatory measures at sea (8);

| 26. | notes that implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive will also put the EU and its Member States in a better position to meet their obligations under international agreements; |
| --- | --- |

26.

notes that implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive will also put the EU and its Member States in a better position to meet their obligations under international agreements;

| 27. | suggests that the Commission should draw up proposals as to how to further the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the waters of the Member States’ overseas territories and the areas of the Mediterranean and Black Sea that are not directly within its scope; |
| --- | --- |

27.

suggests that the Commission should draw up proposals as to how to further the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the waters of the Member States’ overseas territories and the areas of the Mediterranean and Black Sea that are not directly within its scope;

| 28. | believes that the EU’s macro-regional and sea basin strategies provide a good framework for integrating marine protection into a more comprehensive regional cooperation set-up (9); |
| --- | --- |

28.

believes that the EU’s macro-regional and sea basin strategies provide a good framework for integrating marine protection into a more comprehensive regional cooperation set-up (9);

General requirements for programmes of measures

| 29. | calls on the Member States, when drawing up and implementing the programmes of measures, to take account of the principles of the ecosystem approach as well as the precautionary and polluter pays principles; |
| --- | --- |

29.

calls on the Member States, when drawing up and implementing the programmes of measures, to take account of the principles of the ecosystem approach as well as the precautionary and polluter pays principles;

| 30. | points out that a wide range of EU rules and policies are designed to have a direct or indirect impact on the protection of the marine environment. In particular, the rules of the Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries Policy, Water Framework Directive, Habitats and Birds Directives (Natura 2000), biodiversity strategy and climate policy must therefore be consistent with the programmes of measures pursued by the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

30.

points out that a wide range of EU rules and policies are designed to have a direct or indirect impact on the protection of the marine environment. In particular, the rules of the Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries Policy, Water Framework Directive, Habitats and Birds Directives (Natura 2000), biodiversity strategy and climate policy must therefore be consistent with the programmes of measures pursued by the Member States;

| 31. | proposes that the following measures be vigorously pursued, while allowing for the different starting points and particular circumstances of the various maritime regions and ensuring proportionality, cost-effectiveness and feasibility; |
| --- | --- |

31.

proposes that the following measures be vigorously pursued, while allowing for the different starting points and particular circumstances of the various maritime regions and ensuring proportionality, cost-effectiveness and feasibility;

Measures to protect biodiversity, food webs and the seabed (order in accordance with the MSFD descriptors (D) — here D1, D4, D6)

| 32. | emphasises the importance of the marine protected areas designated under international, European and national agreements. for protecting and maintaining marine biological diversity; |
| --- | --- |

32.

emphasises the importance of the marine protected areas designated under international, European and national agreements. for protecting and maintaining marine biological diversity;

| 33. | is convinced that the designation of marine protected areas must be followed by the establishment of clear protection and management strategies which ensure that protected areas are protected and maintained, guaranteeing that they yield environmental benefits; believes that restrictions on fishing and marine mineral mining in such areas (including no-take areas) are needed to ensure that the level of protection of marine protected areas is not jeopardised, but improved; recommends that the imposition of any such restrictions occur after dialogue with the sectors concerned; |
| --- | --- |

33.

is convinced that the designation of marine protected areas must be followed by the establishment of clear protection and management strategies which ensure that protected areas are protected and maintained, guaranteeing that they yield environmental benefits; believes that restrictions on fishing and marine mineral mining in such areas (including no-take areas) are needed to ensure that the level of protection of marine protected areas is not jeopardised, but improved; recommends that the imposition of any such restrictions occur after dialogue with the sectors concerned;

| 34. | highlights the need to review whether existing marine protected areas form a consistent, representative network which provides appropriate coverage of marine ecosystems in all their diversity; is convinced that the cross-border regional establishment and management of such areas is more cost-effective and environmentally more beneficial than unilateral national measures; |
| --- | --- |

34.

highlights the need to review whether existing marine protected areas form a consistent, representative network which provides appropriate coverage of marine ecosystems in all their diversity; is convinced that the cross-border regional establishment and management of such areas is more cost-effective and environmentally more beneficial than unilateral national measures;

| 35. | calls for new marine protected areas to be designated where this is needed to achieve good environmental status (10); |
| --- | --- |

35.

calls for new marine protected areas to be designated where this is needed to achieve good environmental status (10);

| 36. | furthermore, considers more rigorous research is needed into the potential impact of maritime operations on the seabed (fisheries, but also the laying of pipelines, cables, etc.), so that standards and rules can be framed; |
| --- | --- |

36.

furthermore, considers more rigorous research is needed into the potential impact of maritime operations on the seabed (fisheries, but also the laying of pipelines, cables, etc.), so that standards and rules can be framed;

Measures to protect against non-indigenous species (D2)

| 37. | points out the environmental and economic risks posed by the spread of invasive alien species in Europe’s seas; for this reason, welcomes in principle the regulation on invasive alien species and expects in particular that the observing and, where applicable, blocking of man-made immigration routes of invasive species to make a positive contribution to achieving good environmental status; |
| --- | --- |

37.

points out the environmental and economic risks posed by the spread of invasive alien species in Europe’s seas; for this reason, welcomes in principle the regulation on invasive alien species and expects in particular that the observing and, where applicable, blocking of man-made immigration routes of invasive species to make a positive contribution to achieving good environmental status;

| 38. | calls on Member States to compile national inventories of alien and invasive species, agreed among themselves on a regional basis, and use these in working together across borders to combat them; |
| --- | --- |

38.

calls on Member States to compile national inventories of alien and invasive species, agreed among themselves on a regional basis, and use these in working together across borders to combat them;

| 39. | supports the European Union’s ratification and implementation of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention; |
| --- | --- |

39.

supports the European Union’s ratification and implementation of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention;

| 40. | requests that only indigenous species be bred in open aquaculture systems; |
| --- | --- |

40.

requests that only indigenous species be bred in open aquaculture systems;

Measures to protect commercially exploited species (D3)

| 41. | points out that for many coastal regions in the EU fishing still carries considerable economic and cultural weight; recognises the multi-facetted nature of fisheries in the EU and stresses that the Common Fisheries Policy must bring their various economic needs into line with the environmental requirements of the marine environment; |
| --- | --- |

41.

points out that for many coastal regions in the EU fishing still carries considerable economic and cultural weight; recognises the multi-facetted nature of fisheries in the EU and stresses that the Common Fisheries Policy must bring their various economic needs into line with the environmental requirements of the marine environment;

| 42. | therefore welcomes the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and now expects the newly defined objectives, in particular the restrictions on use, to be set in such a way that the populations of harvested species are maintained or restored above the level of the maximum sustainable yield, and that landing requirements are met and monitored effectively (11); |
| --- | --- |

42.

therefore welcomes the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and now expects the newly defined objectives, in particular the restrictions on use, to be set in such a way that the populations of harvested species are maintained or restored above the level of the maximum sustainable yield, and that landing requirements are met and monitored effectively (11);

| 43. | urges that the EMFF funds be used in such a way that they do not contradict the MSFD objectives; among other things is in favour of promoting the use of new selective fishing techniques to reduce bycatch mortality (including the bycatch mortality of birds) and to protect seabed habitats; |
| --- | --- |

43.

urges that the EMFF funds be used in such a way that they do not contradict the MSFD objectives; among other things is in favour of promoting the use of new selective fishing techniques to reduce bycatch mortality (including the bycatch mortality of birds) and to protect seabed habitats;

Measures against eutrophication (D5)

| 44. | stresses that the over-enrichment of nutrients in different regions of Europe’s maritime waters poses a serious environmental problem; |
| --- | --- |

44.

stresses that the over-enrichment of nutrients in different regions of Europe’s maritime waters poses a serious environmental problem;

| 45. | believes that the use of fertilisers should be significantly reduced as part of a forthcoming review of the nitrate directive and its implementation; the use of alternative, less harmful fertiliser methods should be promoted under the Common Agricultural Policy; |
| --- | --- |

45.

believes that the use of fertilisers should be significantly reduced as part of a forthcoming review of the nitrate directive and its implementation; the use of alternative, less harmful fertiliser methods should be promoted under the Common Agricultural Policy;

| 46. | calls for a substantial expansion of the funding for organic farming so that it accounts for more than 10 % of farming by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

46.

calls for a substantial expansion of the funding for organic farming so that it accounts for more than 10 % of farming by 2020;

| 47. | calls for the mandatory imposition of a ban on farming and fertilisation in the vicinity of water bodies, so that nutrient inputs into these and ultimately into the marine environment can be cut significantly; |
| --- | --- |

47.

calls for the mandatory imposition of a ban on farming and fertilisation in the vicinity of water bodies, so that nutrient inputs into these and ultimately into the marine environment can be cut significantly;

| 48. | calls for the authorisation of open aquaculture systems in European marine waters to be made conditional on the nutrient inputs they cause not jeopardising the objective of good environmental status (12); |
| --- | --- |

48.

calls for the authorisation of open aquaculture systems in European marine waters to be made conditional on the nutrient inputs they cause not jeopardising the objective of good environmental status (12);

| 49. | takes the view that SECA (Sulphur Emission Control Area) agreements must, as a matter of priority, be broadened to cover all EU marine regions; expects the Commission and Member States to energetically pursue efforts to establish NECA (NOx Emission Control Areas) areas too; |
| --- | --- |

49.

takes the view that SECA (Sulphur Emission Control Area) agreements must, as a matter of priority, be broadened to cover all EU marine regions; expects the Commission and Member States to energetically pursue efforts to establish NECA (NOx Emission Control Areas) areas too;

Measures to reduce contaminants (D8, D9)

| 50. | notes that the input of a variety of harmful substances, individually and cumulatively, affects and endangers marine life and also reaches humans via the food chain; for this reason, considers as fundamental the goal of a zero input of such substances by 2020 and the implementation of agreements already concluded; |
| --- | --- |

50.

notes that the input of a variety of harmful substances, individually and cumulatively, affects and endangers marine life and also reaches humans via the food chain; for this reason, considers as fundamental the goal of a zero input of such substances by 2020 and the implementation of agreements already concluded;

| 51. | points out that the increasing pollution of the coastline by paraffin wax from the flushing of tanks at sea means that a ban on this kind of discharge at sea is urgently necessary; |
| --- | --- |

51.

points out that the increasing pollution of the coastline by paraffin wax from the flushing of tanks at sea means that a ban on this kind of discharge at sea is urgently necessary;

| 52. | calls for a revision of the limit values for oily waste water (from shipping, oil production, industry, etc.); |
| --- | --- |

52.

calls for a revision of the limit values for oily waste water (from shipping, oil production, industry, etc.);

| 53. | repeats its call for a European action plan for the disposal (primarily recovery and destruction) of munitions on the sea floor, which are presenting an increasing danger to shipping, offshore activities and tourism; |
| --- | --- |

53.

repeats its call for a European action plan for the disposal (primarily recovery and destruction) of munitions on the sea floor, which are presenting an increasing danger to shipping, offshore activities and tourism;

| 54. | reiterates its position that sea pollution must be reduced at source (production and consumption); believes, however, that measures such as the ‘fourth phase’ should be promoted in sewage treatment plants which are capable of reducing micro-pollutants in wastewater. At the same time, the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land must be stopped; |
| --- | --- |

54.

reiterates its position that sea pollution must be reduced at source (production and consumption); believes, however, that measures such as the ‘fourth phase’ should be promoted in sewage treatment plants which are capable of reducing micro-pollutants in wastewater. At the same time, the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land must be stopped;

| 55. | points out that single-hull tankers are still endangering European waters and calls for tight oversight and even stricter rules to eliminate these risks; |
| --- | --- |

55.

points out that single-hull tankers are still endangering European waters and calls for tight oversight and even stricter rules to eliminate these risks;

| 56. | is convinced that emergency port strategies should be drawn up to protect damaged ships, primarily those carrying hazardous cargo, and that adequate response capacities should be ensured to prevent shipping accidents caused by already damaged ships, not least in the vicinity of the growing number of off-shore wind farms. Regional, cross-border coordination is essential here; |
| --- | --- |

56.

is convinced that emergency port strategies should be drawn up to protect damaged ships, primarily those carrying hazardous cargo, and that adequate response capacities should be ensured to prevent shipping accidents caused by already damaged ships, not least in the vicinity of the growing number of off-shore wind farms. Regional, cross-border coordination is essential here;

Measures for reducing marine waste (D10)

| 57. | calls for a general ban on waste disposal at sea — in principle incineration too, since this cannot be monitored. The costs of on-shore disposal should, as far as possible, be included in port charges on the basis of a flat rate; |
| --- | --- |

57.

calls for a general ban on waste disposal at sea — in principle incineration too, since this cannot be monitored. The costs of on-shore disposal should, as far as possible, be included in port charges on the basis of a flat rate;

| 58. | proposes promoting the efforts that fishermen make in the ‘fishing for litter’ campaign, especially by means of free waste disposal in ports and differentiated port charges; |
| --- | --- |

58.

proposes promoting the efforts that fishermen make in the ‘fishing for litter’ campaign, especially by means of free waste disposal in ports and differentiated port charges;

| 59. | calls for greater efforts to avoid production of plastics and to recycle them, given the dramatic pollution of the seas with plastic waste; expects the Member States above all to be vigorous in implementing the new rules to restrict and even ban plastic bags (13); |
| --- | --- |

59.

calls for greater efforts to avoid production of plastics and to recycle them, given the dramatic pollution of the seas with plastic waste; expects the Member States above all to be vigorous in implementing the new rules to restrict and even ban plastic bags (13);

| 60. | supports activities such as ‘Coastal Cleanup Day’ specifically on the coasts and beaches of Europe, which, in addition to the direct benefits, could also help to raise awareness and educate people about the environment; |
| --- | --- |

60.

supports activities such as ‘Coastal Cleanup Day’ specifically on the coasts and beaches of Europe, which, in addition to the direct benefits, could also help to raise awareness and educate people about the environment;

| 61. | recognises the serious impact of micro-plastics on marine organisms; calls, therefore, as a first step, for an EU-wide ban on the use of micro-plastics in cosmetics and cleaning products; |
| --- | --- |

61.

recognises the serious impact of micro-plastics on marine organisms; calls, therefore, as a first step, for an EU-wide ban on the use of micro-plastics in cosmetics and cleaning products;

Measures for reducing the introduction of energy into the sea (D11)

| 62. | points out that the introduction of energy (noise, light, heat and radiation) into the seas clearly has an impact on the marine environment, the consequences of which urgently require more thorough investigation; |
| --- | --- |

62.

points out that the introduction of energy (noise, light, heat and radiation) into the seas clearly has an impact on the marine environment, the consequences of which urgently require more thorough investigation;

| 63. | is of the opinion that, following the establishment of international criteria and standards for noise mapping, a noise register should be set up for the European Union’s maritime waters. The aim should be to develop legal standards and limit values to reduce noise in the marine environment; |
| --- | --- |

63.

is of the opinion that, following the establishment of international criteria and standards for noise mapping, a noise register should be set up for the European Union’s maritime waters. The aim should be to develop legal standards and limit values to reduce noise in the marine environment;

| 64. | calls for the cessation of particularly noise-intensive exploitation in protected areas (including buffer zones), which has been shown to have a negative impact on individual species; |
| --- | --- |

64.

calls for the cessation of particularly noise-intensive exploitation in protected areas (including buffer zones), which has been shown to have a negative impact on individual species;

| 65. | supports the promotion of alternatives when carrying out seismic exploration and setting up offshore wind farms; |
| --- | --- |

65.

supports the promotion of alternatives when carrying out seismic exploration and setting up offshore wind farms;

Final remarks

| 66. | underlines that public information and dialogue is the key to the success of marine protection; therefore calls on the Member States to allow enough time and resources for public discussion when drawing up their programmes of measures and offers the cooperation of local and regional authorities in this connection; |
| --- | --- |

66.

underlines that public information and dialogue is the key to the success of marine protection; therefore calls on the Member States to allow enough time and resources for public discussion when drawing up their programmes of measures and offers the cooperation of local and regional authorities in this connection;

| 67. | continues to support the implementation of the ‘European Maritime Day’ (EMD) and expects that, in the coming years, the EMD will contribute to the successful implementation of the MSFD as a forum for scientific and political exchange with local and regional authorities too. |
| --- | --- |

67.

continues to support the implementation of the ‘European Maritime Day’ (EMD) and expects that, in the coming years, the EMD will contribute to the successful implementation of the MSFD as a forum for scientific and political exchange with local and regional authorities too.

Brussels, 3 June 2015.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Markku MARKKULA

---

(1)  COM(2007) 575 final.

1

(2)  OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 5.

2

(3)  OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 5; OJ C 172, 5.7.2008, p. 34.

3

(4)  COM(2014) 97 final.

4

(5)  See footnote 4.

5

(6)  OJ C 62, 2.3.2013, p. 44.

6

(7)  OJ C 104, 2.4.2011, p. 47.

7

(8)  OJ C 415, 20.11.2014, p. 9.

8

(9)  OJ C 391, 18.12.2012, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ C 172, 5.7.2008, p. 34.

10

(11)  OJ C 225, 27.7.2012, p. 20.

11

(12)  OJ C 391, 18.12.2012, p. 84.

12

(13)  OJ C 356, 5.12.2013, p. 30; OJ C 280, 27.9.2013, p. 44.

13

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| 7.8.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.8.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/12

---

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — A decent life for all: from vision to collective action

(2015/C 260/03)

| Rapporteur | J.F.M. (Hans) JANSSEN (NL/EPP), Mayor of Oisterwijk |
| --- | --- |
| Reference documents | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A decent Life for all: from vision to collective action
  COM(2014) 335 final
  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015
  COM(2015) 44 final |

Rapporteur

J.F.M. (Hans) JANSSEN (NL/EPP), Mayor of Oisterwijk

Reference documents

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A decent Life for all: from vision to collective action

COM(2014) 335 final

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015

COM(2015) 44 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Preliminary remark

| 1. | This opinion relates to the communication from the European Commission entitled ‘A decent life for all: from vision to collective action’ (1), on the European Union’s input into the United Nations’ efforts to develop a new transformative post-2015 agenda. The opinion also covers the Commission communication on ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ (COM(2015) 44 final), concerning the means of implementing this transformative agenda. This communication is essentially a further development of chapter 5 of the first communication. |
| --- | --- |

1.

This opinion relates to the communication from the European Commission entitled ‘A decent life for all: from vision to collective action’ (1), on the European Union’s input into the United Nations’ efforts to develop a new transformative post-2015 agenda. The opinion also covers the Commission communication on ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ (COM(2015) 44 final), concerning the means of implementing this transformative agenda. This communication is essentially a further development of chapter 5 of the first communication.

General comments

| 2. | welcomes the Commission’s commitment to making an active and constructive contribution to the adoption of a new, ambitious and necessary transformative post-2015 agenda, which will lay the foundations for addressing a range of connected key global challenges; |
| --- | --- |

2.

welcomes the Commission’s commitment to making an active and constructive contribution to the adoption of a new, ambitious and necessary transformative post-2015 agenda, which will lay the foundations for addressing a range of connected key global challenges;

| 3. | also welcomes the willingness of the EU and its Member States to work with all partners and stakeholders to reach consensus on this transformative agenda. The CoR endorses the view that this presents a unique opportunity to renew and strengthen cooperation within the international community, as developed in the communication on global partnership; |
| --- | --- |

3.

also welcomes the willingness of the EU and its Member States to work with all partners and stakeholders to reach consensus on this transformative agenda. The CoR endorses the view that this presents a unique opportunity to renew and strengthen cooperation within the international community, as developed in the communication on global partnership;

| 4. | shares the Commission’s view that the agenda should be rights-based and that it is intrinsically linked to good governance, democracy and the rule of law. This ties in well with the previous communication on ‘increasing the impact of EU development policy: an agenda for change’ and the associated CoR opinion (2); |
| --- | --- |

4.

shares the Commission’s view that the agenda should be rights-based and that it is intrinsically linked to good governance, democracy and the rule of law. This ties in well with the previous communication on ‘increasing the impact of EU development policy: an agenda for change’ and the associated CoR opinion (2);

| 5. | agrees that the principle of universality applies to the proposed priorities and goals, while taking account of national circumstances, capacities and levels of development and also recognising that the challenges can only be faced with the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. This therefore also places demands on the EU’s Member States, both in their own countries and in their cooperation among themselves and their contribution to international cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

5.

agrees that the principle of universality applies to the proposed priorities and goals, while taking account of national circumstances, capacities and levels of development and also recognising that the challenges can only be faced with the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. This therefore also places demands on the EU’s Member States, both in their own countries and in their cooperation among themselves and their contribution to international cooperation;

| 6. | welcomes the fact that the process of developing this agenda has so far proceeded in close consultation with, for example, local and regional authorities, and notes the importance of translating that consultation into structural cooperation, not only in the run-up to the summit in September 2015 at the General Assembly of the United Nations but also in the subsequent implementation and monitoring of the transformative agenda; |
| --- | --- |

6.

welcomes the fact that the process of developing this agenda has so far proceeded in close consultation with, for example, local and regional authorities, and notes the importance of translating that consultation into structural cooperation, not only in the run-up to the summit in September 2015 at the General Assembly of the United Nations but also in the subsequent implementation and monitoring of the transformative agenda;

Priorities

| 7. | acknowledges the importance of all thematic priorities referred to in the Commission’s communication, and notes that the objectives set by the UN have since evolved, while preserving the essence of the priorities mentioned by the Commission; is keen, in this context, to see a specific objective retained on inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements. The significant growth of urbanisation worldwide — which is set to continue in the coming decades — and its impact on the surrounding countryside justify retaining this separate priority. We need to put this into practice in Europe, too; |
| --- | --- |

7.

acknowledges the importance of all thematic priorities referred to in the Commission’s communication, and notes that the objectives set by the UN have since evolved, while preserving the essence of the priorities mentioned by the Commission; is keen, in this context, to see a specific objective retained on inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements. The significant growth of urbanisation worldwide — which is set to continue in the coming decades — and its impact on the surrounding countryside justify retaining this separate priority. We need to put this into practice in Europe, too;

| 8. | notes that, in point 3(2), the communication’s approach to ‘sustainable cities and human settlements’ also focuses too much on just the ‘challenges for sustainable development’. Cities are also drivers of growth (3), which helps to increase the potential for domestic resources and thus contributes to the financial basis for achieving other goals; |
| --- | --- |

8.

notes that, in point 3(2), the communication’s approach to ‘sustainable cities and human settlements’ also focuses too much on just the ‘challenges for sustainable development’. Cities are also drivers of growth (3), which helps to increase the potential for domestic resources and thus contributes to the financial basis for achieving other goals;

| 9. | notes that, like the United Nations, the Commission has previously worked on the basis of sticking to a manageable number of goals, not least for communication reasons. This is one reason for proposing clustering. The Commission also quite rightly refers to ‘the strong interlinkages between priority areas and their related target topics’ and the need to take account of these interlinkages; |
| --- | --- |

9.

notes that, like the United Nations, the Commission has previously worked on the basis of sticking to a manageable number of goals, not least for communication reasons. This is one reason for proposing clustering. The Commission also quite rightly refers to ‘the strong interlinkages between priority areas and their related target topics’ and the need to take account of these interlinkages;

| 10. | in this context, once again highlights the importance of taking a territorial approach to development. The linkages between many of the goals and the problems on which they are based necessitate taking an integrated approach in terms of coherent geographical and administrative areas. This concept is not adequately emphasised in the communication. In contributing to the ongoing work in this area, the EU can make use of the earlier Communication on Empowering local authorities (COM(2013) 280 final), which gives a good definition of the territorial approach to development as a bottom-up and long-term process, in which different local actors work together to define priorities, and plan and implement development strategies. Such an approach is essential in order to mobilise the wealth of knowledge, resources, capacities and engagement of communities; |
| --- | --- |

10.

in this context, once again highlights the importance of taking a territorial approach to development. The linkages between many of the goals and the problems on which they are based necessitate taking an integrated approach in terms of coherent geographical and administrative areas. This concept is not adequately emphasised in the communication. In contributing to the ongoing work in this area, the EU can make use of the earlier Communication on Empowering local authorities (COM(2013) 280 final), which gives a good definition of the territorial approach to development as a bottom-up and long-term process, in which different local actors work together to define priorities, and plan and implement development strategies. Such an approach is essential in order to mobilise the wealth of knowledge, resources, capacities and engagement of communities;

Local and regional involvement

| 11. | believes that the Commission is quite right to start from the basis that the transformative agenda requires the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. Many of the listed priorities will require commitment at local and regional level, in terms of both policy and decision-making and planning and implementation. This is not the place to analyse all of the priorities and target topics separately, but the communication could still be strengthened when it is translated to local and regional level. The CoR calls for the process of ‘localising the post-2015 agenda’ to be continued, inter alia in dialogue with national and international associations of local and regional authorities, and is keen to make its own contribution to this process; |
| --- | --- |

11.

believes that the Commission is quite right to start from the basis that the transformative agenda requires the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. Many of the listed priorities will require commitment at local and regional level, in terms of both policy and decision-making and planning and implementation. This is not the place to analyse all of the priorities and target topics separately, but the communication could still be strengthened when it is translated to local and regional level. The CoR calls for the process of ‘localising the post-2015 agenda’ to be continued, inter alia in dialogue with national and international associations of local and regional authorities, and is keen to make its own contribution to this process;

| 12. | welcomes the fact that the Commission acknowledges the need for a multilevel governance approach and agrees with the Commission’s view that, if the global partnership is to be a success, policies at national and subnational level will need to be geared to meeting the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The CoR highlights in this connection the importance of the principle of subsidiarity applied by the EU; |
| --- | --- |

12.

welcomes the fact that the Commission acknowledges the need for a multilevel governance approach and agrees with the Commission’s view that, if the global partnership is to be a success, policies at national and subnational level will need to be geared to meeting the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The CoR highlights in this connection the importance of the principle of subsidiarity applied by the EU;

| 13. | points out that, in order to make the best possible use of all levels of government and ensure that they interact effectively, there needs to be cooperation between national governments and local and regional authorities. This starts with the development of goals, indicators and targets at country level, but also covers the choice of measures and their implementation, and monitoring and evaluation with a view to learning lessons and making improvements. The communication too often dismisses local and regional authorities as simply implementing bodies; |
| --- | --- |

13.

points out that, in order to make the best possible use of all levels of government and ensure that they interact effectively, there needs to be cooperation between national governments and local and regional authorities. This starts with the development of goals, indicators and targets at country level, but also covers the choice of measures and their implementation, and monitoring and evaluation with a view to learning lessons and making improvements. The communication too often dismisses local and regional authorities as simply implementing bodies;

| 14. | therefore considers it worth emphasising once again the political role played by local and regional authorities, as so well expressed in Commission communication COM(2013) 280 final. Local and regional authorities weigh up policy issues and take political decisions, as well as implementing policies set at national level in some areas; |
| --- | --- |

14.

therefore considers it worth emphasising once again the political role played by local and regional authorities, as so well expressed in Commission communication COM(2013) 280 final. Local and regional authorities weigh up policy issues and take political decisions, as well as implementing policies set at national level in some areas;

| 15. | for that reason, and without wishing to detract from the importance of accountability per se, would take issue with the passage in point 3 ‘Accountability’, which gives local authorities ‘a key role’ in monitoring national governments (among others) and holding them accountable. The CoR feels that this is not an accurate reflection of the relationships within the government, and would instead seek to strengthen cooperation and consistency in the actions of the government as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

15.

for that reason, and without wishing to detract from the importance of accountability per se, would take issue with the passage in point 3 ‘Accountability’, which gives local authorities ‘a key role’ in monitoring national governments (among others) and holding them accountable. The CoR feels that this is not an accurate reflection of the relationships within the government, and would instead seek to strengthen cooperation and consistency in the actions of the government as a whole;

Progress, monitoring and accountability

| 16. | agrees that it is important for the future framework to be based on accountability, transparency and effective review of progress based on clear criteria. The CoR also shares the Commission’s view that participation and accountability, as well as high-quality rules and institutions, are crucial in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

16.

agrees that it is important for the future framework to be based on accountability, transparency and effective review of progress based on clear criteria. The CoR also shares the Commission’s view that participation and accountability, as well as high-quality rules and institutions, are crucial in this regard;

| 17. | stresses that effective monitoring of progress starts with clear objectives and targets. As stated in the first communication, these do indeed need to take account of differences in national circumstances. However, the Communication also quite rightly states that, ‘ultimately, the work at target level, including indicators should be framed so as to drive the necessary transformation in all countries at various levels of development in order to achieve the universal goals’. In other words, diversity does not provide carte blanche to evade commitments: the interdependence of the challenges we are facing makes that impossible. There is thus a need for genuine horizontal accountability between countries; |
| --- | --- |

17.

stresses that effective monitoring of progress starts with clear objectives and targets. As stated in the first communication, these do indeed need to take account of differences in national circumstances. However, the Communication also quite rightly states that, ‘ultimately, the work at target level, including indicators should be framed so as to drive the necessary transformation in all countries at various levels of development in order to achieve the universal goals’. In other words, diversity does not provide carte blanche to evade commitments: the interdependence of the challenges we are facing makes that impossible. There is thus a need for genuine horizontal accountability between countries;

| 18. | points out that there are variations in circumstances not only between countries but also within individual countries that justify differences in indicators, approaches or targets. This needs to be discussed between national governments and local and regional authorities. Here, too, there needs to be horizontal accountability, in this case between local and regional authorities: learning from each other through benchmarks, peer reviews, etc., as mentioned in the second communication, is often a better approach in this context than vertical accountability and penalties; |
| --- | --- |

18.

points out that there are variations in circumstances not only between countries but also within individual countries that justify differences in indicators, approaches or targets. This needs to be discussed between national governments and local and regional authorities. Here, too, there needs to be horizontal accountability, in this case between local and regional authorities: learning from each other through benchmarks, peer reviews, etc., as mentioned in the second communication, is often a better approach in this context than vertical accountability and penalties;

| 19. | believes that the transformative agenda will, in part, draw its strength from the broad base of support for it, and from the willingness of all stakeholders at all levels to engage with it. The local and regional levels are also important in terms of participation and accountability. Local and regional authorities are keen to commit to this, and are willing to contribute to data collection with a view to monitoring and further implementation of the transformative agenda. National and international associations of local and regional authorities have a natural role to play in this. The CoR urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that data collection remains proportionate, in terms of the objective it serves and of the financial and time investment it requires; |
| --- | --- |

19.

believes that the transformative agenda will, in part, draw its strength from the broad base of support for it, and from the willingness of all stakeholders at all levels to engage with it. The local and regional levels are also important in terms of participation and accountability. Local and regional authorities are keen to commit to this, and are willing to contribute to data collection with a view to monitoring and further implementation of the transformative agenda. National and international associations of local and regional authorities have a natural role to play in this. The CoR urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that data collection remains proportionate, in terms of the objective it serves and of the financial and time investment it requires;

| 20. | therefore shares the Commission’s view that it is crucial to improve use of existing data. Data collection should, as far as possible, be embedded in existing structures, which should be strengthened where necessary for that purpose. This could include the civil registry, the land registry, chambers of commerce, tax authorities, etc.; |
| --- | --- |

20.

therefore shares the Commission’s view that it is crucial to improve use of existing data. Data collection should, as far as possible, be embedded in existing structures, which should be strengthened where necessary for that purpose. This could include the civil registry, the land registry, chambers of commerce, tax authorities, etc.;

A new global partnership

| 21. | points out that such a comprehensive agenda requires a whole range of associated implementation means: financial and non-financial; legally binding or based purely on a firm voluntary commitment; initiated by government, by science and technology, by industry, or by NGOs; economic mechanisms such as fair trade, etc. The CoR supports the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the necessary mix of instruments, and is focusing in this opinion on certain aspects that are of specific interest to local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

21.

points out that such a comprehensive agenda requires a whole range of associated implementation means: financial and non-financial; legally binding or based purely on a firm voluntary commitment; initiated by government, by science and technology, by industry, or by NGOs; economic mechanisms such as fair trade, etc. The CoR supports the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the necessary mix of instruments, and is focusing in this opinion on certain aspects that are of specific interest to local and regional authorities;

| 22. | the second communication correctly states that the new global partnership should also unlock the development potential of local authorities and local stakeholders and that coordination between the different levels — global, national, regional and local — should be reinforced. This requires strong local and regional authorities. And that in turn requires legitimacy and clearly defined powers and responsibilities: in other words, fully-fledged decentralisation. The communication should be more explicit about this when advocating an effective legal framework; |
| --- | --- |

22.

the second communication correctly states that the new global partnership should also unlock the development potential of local authorities and local stakeholders and that coordination between the different levels — global, national, regional and local — should be reinforced. This requires strong local and regional authorities. And that in turn requires legitimacy and clearly defined powers and responsibilities: in other words, fully-fledged decentralisation. The communication should be more explicit about this when advocating an effective legal framework;

| 23. | stresses that responsibilities can only be fulfilled if the necessary resources are also provided. This could take the form of transfers from national government to local and regional authorities, but could also involve allowing the necessary scope to mobilise local and regional resources, e.g. via local and regional taxation. This is another aspect of fully-fledged decentralisation. This is another point where, in the CoR’s view, the means of implementation — the mobilisation of domestic resources alongside international aid — focus too narrowly on the national level; |
| --- | --- |

23.

stresses that responsibilities can only be fulfilled if the necessary resources are also provided. This could take the form of transfers from national government to local and regional authorities, but could also involve allowing the necessary scope to mobilise local and regional resources, e.g. via local and regional taxation. This is another aspect of fully-fledged decentralisation. This is another point where, in the CoR’s view, the means of implementation — the mobilisation of domestic resources alongside international aid — focus too narrowly on the national level;

| 24. | notes that the means of implementation also include technical assistance and capacity building. In many countries, there is still little or no decentralisation, which means that the capacities of local and regional authorities are often also limited. The CoR therefore considers it indispensable to provide these countries with comprehensive and sustained support in technical assistance and capacity building, so that the local and regional level can make the necessary contribution to the transformative agenda. Success or failure at this level has a significant impact on public perception of the government as a whole. The CoR endorses the Commission’s view that all partners in international cooperation must step up their support for capacity building, and calls on the EU to intensify its support for capacity building of local and regional authorities in partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

24.

notes that the means of implementation also include technical assistance and capacity building. In many countries, there is still little or no decentralisation, which means that the capacities of local and regional authorities are often also limited. The CoR therefore considers it indispensable to provide these countries with comprehensive and sustained support in technical assistance and capacity building, so that the local and regional level can make the necessary contribution to the transformative agenda. Success or failure at this level has a significant impact on public perception of the government as a whole. The CoR endorses the Commission’s view that all partners in international cooperation must step up their support for capacity building, and calls on the EU to intensify its support for capacity building of local and regional authorities in partner countries;

| 25. | sees decentralised cooperation as an important conduit for capacity building in local and regional authorities. The exchange of knowledge between local authorities also brings added value, both within the EU and between other more developed countries, in terms of implementing the transformative agenda. With reference to its earlier opinions (4), the CoR therefore calls on the Commission to specifically add ‘decentralised cooperation’ to the array of means of implementation. Decentralised cooperation currently represents just 0,3 % of the Commission’s development budget, and the CoR calls for this to be increased; |
| --- | --- |

25.

sees decentralised cooperation as an important conduit for capacity building in local and regional authorities. The exchange of knowledge between local authorities also brings added value, both within the EU and between other more developed countries, in terms of implementing the transformative agenda. With reference to its earlier opinions (4), the CoR therefore calls on the Commission to specifically add ‘decentralised cooperation’ to the array of means of implementation. Decentralised cooperation currently represents just 0,3 % of the Commission’s development budget, and the CoR calls for this to be increased;

| 26. | once again offers the resources it has at its disposal to contribute to the implementation of the transformative agenda and the ongoing exchange of views, knowledge and experience in that connection: the information and discussion platform (portal) for local and regional authorities for development (5), the atlas of decentralised cooperation, the biannual dialogue on decentralised cooperation (known as the ‘Assizes’), and two international forums — the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) and the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP); |
| --- | --- |

26.

once again offers the resources it has at its disposal to contribute to the implementation of the transformative agenda and the ongoing exchange of views, knowledge and experience in that connection: the information and discussion platform (portal) for local and regional authorities for development (5), the atlas of decentralised cooperation, the biannual dialogue on decentralised cooperation (known as the ‘Assizes’), and two international forums — the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) and the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP);

| 27. | stresses, finally, that implementation of the transformative agenda requires broad public acceptance. Institutions cannot do it alone, even if they run the gamut from governments, via businesses and knowledge institutions, to NGOs. Once again, the importance of the local level is not to be underestimated. In recent years, activities relating to the Millennium Development Goals have been held in countless towns and villages throughout Europe. There are 1  200 Fair Trade Towns (6) in Europe so far, and we now have the first Fair Trade Regions as well; for decades, hundreds of twinning agreements between European municipalities and their partners in other parts of the world have been drivers for inclusion, understanding and insight in international relations; and in many areas local and regional authorities are helping to shape the European Year for Development 2015. The CoR recommends continuing to make use of this network in the coming years to get the public involved in the transformative agenda, with a view to participation and acceptance, accountability and inclusiveness, as well as its contribution to sustainable change; |
| --- | --- |

27.

stresses, finally, that implementation of the transformative agenda requires broad public acceptance. Institutions cannot do it alone, even if they run the gamut from governments, via businesses and knowledge institutions, to NGOs. Once again, the importance of the local level is not to be underestimated. In recent years, activities relating to the Millennium Development Goals have been held in countless towns and villages throughout Europe. There are 1  200 Fair Trade Towns (6) in Europe so far, and we now have the first Fair Trade Regions as well; for decades, hundreds of twinning agreements between European municipalities and their partners in other parts of the world have been drivers for inclusion, understanding and insight in international relations; and in many areas local and regional authorities are helping to shape the European Year for Development 2015. The CoR recommends continuing to make use of this network in the coming years to get the public involved in the transformative agenda, with a view to participation and acceptance, accountability and inclusiveness, as well as its contribution to sustainable change;

| 28. | considers the transformative agenda to be comprehensive, ambitious and necessary. It will require commitment from everybody, at all levels and in all parts of the world. Local and regional authorities in Europe are standing ready to make their contribution, alongside the others. |
| --- | --- |

28.

considers the transformative agenda to be comprehensive, ambitious and necessary. It will require commitment from everybody, at all levels and in all parts of the world. Local and regional authorities in Europe are standing ready to make their contribution, alongside the others.

Brussels, 3 June 2015.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Markku MARKKULA

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(1)  COM(2014) 335 final.

1

(2)  CDR364-2011_FIN_AC.

2

(3)  COTER-V-046

3

(4)  For example, CDR732-2012_00_00_TRA_AC.

4

(5)  http://lra4dev.cor.europa.eu/portal

5

(6)  COR-2014-05704-00-00-AC-TRA

6

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| 7.8.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.8.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/17

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Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Local and regional support for fair trade in Europe

(2015/C 260/04)

| Rapporteur | Barbara DUDEN (DE/PES), Member of the Hamburg City Parliament’s Committee for European Affairs |
| --- | --- |
| Reference document | |

Rapporteur

Barbara DUDEN (DE/PES), Member of the Hamburg City Parliament’s Committee for European Affairs

Reference document

I.   GENERAL COMMENTS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | welcomes the European Parliament’s legislative resolution of 2 April 2014 on the proposal for a European Year for Development (2015) (1). The thematic year should be used not only to raise the profile of EU development policy generally and make it more relevant to EU citizens, but also and above all to pursue an ambitious approach to fair trade which can serve as a benchmark for consistency in development policy; |
| --- | --- |

1.

welcomes the European Parliament’s legislative resolution of 2 April 2014 on the proposal for a European Year for Development (2015) (1). The thematic year should be used not only to raise the profile of EU development policy generally and make it more relevant to EU citizens, but also and above all to pursue an ambitious approach to fair trade which can serve as a benchmark for consistency in development policy;

| 2. | refers to previous CoR opinions and activities that emphasise the particular significance of local and regional authorities and their role in EU external policy action (2); |
| --- | --- |

2.

refers to previous CoR opinions and activities that emphasise the particular significance of local and regional authorities and their role in EU external policy action (2);

| 3. | notes the importance of consistency between EU policies, in accordance with Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and points out that the Union plays a leading role in shaping and applying policy consistency in the sphere of development. Trade and development policies complement one another and the Committee must be recognised as a driver and coordinator in the development work of local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

3.

notes the importance of consistency between EU policies, in accordance with Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and points out that the Union plays a leading role in shaping and applying policy consistency in the sphere of development. Trade and development policies complement one another and the Committee must be recognised as a driver and coordinator in the development work of local and regional authorities;

| 4. | notes that as far back as 2006, in its resolution on fair trade and development, the European Parliament called for fair trade to be coordinated across the EU and for the concept to be mainstreamed in all policy areas (3). The Commission responded with its communication of 5 May 2009 on Contributing to Sustainable Development: The role of Fair Trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes
   (4), which should now feed into a fully-fledged EU fair-trade strategy; |
| --- | --- |

4.

notes that as far back as 2006, in its resolution on fair trade and development, the European Parliament called for fair trade to be coordinated across the EU and for the concept to be mainstreamed in all policy areas (3). The Commission responded with its communication of 5 May 2009 on Contributing to Sustainable Development: The role of Fair Trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes
   (4), which should now feed into a fully-fledged EU fair-trade strategy;

| 5. | refers to its previous opinion (5) which recognises the role of local and regional authorities in trade policy with fair-trade products and calls for a common European Fair Trade Strategy for Local and Regional Authorities; |
| --- | --- |

5.

refers to its previous opinion (5) which recognises the role of local and regional authorities in trade policy with fair-trade products and calls for a common European Fair Trade Strategy for Local and Regional Authorities;

| 6. | advocates a future development framework that promotes both development and sustainability goals, while also involving local and regional authorities in the process (6); |
| --- | --- |

6.

advocates a future development framework that promotes both development and sustainability goals, while also involving local and regional authorities in the process (6);

| 7. | echoes the European Parliament’s call in relation to a global development framework post-2015 (7) for ‘a new global framework that creates a more equitable and sustainable trade scheme based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade’; |
| --- | --- |

7.

echoes the European Parliament’s call in relation to a global development framework post-2015 (7) for ‘a new global framework that creates a more equitable and sustainable trade scheme based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade’;

Background

| 8. | notes that over the past ten years, both the volume of trade in certified fair-trade products and the promotion of fair trade at local and regional level in the EU have increased substantially. For instance, there are now over 1  500 Fair Trade Towns in Europe (the number has doubled in the last five years), and the concept of ‘fair-trade regions’ is also gaining in popularity; |
| --- | --- |

8.

notes that over the past ten years, both the volume of trade in certified fair-trade products and the promotion of fair trade at local and regional level in the EU have increased substantially. For instance, there are now over 1  500 Fair Trade Towns in Europe (the number has doubled in the last five years), and the concept of ‘fair-trade regions’ is also gaining in popularity;

| 9. | points to the definition of fair trade by the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (now Fairtrade International): ‘Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers — especially in the South. Fair Trade Organisations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade’ (from the Charter of Fair Trade Principles, 2009); |
| --- | --- |

9.

points to the definition of fair trade by the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (now Fairtrade International): ‘Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers — especially in the South. Fair Trade Organisations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade’ (from the Charter of Fair Trade Principles, 2009);

| 10. | points out that the CoR shares the Commission’s view that the voluntary nature of fair trade and equivalent sustainability schemes should be upheld across the EU (8). |
| --- | --- |

10.

points out that the CoR shares the Commission’s view that the voluntary nature of fair trade and equivalent sustainability schemes should be upheld across the EU (8).

II.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Need for an EU fair-trade strategy

| 11. | would like to see a European fair-trade strategy drawn up to promote a consistent and coordinated approach to fair trade across all EU policy areas, in particular trade, development and sustainable consumption and production; |
| --- | --- |

11.

would like to see a European fair-trade strategy drawn up to promote a consistent and coordinated approach to fair trade across all EU policy areas, in particular trade, development and sustainable consumption and production;

| 12. | is looking forward to the recently announced Communication on Trade and calls on the Commission to make use of this opportunity to outline the concrete measures which it envisages to move towards a coherent framework for EU fair trade; |
| --- | --- |

12.

is looking forward to the recently announced Communication on Trade and calls on the Commission to make use of this opportunity to outline the concrete measures which it envisages to move towards a coherent framework for EU fair trade;

| 13. | emphasises that such a strategy should promote the active involvement in fair trade of local and regional authorities, as well as other key players such as the European Parliament, the European External Action Service and the European Economic and Social Committee. To this end, the possibility of setting up an interinstitutional working group might be considered, in order to coordinate measures on fair trade and guarantee their consistency and to ensure that EU initiatives and policies in this area are mutually complementary; |
| --- | --- |

13.

emphasises that such a strategy should promote the active involvement in fair trade of local and regional authorities, as well as other key players such as the European Parliament, the European External Action Service and the European Economic and Social Committee. To this end, the possibility of setting up an interinstitutional working group might be considered, in order to coordinate measures on fair trade and guarantee their consistency and to ensure that EU initiatives and policies in this area are mutually complementary;

Public perceptions of fair trade

| 14. | welcomes the report in the latest edition of Eurobarometer (9) which indicates that half of all EU citizens would be prepared to pay more for a fair-trade product; |
| --- | --- |

14.

welcomes the report in the latest edition of Eurobarometer (9) which indicates that half of all EU citizens would be prepared to pay more for a fair-trade product;

| 15. | notes that although recognition of and support for fair trade have improved across Europe, awareness levels vary widely between and within different EU Member States. Whereas a large proportion of the population, over 50 %, are familiar with the fair-trade mark in northern and western Europe, people in most eastern and central European countries still tend not to be familiar with fair trade. An EU strategy on fair trade would also have a positive effect on EU candidate countries; |
| --- | --- |

15.

notes that although recognition of and support for fair trade have improved across Europe, awareness levels vary widely between and within different EU Member States. Whereas a large proportion of the population, over 50 %, are familiar with the fair-trade mark in northern and western Europe, people in most eastern and central European countries still tend not to be familiar with fair trade. An EU strategy on fair trade would also have a positive effect on EU candidate countries;

| 16. | notes that existing international (town) twinning projects (in the EU, Europe and world-wide) should be used to generate awareness of fair trade and for the exchange of good practice at local and regional level. In particular civil society organisations’ efforts to cooperate with local and regional authorities must be supported and stimulated in this context; |
| --- | --- |

16.

notes that existing international (town) twinning projects (in the EU, Europe and world-wide) should be used to generate awareness of fair trade and for the exchange of good practice at local and regional level. In particular civil society organisations’ efforts to cooperate with local and regional authorities must be supported and stimulated in this context;

| 17. | considers it very important to promote consumer education within the EU, especially in schools, but also in the non-formal education sector, in cooperation with existing initiatives at local and regional level; |
| --- | --- |

17.

considers it very important to promote consumer education within the EU, especially in schools, but also in the non-formal education sector, in cooperation with existing initiatives at local and regional level;

Public procurement

| 18. | welcomes the EU’s revised public procurement directives, which make it possible to include fair-trade criteria in public contracts. It is now easier for contracting authorities to rely on voluntary labelling and certification systems so that sustainable development considerations can be taken into account in the public procurement system; |
| --- | --- |

18.

welcomes the EU’s revised public procurement directives, which make it possible to include fair-trade criteria in public contracts. It is now easier for contracting authorities to rely on voluntary labelling and certification systems so that sustainable development considerations can be taken into account in the public procurement system;

| 19. | calls on the Commission to draw up practical guidelines that provide a real-world explanation of fair trade, alongside other social criteria, in the public procurement system, thus promoting these criteria; |
| --- | --- |

19.

calls on the Commission to draw up practical guidelines that provide a real-world explanation of fair trade, alongside other social criteria, in the public procurement system, thus promoting these criteria;

| 20. | appreciates the growing interest in sustainable food production, and above all the demand for locally produced food, among municipalities throughout Europe. This welcome approach is wholly in tune with the consumption of fair-trade products, as many local and regional initiatives in this area demonstrate; |
| --- | --- |

20.

appreciates the growing interest in sustainable food production, and above all the demand for locally produced food, among municipalities throughout Europe. This welcome approach is wholly in tune with the consumption of fair-trade products, as many local and regional initiatives in this area demonstrate;

| 21. | considers it very useful for examples of public contracts that take social and ethical criteria on board to be made available to local and regional authorities. Here too, the Commission should encourage closer cooperation between local authorities, for instance when drawing up common criteria and guidelines, negotiating with suppliers, working on long-term supply contracts, and ensuring the coordinated monitoring of public procurement practice for environmental, social and ethical criteria; |
| --- | --- |

21.

considers it very useful for examples of public contracts that take social and ethical criteria on board to be made available to local and regional authorities. Here too, the Commission should encourage closer cooperation between local authorities, for instance when drawing up common criteria and guidelines, negotiating with suppliers, working on long-term supply contracts, and ensuring the coordinated monitoring of public procurement practice for environmental, social and ethical criteria;

| 22. | would like to see local and regional authorities cooperating closely with various interest groups, such as local universities, schools and hospitals. It is of utmost importance here that procurement officers be informed about options for including sustainability criteria in their tender notices, so that they can actually apply them; underlines that this dissemination of information can be achieved through knowledge centres. Knowledge centres can help assist local and regional governments as well as businesses in the implementation of fair procurement by acting as providers of knowledge and expertise; |
| --- | --- |

22.

would like to see local and regional authorities cooperating closely with various interest groups, such as local universities, schools and hospitals. It is of utmost importance here that procurement officers be informed about options for including sustainability criteria in their tender notices, so that they can actually apply them; underlines that this dissemination of information can be achieved through knowledge centres. Knowledge centres can help assist local and regional governments as well as businesses in the implementation of fair procurement by acting as providers of knowledge and expertise;

| 23. | suggests that Member States include in their legal order the possibility of incorporating criteria for positive discrimination towards fair trade products in public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

23.

suggests that Member States include in their legal order the possibility of incorporating criteria for positive discrimination towards fair trade products in public procurement;

| 24. | also points out that providing a central purchasing organisation or platform could be an effective way of implementing fair procurement smoothly at local or regional level. Such systems can simplify public procurement of fair-trade products by enabling a number of authorities to coordinate their orders and supplies and so benefit from lower costs; |
| --- | --- |

24.

also points out that providing a central purchasing organisation or platform could be an effective way of implementing fair procurement smoothly at local or regional level. Such systems can simplify public procurement of fair-trade products by enabling a number of authorities to coordinate their orders and supplies and so benefit from lower costs;

| 25. | welcomes the current efforts of the EU institutions to support fair trade in their own procedures, for instance with the consumption of fair-trade products at events organised by the EU, and calls for such approaches to be applied systematically. The EU institutions themselves must lead by example. They should not only promote the consumption of fair-trade products among authorities, but also at EU events; |
| --- | --- |

25.

welcomes the current efforts of the EU institutions to support fair trade in their own procedures, for instance with the consumption of fair-trade products at events organised by the EU, and calls for such approaches to be applied systematically. The EU institutions themselves must lead by example. They should not only promote the consumption of fair-trade products among authorities, but also at EU events;

Contribution to ‘fair entrepreneurship’

| 26. | believes that local and regional authorities can encourage businesses in their own region to incorporate fair-trade and corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles into their internal business practices. For instance, they can prompt local hotels and restaurants to buy fair-trade products. It would also be possible to promote the introduction of a fair-trade code of conduct which local authorities could adopt; |
| --- | --- |

26.

believes that local and regional authorities can encourage businesses in their own region to incorporate fair-trade and corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles into their internal business practices. For instance, they can prompt local hotels and restaurants to buy fair-trade products. It would also be possible to promote the introduction of a fair-trade code of conduct which local authorities could adopt;

| 27. | suggests that fair trade should also be an aim of economic development and part of the CSR strategies of the relevant national business associations. This could be backed up by the development and promotion of multi-stakeholder initiatives (e.g. sustainable trade initiatives in various Member States or the Fair Wear Foundation in certain sectors) or recognised marks (e.g. Fairtrade), with EU support; |
| --- | --- |

27.

suggests that fair trade should also be an aim of economic development and part of the CSR strategies of the relevant national business associations. This could be backed up by the development and promotion of multi-stakeholder initiatives (e.g. sustainable trade initiatives in various Member States or the Fair Wear Foundation in certain sectors) or recognised marks (e.g. Fairtrade), with EU support;

| 28. | points out that fair-trade criteria can be applied when providing support for SMEs, as well as business start-ups, from public funding, such as the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD). Another step towards this would be the organisation of fair-trade events, such as the one held in Dortmund, which is currently the largest specialist and consumer fair-trade event in a German-speaking country; |
| --- | --- |

28.

points out that fair-trade criteria can be applied when providing support for SMEs, as well as business start-ups, from public funding, such as the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD). Another step towards this would be the organisation of fair-trade events, such as the one held in Dortmund, which is currently the largest specialist and consumer fair-trade event in a German-speaking country;

Supporting local and regional efforts to promote fair trade

| 29. | proposes that, with a view to expanding the concept of fair-trade regions, the EU should examine the extent to which the ‘German capital of fair trade’, modelled on the European capital of culture, would provide a suitable example to give European local and regional authorities the incentive to promote fair trade. Such an initiative should specifically take into account the particular challenges posed in central and eastern Europe; |
| --- | --- |

29.

proposes that, with a view to expanding the concept of fair-trade regions, the EU should examine the extent to which the ‘German capital of fair trade’, modelled on the European capital of culture, would provide a suitable example to give European local and regional authorities the incentive to promote fair trade. Such an initiative should specifically take into account the particular challenges posed in central and eastern Europe;

| 30. | is convinced that the title of European Fair Trade Town/Region would give local authorities a further reason to make a name for themselves beyond their region or country through fair-trade initiatives. The idea would be to directly involve citizens and local grassroots organisations; |
| --- | --- |

30.

is convinced that the title of European Fair Trade Town/Region would give local authorities a further reason to make a name for themselves beyond their region or country through fair-trade initiatives. The idea would be to directly involve citizens and local grassroots organisations;

Fair trade in the global development framework after 2015

   (10)

| 31. | emphasises that the role of local authorities in framing the development agenda post-2015 should be strengthened, as the high-level panel recommends (11). The post-2015 development goals must recognise the role of local authorities as important players in development policy, and the sustainability goals that are currently being discussed must be translated into coordinated national, regional and local strategies; |
| --- | --- |

31.

emphasises that the role of local authorities in framing the development agenda post-2015 should be strengthened, as the high-level panel recommends (11). The post-2015 development goals must recognise the role of local authorities as important players in development policy, and the sustainability goals that are currently being discussed must be translated into coordinated national, regional and local strategies;

| 32. | points out that realising sustainability goals will require partnerships between numerous players, and that it should be a priority to promote and provide financial support for partnerships that take all the dimensions of sustainability into account in the sphere of fair trade; |
| --- | --- |

32.

points out that realising sustainability goals will require partnerships between numerous players, and that it should be a priority to promote and provide financial support for partnerships that take all the dimensions of sustainability into account in the sphere of fair trade;

| 33. | welcomes the recently published EC Communication ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ and in particular the explicit acknowledgement that trade contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Furthermore, the CoR notes with interest the explicit reference to Fair Trade schemes as contributing to economic, environmental and social benefits in this context; |
| --- | --- |

33.

welcomes the recently published EC Communication ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ and in particular the explicit acknowledgement that trade contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Furthermore, the CoR notes with interest the explicit reference to Fair Trade schemes as contributing to economic, environmental and social benefits in this context;

| 34. | believes that hard indicators must be devised to measure whether the goals have been achieved. Fair trade should serve as a benchmark for the sustainability of production and consumption, especially in public procurement; it could also, and above all, be a benchmark for achieving ‘solidarity partnerships’, since very positive experience has been gained with involving different interest groups in this area; |
| --- | --- |

34.

believes that hard indicators must be devised to measure whether the goals have been achieved. Fair trade should serve as a benchmark for the sustainability of production and consumption, especially in public procurement; it could also, and above all, be a benchmark for achieving ‘solidarity partnerships’, since very positive experience has been gained with involving different interest groups in this area;

Comparing experience

| 35. | points to a study that has been published on the promotion of fair trade by local and regional authorities, in which the various approaches to fair trade in the EU are described in detail and potential obstacles evaluated. A selection of best practice examples has also been compiled to accompany the study. This material is being published by the CoR in order to create learning and skills communities in the field and to back up the policy recommendations made in the present opinion; |
| --- | --- |

35.

points to a study that has been published on the promotion of fair trade by local and regional authorities, in which the various approaches to fair trade in the EU are described in detail and potential obstacles evaluated. A selection of best practice examples has also been compiled to accompany the study. This material is being published by the CoR in order to create learning and skills communities in the field and to back up the policy recommendations made in the present opinion;

| 36. | welcomes the inclusion of fair trade on the agenda of the upcoming annual Assises of Decentralised Development Cooperation, and thinks that the CoR should use such events to strengthen the link between fair trade and other available measures and existing networks at regional level; |
| --- | --- |

36.

welcomes the inclusion of fair trade on the agenda of the upcoming annual Assises of Decentralised Development Cooperation, and thinks that the CoR should use such events to strengthen the link between fair trade and other available measures and existing networks at regional level;

| 37. | urges that funding for Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) policy programmes and other similar programmes should also be used in future to allow more fair-trade town-twinning projects in particular with towns in the South; supports the setup of strategic partnerships between LRAs and Fair Trade producer networks in EU partner countries through the new thematic programme for Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities; |
| --- | --- |

37.

urges that funding for Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR) policy programmes and other similar programmes should also be used in future to allow more fair-trade town-twinning projects in particular with towns in the South; supports the setup of strategic partnerships between LRAs and Fair Trade producer networks in EU partner countries through the new thematic programme for Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities;

| 38. | welcomes projects such as the fair-trade meeting in the Loire Region (Conseil Ligérien du Commerce Équitable), which brings all regional fair-trade stakeholders together yearly to compare their experiences in various areas; |
| --- | --- |

38.

welcomes projects such as the fair-trade meeting in the Loire Region (Conseil Ligérien du Commerce Équitable), which brings all regional fair-trade stakeholders together yearly to compare their experiences in various areas;

EU trade policy

| 39. | points out that the EU is a key player in world trade and is also intent on consolidating its leading position in the sustainability debate. The European institutions are therefore urged to shape EU external trade in such a way that it contributes to sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

39.

points out that the EU is a key player in world trade and is also intent on consolidating its leading position in the sustainability debate. The European institutions are therefore urged to shape EU external trade in such a way that it contributes to sustainable development;

| 40. | is pleased to note certain measures taken by the EU, such as requiring the inclusion of a detailed chapter on sustainable development in trade agreements with non-EU countries; some bilateral agreements even explicitly mention that the signatories support free and fair trade. This opening of markets should also benefit small-scale farmers; |
| --- | --- |

40.

is pleased to note certain measures taken by the EU, such as requiring the inclusion of a detailed chapter on sustainable development in trade agreements with non-EU countries; some bilateral agreements even explicitly mention that the signatories support free and fair trade. This opening of markets should also benefit small-scale farmers;

| 41. | stresses the importance of ensuring when such accords are implemented that small-scale farmers in these countries receive help in promoting fair trade, for instance by organising visits of business delegations, in cooperation with local and regional authorities and the EU delegations in partner countries, specifically to small farms so that they can gain an understanding of local situations; |
| --- | --- |

41.

stresses the importance of ensuring when such accords are implemented that small-scale farmers in these countries receive help in promoting fair trade, for instance by organising visits of business delegations, in cooperation with local and regional authorities and the EU delegations in partner countries, specifically to small farms so that they can gain an understanding of local situations;

Working conditions in international supply chains

| 42. | notes that the general public and many consumers have become more concerned in recent years about the issue of unacceptable working conditions and human rights violations in producer countries. For instance, both the German and the Dutch governments are working with companies, unions and civil society on similar initiatives in the textile sector to achieve better and more sustainable living and working conditions for employees along the whole supply chain in the global clothing industry, and a similar initiative is currently being considered by the European Commission at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

42.

notes that the general public and many consumers have become more concerned in recent years about the issue of unacceptable working conditions and human rights violations in producer countries. For instance, both the German and the Dutch governments are working with companies, unions and civil society on similar initiatives in the textile sector to achieve better and more sustainable living and working conditions for employees along the whole supply chain in the global clothing industry, and a similar initiative is currently being considered by the European Commission at EU level;

| 43. | explicitly welcomes such initiatives and calls on the European Commission, as well as the competent national authorities, to develop such projects, in which local and regional authorities should be involved as partners; |
| --- | --- |

43.

explicitly welcomes such initiatives and calls on the European Commission, as well as the competent national authorities, to develop such projects, in which local and regional authorities should be involved as partners;

Promoting fair trade in bilateral relations

| 44. | recommends encouraging other ways of promoting fair trade, such as linking decentralised development cooperation and fair trade. This could draw on experience with introducing the concept of fair trade into existing partnerships with cities and regions in the global South, as well as in twinning projects within Europe; |
| --- | --- |

44.

recommends encouraging other ways of promoting fair trade, such as linking decentralised development cooperation and fair trade. This could draw on experience with introducing the concept of fair trade into existing partnerships with cities and regions in the global South, as well as in twinning projects within Europe;

| 45. | therefore recommends developing further and promoting fair-trade networks, in particular networks that connect several cities or regions across national boundaries within the EU, such as the cross-border fair-trade network between Metz, Luxembourg, Trier and Saarbrücken. |
| --- | --- |

45.

therefore recommends developing further and promoting fair-trade networks, in particular networks that connect several cities or regions across national boundaries within the EU, such as the cross-border fair-trade network between Metz, Luxembourg, Trier and Saarbrücken.

Brussels, 4 June 2015.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Markku MARKKULA

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(1)  A7-0384/2013.

1

(2)  For example, the opinions on Empowering local authorities in partner countries for enhanced governance and more effective development outcomes (CDR2010-2013) and Global Europe: a new approach to financing EU external action (CDR732-2012).

2

Empowering local authorities in partner countries for enhanced governance and more effective development outcomes

Global Europe: a new approach to financing EU external action

(3)  European Parliament resolution on Fair Trade and Development (2005/2245(INI)).

3

(4)  COM(2009) 215 final.

4

(5)  CoR opinion on Contributing to Sustainable Development: The role of Fair Trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes (CDR214-2009).

5

Contributing to Sustainable Development: The role of Fair Trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes

(6)  CoR opinion on Increasing the impact of EU development policy: an agenda for change (CDR364-2011).

6

Increasing the impact of EU development policy: an agenda for change

(7)  European Parliament Report of 17 November 2014 on The EU and the global development framework after 2015 (2014/2143 (INI)).

7

The EU and the global development framework after 2015

(8)  CoR, op. cit. Opinion on Contributing to Sustainable Development (CDR214-2009).

8

Contributing to Sustainable Development

(9)  Special Eurobarometer 421: The European Year for Development — Citizens’ Views on Development, Cooperation and Aid.

9

The European Year for Development — Citizens’ Views on Development, Cooperation and Aid.

(10)  A decent life for all: from vision to collective action (in preparation).

10

A decent life for all: from vision to collective action

(11)  Report of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, 30 May 2013.

11

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III Preparatory acts

COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

112th plenary session, 3—4 June 2015

| 7.8.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 260/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.8.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 260/22

---

Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

(2015/C 260/05)

| Rapporteur | Mauro D’ATTIS (IT/EPP), Brindisi Municipal Councillor |
| --- | --- |
| Reference document | Proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
  COM(2015) 98 final |

Rapporteur

Mauro D’ATTIS (IT/EPP), Brindisi Municipal Councillor

Reference document

Proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

COM(2015) 98 final

I.   PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Amendment 1

Proposal for a Decision

Point 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| In accordance with the Treaty provisions, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal policy and macro-structural policies. The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral
  economic and budgetary surveillance
  . The streamlining and strengthening of the European Semester as set out in the Commission’s 2015 Annual Growth Survey will further improve its functioning. | In accordance with the Treaty provisions, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal policy and macro-structural policies. The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral
  surveillance of economic, budgetary, employment and social policies.
  The streamlining and strengthening of the European Semester as set out in the Commission’s 2015 Annual Growth Survey will further improve its functioning. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

In accordance with the Treaty provisions, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal policy and macro-structural policies. The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral
  economic and budgetary surveillance
  . The streamlining and strengthening of the European Semester as set out in the Commission’s 2015 Annual Growth Survey will further improve its functioning.

In accordance with the Treaty provisions, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal policy and macro-structural policies. The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral
  surveillance of economic, budgetary, employment and social policies.
  The streamlining and strengthening of the European Semester as set out in the Commission’s 2015 Annual Growth Survey will further improve its functioning.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a Decision

Point 5 — Add new paragraph:

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | The Europe 2020 Strategy should be implemented in partnership with local and regional authorities, which, considering their competences and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, are essential for designing and implementing National Reform Programmes, particularly as regards the social services and labour market integration strategies. Moreover, overall communication on the strategy should capitalise on the role of local and regional authorities, given that the local and regional level is the closest to the people. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

The Europe 2020 Strategy should be implemented in partnership with local and regional authorities, which, considering their competences and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, are essential for designing and implementing National Reform Programmes, particularly as regards the social services and labour market integration strategies. Moreover, overall communication on the strategy should capitalise on the role of local and regional authorities, given that the local and regional level is the closest to the people.

Reason

To assert the political role that LRAs play in many Member States in implementing the policies set out by the Europe 2020 Strategy (1).

Amendment 3

Proposal for a Decision

Point 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibility. | The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to
  public and private
  investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibility. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibility.

The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to
  public and private
  investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibility.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a Decision

Point 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States and the Union should also address the social impact of the crisis and aim at building a cohesive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured, and poverty and social exclusion reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and social welfare systems and removing barriers to labour market participation. Member States should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions. | Member States and the Union should also address the social impact of the crisis and aim at building a cohesive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured, and poverty and social exclusion reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and social welfare systems and removing barriers to labour market participation
  and labour mobility
  . Member States should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States and the Union should also address the social impact of the crisis and aim at building a cohesive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured, and poverty and social exclusion reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and social welfare systems and removing barriers to labour market participation. Member States should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions.

Member States and the Union should also address the social impact of the crisis and aim at building a cohesive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured, and poverty and social exclusion reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and social welfare systems and removing barriers to labour market participation
  and labour mobility
  . Member States should also make sure that the benefits of economic growth reach all citizens and all regions.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a Decision

Point 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Action in line with the guidelines is an important contribution to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The guidelines constitute an integrated set of European and national policies, which Member States and the Union should implement in order to achieve the positive spill-over effects of coordinated structural reforms, an appropriate overall economic policy mix and a more consistent contribution from European policies to the Europe 2020 Strategy’s objectives. | Action in line with the guidelines is an important contribution to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy. The guidelines constitute an integrated set of European and national policies, which Member States and the Union should implement in order to achieve the positive spill-over effects of coordinated structural reforms
  that take account of the specific socio-economic conditions of the different regions
  , an appropriate overall economic policy mix and a more consistent contribution from European policies to the Europe 2020 Strategy’s objectives,
  which should be implemented in partnership with local and regional bodies. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Action in line with the guidelines is an important contribution to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The guidelines constitute an integrated set of European and national policies, which Member States and the Union should implement in order to achieve the positive spill-over effects of coordinated structural reforms, an appropriate overall economic policy mix and a more consistent contribution from European policies to the Europe 2020 Strategy’s objectives.

Action in line with the guidelines is an important contribution to reaching the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy. The guidelines constitute an integrated set of European and national policies, which Member States and the Union should implement in order to achieve the positive spill-over effects of coordinated structural reforms
  that take account of the specific socio-economic conditions of the different regions
  , an appropriate overall economic policy mix and a more consistent contribution from European policies to the Europe 2020 Strategy’s objectives,
  which should be implemented in partnership with local and regional bodies.

Reason

Considering their competences and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, LRAs are essential for designing and implementing National Reform Programmes, and for overall communication on the Strategy (2).

Amendment 6

Proposal for a Decision

Point 8 — Add new paragraph:

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | The Member States and the European Union should provide an appropriate framework for the more effective and efficient use of EU instruments to support local and regional authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities in implementing social and economic inclusion policies to guarantee appropriate forms of social protection that counter poverty and social exclusion and to remedy the serious unemployment problem, especially regarding long-term and youth unemployment, through their social and employment services. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

The Member States and the European Union should provide an appropriate framework for the more effective and efficient use of EU instruments to support local and regional authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities in implementing social and economic inclusion policies to guarantee appropriate forms of social protection that counter poverty and social exclusion and to remedy the serious unemployment problem, especially regarding long-term and youth unemployment, through their social and employment services.

Reason

It is the LRAs that actually implement social and economic inclusion policies, through social and employment services. Over and above what has already been accomplished, such as the 20 % of the ESF earmarked for promoting social inclusion, the employment policy guidelines should provide an appropriate framework and even more suitable financing instruments to help them fulfil their responsibilities (3).

Amendment 7

Proposal for a Decision

Point 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| While these guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely associating parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society. | While these guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely associating parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society.
  Local and regional authorities, considering their competence and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, play a key role in implementing the guidelines, particularly as regards social services and labour market integration strategies. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

While these guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely associating parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society.

While these guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely associating parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society.
  Local and regional authorities, considering their competence and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, play a key role in implementing the guidelines, particularly as regards social services and labour market integration strategies.

Reason

Self explanatory.

Amendment 8

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 5(1) — Add new paragraph:

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship and in particular support the creation and growth of small enterprises in order to increase the employment rate of women and men. They should also actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation. | Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship and in particular support the creation and growth of small enterprises in order to increase the employment rate of women and men. They should also actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.


  Taking the wide range of active labour market instruments into account, Member States should also take action to support self-employment, in particular independent entrepreneurship, given that its impact on economic growth is mostly at local level, by supporting business start-ups by young people, micro-businesses, and medium to high-risk ambitious innovative projects, without burdening them with red tape that impedes their creation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship and in particular support the creation and growth of small enterprises in order to increase the employment rate of women and men. They should also actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.

Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship and in particular support the creation and growth of small enterprises in order to increase the employment rate of women and men. They should also actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.

Taking the wide range of active labour market instruments into account, Member States should also take action to support self-employment, in particular independent entrepreneurship, given that its impact on economic growth is mostly at local level, by supporting business start-ups by young people, micro-businesses, and medium to high-risk ambitious innovative projects, without burdening them with red tape that impedes their creation.

Reason

Independent entrepreneurship has an undeniable impact on economic growth at local level and thus cannot be excluded from employment policies.

Amendment 9

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 6(1) — Add new paragraph:

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable longer working lives. | Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States
  together with their respective local and regional authorities and in dialogue with the private and the public sectors, should better match available labour skills with labour market needs through education and training. Member States
  should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training
  and lifelong learning
  systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable longer working lives.


  With this in mind, every effort should be made to consolidate the transition towards a green and blue economy, by matching the demand for labour with skills, by anticipating and managing change in terms of the need for human capital, and by shifting taxation towards other forms of contribution. This may particularly help to reduce youth unemployment, which today averages over 22 % in the European Union. At the same time, support should be given to the development of the social economy, considering the potential that this sector has to create quality jobs, particularly in relation to the needs of the European regions and local authorities. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable longer working lives.

Member States should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge and skills. Member States
  together with their respective local and regional authorities and in dialogue with the private and the public sectors, should better match available labour skills with labour market needs through education and training. Member States
  should make the necessary investments in education and vocational training
  and lifelong learning
  systems while improving their effectiveness and efficiency to raise the skill level of the workforce, allowing it to better anticipate and meet the rapidly changing needs of dynamic labour markets in an increasingly digital economy. Member States should step up efforts to improve access to quality adult learning for all and implement active ageing strategies to enable longer working lives.

With this in mind, every effort should be made to consolidate the transition towards a green and blue economy, by matching the demand for labour with skills, by anticipating and managing change in terms of the need for human capital, and by shifting taxation towards other forms of contribution. This may particularly help to reduce youth unemployment, which today averages over 22 % in the European Union. At the same time, support should be given to the development of the social economy, considering the potential that this sector has to create quality jobs, particularly in relation to the needs of the European regions and local authorities.

Reason

Based on the previous position taken by the CoR in its opinion on EU Quality Framework for anticipation of change and restructuring (COR-2014-01319), highlights the important role of LRAs and the private sector in matching skills with labour market needs. The amendments also highlight the importance of lifelong learning and the need to focus on the green economy (4)
   (5), and the social economy, both of which have shown significant job creation potential and relate to the local and regional dimension of the economy (6).

Amendment 10

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 6(4)

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Barriers to labour market participation should be reduced, especially for women, older workers, young people, the disabled and legal migrants. Gender equality including equal pay must be ensured in the labour market as well as access to affordable, quality early childhood education and care. | Barriers to labour market participation should be reduced, especially for women, older workers, young people, the disabled and legal migrants. Gender equality including equal pay must be ensured in the labour market as well as access to affordable, quality early childhood education and
  care, as well as long-term
  care.
  Non-standard forms of employment should also be supported through concrete regulatory framework. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Barriers to labour market participation should be reduced, especially for women, older workers, young people, the disabled and legal migrants. Gender equality including equal pay must be ensured in the labour market as well as access to affordable, quality early childhood education and care.

Barriers to labour market participation should be reduced, especially for women, older workers, young people, the disabled and legal migrants. Gender equality including equal pay must be ensured in the labour market as well as access to affordable, quality early childhood education and
  care, as well as long-term
  care.
  Non-standard forms of employment should also be supported through concrete regulatory framework.

Reason

Women are often carers not only for young children but also for elderly or disabled people. In the context of employment policy, the need for support for forms of non-standard employment must not be overlooked.

Amendment 11

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 6(5)

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds support in order to improve employment, social inclusion, education and public administration. | Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds support in order to improve employment, social inclusion, education and public administration
  in full compliance with the revised rules that govern those funds
  .
  Specifically, the European Social Fund should be more outcome-oriented, easier to measure (employment, social inclusion, cohesion) and less weighed down by particular administrative formalities. At the same time impact and outcomes should be subject to tighter checks. Moreover, the European Fund for Strategic Investments and its investment platforms should be used to encourage the development of ambitious projects with a strong regional impact, guaranteeing local business projects, encouraging small, medium and micro-enterprises, innovative start-ups and high-risk projects, while insuring that quality jobs are created and workers are equipped with the skills needed for the Union’s transition towards a sustainable growth model. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds support in order to improve employment, social inclusion, education and public administration.

Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds support in order to improve employment, social inclusion, education and public administration
  in full compliance with the revised rules that govern those funds
  .
  Specifically, the European Social Fund should be more outcome-oriented, easier to measure (employment, social inclusion, cohesion) and less weighed down by particular administrative formalities. At the same time impact and outcomes should be subject to tighter checks. Moreover, the European Fund for Strategic Investments and its investment platforms should be used to encourage the development of ambitious projects with a strong regional impact, guaranteeing local business projects, encouraging small, medium and micro-enterprises, innovative start-ups and high-risk projects, while insuring that quality jobs are created and workers are equipped with the skills needed for the Union’s transition towards a sustainable growth model.

Reason

It is clear that the Member States should take full advantage of the European Social Fund, in full compliance with the rules that govern EU funds, but its use should be more closely targeted to particular outcomes, which should be made even easier to measure and less restricted by particular administrative formalities. Checks should perhaps be tightened.

Amendment 12

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 6(5) — Add new paragraph

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Boosting investment is a priority for ensuring long-term economic growth, employment and social cohesion. In order to achieve these objectives, public and private finance must contribute. The importance of the public sector should be recognised for its contribution to encouraging economic growth. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Boosting investment is a priority for ensuring long-term economic growth, employment and social cohesion. In order to achieve these objectives, public and private finance must contribute. The importance of the public sector should be recognised for its contribution to encouraging economic growth.

Reason

Investment must be incentivised and sustained. Therefore, spending review and public expenditure reorganisation should be designed to ensure this aim. The rules of the European Union have the duty to consider such investment as a part of the future rather than just a debt for public finances.

Amendment 13

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 7(2)

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States should closely involve National Parliaments and social partners in the design and implementation of relevant reforms and policies, in line with national practices, while supporting the improvement of the functioning and effectiveness of social dialogue at national level. | Member States should closely involve National Parliaments,
  local and regional authorities, in view of their remits
  , and social partners in the design and implementation of relevant reforms and policies, in line with national practices, while supporting the improvement of the functioning and effectiveness of social dialogue at national level. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should closely involve National Parliaments and social partners in the design and implementation of relevant reforms and policies, in line with national practices, while supporting the improvement of the functioning and effectiveness of social dialogue at national level.

Member States should closely involve National Parliaments,
  local and regional authorities, in view of their remits
  , and social partners in the design and implementation of relevant reforms and policies, in line with national practices, while supporting the improvement of the functioning and effectiveness of social dialogue at national level.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 14

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 7(4) — Add new paragraph:

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Mobility of workers should be ensured with the aim of exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, including by enhancing the portability of pensions and the recognition of qualifications. Member States should at the same time guard against abuses of the existing rules. | Mobility of workers should be ensured
  as a fundamental right, while remaining a matter of free choice,
  with the aim of exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, including by enhancing the portability of pensions
  and social security rights,
  and the recognition of qualifications. Member States should at the same time guard against abuses of the existing rules.


  However, Member States should also consider that comprehensive and long-term social investment by regional and local authorities — which are best placed to understand the specific features of their own regions and communities — may address the crisis in a more sustainable manner, preventing too many highly qualified people, who would be able to stimulate growth, from leaving these areas.




  Creating a set of instruments at local and regional level to mitigate the excessive exodus of skilled labour may also contribute to economic growth and employment at local level. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Mobility of workers should be ensured with the aim of exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, including by enhancing the portability of pensions and the recognition of qualifications. Member States should at the same time guard against abuses of the existing rules.

Mobility of workers should be ensured
  as a fundamental right, while remaining a matter of free choice,
  with the aim of exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, including by enhancing the portability of pensions
  and social security rights,
  and the recognition of qualifications. Member States should at the same time guard against abuses of the existing rules.

However, Member States should also consider that comprehensive and long-term social investment by regional and local authorities — which are best placed to understand the specific features of their own regions and communities — may address the crisis in a more sustainable manner, preventing too many highly qualified people, who would be able to stimulate growth, from leaving these areas.

Creating a set of instruments at local and regional level to mitigate the excessive exodus of skilled labour may also contribute to economic growth and employment at local level.

Reason

The right to free movement is one of the European Union’s main achievements and it is essential that we safeguard this right and support it in practice, by promoting the free movement of workers (7). However, it is important to be aware that comprehensive and long-term social investment by regional and local authorities — which are best placed to understand the specific needs of their own regions and communities — may be a more sustainable way of addressing the crisis, preventing too many highly qualified people, who would be able to stimulate growth, from leaving these areas (8).

Amendment 15

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 8(1)

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of an individual’s life, ensuring fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complemented by affordable, quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessible healthcare, access to basis services such as bank accounts and the internet and for action to prevent early school-leaving and fight social exclusion. | Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of an individual’s life, ensuring fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complemented by affordable, quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessible healthcare,
  including long-term care,
  access to basis services such as bank accounts and the internet and for action to prevent early school-leaving and fight social exclusion. |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of an individual’s life, ensuring fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complemented by affordable, quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessible healthcare, access to basis services such as bank accounts and the internet and for action to prevent early school-leaving and fight social exclusion.

Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of an individual’s life, ensuring fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complemented by affordable, quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessible healthcare,
  including long-term care,
  access to basis services such as bank accounts and the internet and for action to prevent early school-leaving and fight social exclusion.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 16

Annex — Integrated guidelines to the proposal for a decision

Guideline 8(2)

| Text proposed by the Commission | CoR amendment |
| --- | --- |
| For that purpose a variety of instruments should be used in a complementary manner,
  including
  labour
  activation enabling
  services
  and income support, targeted at individual
  needs. Social protection systems should be designed in a way that facilitates take-up of all persons entitled, supports investment in human capital, and helps prevent, reduce and protect against poverty. | For that purpose a variety of instruments should be used in a complementary manner,
  based on active inclusion strategies combining adequate minimum income, inclusive labour markets and high quality services tailored to individual
  needs. Social protection systems should be designed in a way that facilitates take-up of all persons entitled, supports investment in human capital, and helps prevent, reduce and protect against poverty
  and social exclusion
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

For that purpose a variety of instruments should be used in a complementary manner,
  including
  labour
  activation enabling
  services
  and income support, targeted at individual
  needs. Social protection systems should be designed in a way that facilitates take-up of all persons entitled, supports investment in human capital, and helps prevent, reduce and protect against poverty.

For that purpose a variety of instruments should be used in a complementary manner,
  based on active inclusion strategies combining adequate minimum income, inclusive labour markets and high quality services tailored to individual
  needs. Social protection systems should be designed in a way that facilitates take-up of all persons entitled, supports investment in human capital, and helps prevent, reduce and protect against poverty
  and social exclusion
  .

Reason

Self-explanatory.

II.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Preliminary remarks

| 1. | acknowledges that, while these employment guidelines are addressed to Member States, the Europe 2020 Strategy should be implemented in partnership with the local and regional authorities, which, considering their competences and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, are essential for designing and implementing national reform programmes and for overall communication on the Strategy (9); |
| --- | --- |

1.

acknowledges that, while these employment guidelines are addressed to Member States, the Europe 2020 Strategy should be implemented in partnership with the local and regional authorities, which, considering their competences and capacities in the fields covered by these guidelines and according to the principle of subsidiarity, are essential for designing and implementing national reform programmes and for overall communication on the Strategy (9);

| 2. | highlights the fact that local and regional authorities also implement economic and social inclusion policies, through social and employment services; the Employment Policy Guidelines therefore need to offer a suitable framework and appropriate financing instruments to support regional bodies in fulfilling these responsibilities (10); |
| --- | --- |

2.

highlights the fact that local and regional authorities also implement economic and social inclusion policies, through social and employment services; the Employment Policy Guidelines therefore need to offer a suitable framework and appropriate financing instruments to support regional bodies in fulfilling these responsibilities (10);

| 3. | recommends that particular consideration be given to the fact that local and regional levels are the closest to the people and thus to jobseekers and employers (11). |
| --- | --- |

3.

recommends that particular consideration be given to the fact that local and regional levels are the closest to the people and thus to jobseekers and employers (11).

General comments

| 4. | welcomes the Commission’s revision of the 2010 Employment Guidelines, which is intended to factor-in the consequences of the crisis and to provide practical guidance on the priorities of the new agenda; |
| --- | --- |

4.

welcomes the Commission’s revision of the 2010 Employment Guidelines, which is intended to factor-in the consequences of the crisis and to provide practical guidance on the priorities of the new agenda;

| 5. | reminds the Commission that public investment by LRAs plays a key role in encouraging economic growth. Such investment should therefore be included fully in the new European investment policy set out in the Juncker Plan. The Committee of the Regions believes therefore, that public spending on investment must be reorganised, thereby encouraging expenditure which produces long-term benefits and earmarking resources available under the Juncker Plan not only for large projects, but also for local initiatives which directly involve LRAs; |
| --- | --- |

5.

reminds the Commission that public investment by LRAs plays a key role in encouraging economic growth. Such investment should therefore be included fully in the new European investment policy set out in the Juncker Plan. The Committee of the Regions believes therefore, that public spending on investment must be reorganised, thereby encouraging expenditure which produces long-term benefits and earmarking resources available under the Juncker Plan not only for large projects, but also for local initiatives which directly involve LRAs;

| 6. | welcomes the Commission’s decision not to leave the Employment Policy Guidelines unchanged for the coming years, contrary to previous practice. This would allow for a necessary revision of the guidelines, incorporating the results of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 Strategy which is planned for the second half of 2015; |
| --- | --- |

6.

welcomes the Commission’s decision not to leave the Employment Policy Guidelines unchanged for the coming years, contrary to previous practice. This would allow for a necessary revision of the guidelines, incorporating the results of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 Strategy which is planned for the second half of 2015;

| 7. | endorses, in this regard, the suitability of the Europe 2020 Strategy’s three pillars relating to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and the relevance of the key indicators selected. The Committee calls, however, for the introduction of a ‘territorial dimension’ for Europe 2020, setting targets for the local and regional level. To achieve this, the European Commission and the European Council should promote a mixed top-down/bottom-up approach, which respects the principle of subsidiarity and involves all relevant levels of government, including sub-national authorities (12); |
| --- | --- |

7.

endorses, in this regard, the suitability of the Europe 2020 Strategy’s three pillars relating to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and the relevance of the key indicators selected. The Committee calls, however, for the introduction of a ‘territorial dimension’ for Europe 2020, setting targets for the local and regional level. To achieve this, the European Commission and the European Council should promote a mixed top-down/bottom-up approach, which respects the principle of subsidiarity and involves all relevant levels of government, including sub-national authorities (12);

| 8. | urges the European Commission to target the European Social Fund to more readily measurable outcomes (employment, social inclusion and cohesion), and to make particular administrative formalities less burdensome, while at time introducing tighter checks. In this regard, LRAs should draw up plans in line with the main European Union guidelines; |
| --- | --- |

8.

urges the European Commission to target the European Social Fund to more readily measurable outcomes (employment, social inclusion and cohesion), and to make particular administrative formalities less burdensome, while at time introducing tighter checks. In this regard, LRAs should draw up plans in line with the main European Union guidelines;

| 9. | notes that the Employment Policy Guidelines do not mention the potential of ‘green’ and ‘blue’ jobs in tackling unemployment in Europe. The CoR reiterates its support for the communication published by the Commission last year calling for a green employment initiative and for the Integrated Maritime Policy (13), which highlight the challenges and the opportunities inherent in the transition towards a green and blue economy — in particular the need to match the demand for labour with skills, while anticipating and managing change in terms of the need for human capital; |
| --- | --- |

9.

notes that the Employment Policy Guidelines do not mention the potential of ‘green’ and ‘blue’ jobs in tackling unemployment in Europe. The CoR reiterates its support for the communication published by the Commission last year calling for a green employment initiative and for the Integrated Maritime Policy (13), which highlight the challenges and the opportunities inherent in the transition towards a green and blue economy — in particular the need to match the demand for labour with skills, while anticipating and managing change in terms of the need for human capital;

| 10. | draws attention to the importance of coordinating employment and education policies. Only through knowledge can the regions become more economically competitive, as a qualified labour force is the cornerstone of economic development. Vocational qualification (training, retraining and vocational education) is therefore a key area for which employment and education policies must be coordinated; |
| --- | --- |

10.

draws attention to the importance of coordinating employment and education policies. Only through knowledge can the regions become more economically competitive, as a qualified labour force is the cornerstone of economic development. Vocational qualification (training, retraining and vocational education) is therefore a key area for which employment and education policies must be coordinated;

| 11. | underlines the importance of matching skills with labour market needs and in this regard highlights the role that LRAs play in forecasting these needs and matching them with labour market needs through measures in the areas of education, training and support for young entrepreneurs in particular. For further recommendations on matching skills with needs, the CoR refers to the opinion on EU Quality Framework for anticipation of change and restructuring (COR-2014-01319); emphasises that the issue of skills is particularly relevant to young people, who still suffer from a cripplingly high unemployment rate of more than 22 %, and should be better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow in general, and green jobs in particular (14); |
| --- | --- |

11.

underlines the importance of matching skills with labour market needs and in this regard highlights the role that LRAs play in forecasting these needs and matching them with labour market needs through measures in the areas of education, training and support for young entrepreneurs in particular. For further recommendations on matching skills with needs, the CoR refers to the opinion on EU Quality Framework for anticipation of change and restructuring (COR-2014-01319); emphasises that the issue of skills is particularly relevant to young people, who still suffer from a cripplingly high unemployment rate of more than 22 %, and should be better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow in general, and green jobs in particular (14);

| 12. | welcomes the reference to the social economy contained in guideline 5, and highlights the potential of this sector to create quality jobs in European regions and cities (15); in relation to this, supporting the third sector and voluntary work is a specific objective of LRA policies; |
| --- | --- |

12.

welcomes the reference to the social economy contained in guideline 5, and highlights the potential of this sector to create quality jobs in European regions and cities (15); in relation to this, supporting the third sector and voluntary work is a specific objective of LRA policies;

| 13. | regrets that in the current updated Employment Policy Guidelines, gender issues are less prominent than in the previous guidelines and points out that the crisis has affected women differently from men. It must be emphasised that recognising gender disparities would allow for the adoption of more targeted, more effective policy measures; |
| --- | --- |

13.

regrets that in the current updated Employment Policy Guidelines, gender issues are less prominent than in the previous guidelines and points out that the crisis has affected women differently from men. It must be emphasised that recognising gender disparities would allow for the adoption of more targeted, more effective policy measures;

| 14. | highlights that action should be taken to support self-employment, in particular independent entrepreneurship, given that its impact on economic growth is mostly at local level; |
| --- | --- |

14.

highlights that action should be taken to support self-employment, in particular independent entrepreneurship, given that its impact on economic growth is mostly at local level;

| 15. | calls for action to improve the digital economy — by reducing the digital divide — for the purposes of improving potential for growth and highlights the importance of policies that could be developed at local level; |
| --- | --- |

15.

calls for action to improve the digital economy — by reducing the digital divide — for the purposes of improving potential for growth and highlights the importance of policies that could be developed at local level;

| 16. | reaffirms that, with regard to the movement of workers, for a vast majority of Europeans the right to free movement is one of the European Union’s greatest achievements, and deems it essential to protect this right and to support it in practice by promoting the free movement of workers (16). However, it must be noted that comprehensive and long-term social investment by regional and local authorities — which are best placed to understand the specific features of their own regions and communities — may address the crisis in a more sustainable manner, preventing too many highly qualified people, who would be able to stimulate growth, from leaving these areas (17). |
| --- | --- |

16.

reaffirms that, with regard to the movement of workers, for a vast majority of Europeans the right to free movement is one of the European Union’s greatest achievements, and deems it essential to protect this right and to support it in practice by promoting the free movement of workers (16). However, it must be noted that comprehensive and long-term social investment by regional and local authorities — which are best placed to understand the specific features of their own regions and communities — may address the crisis in a more sustainable manner, preventing too many highly qualified people, who would be able to stimulate growth, from leaving these areas (17).

Brussels, 3 June 2015.

The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Markku MARKKULA

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(1)  Resolution of the Committee of the Regions: For a better tool-box to implement the EU 2020 Strategy: the integrated guidelines for the economic and employment policies of the Member States and the Union, CdR’s 175/2010 fin.

1

For a better tool-box to implement the EU 2020 Strategy: the integrated guidelines for the economic and employment policies of the Member States and the Union,

(2)  See footnote 1.

2

(3)  See footnote 1.

3

(4)  COM(2014) 446.

4

(5)  CoR Green Action Plan for SMEs and the Green Employment Initiative.

5

Green Action Plan for SMEs and the Green Employment Initiative.

(6)  CoR Resolution on the European Commission’s Work Programme 2015, CoR 2015-00074.

6

(7)  CoR Opinion on Labour Mobility and Strengthening of EURES, CoR 2014-1315.

7

Labour Mobility and Strengthening of EURES,

(8)  CoR Opinion on the EU Social Investment Package, CDR1999-2013.

8

the EU Social Investment Package,

(9)  See footnote 1.

9

(10)  See footnote 1.

10

(11)  See footnote 7.

11

(12)  CoR Athens declaration on the mid-term review of Europe 2020

12

(13)  See footnote 4.

13

(14)  See footnote 5.

14

(15)  See footnote 6.

15

(16)  See footnote 7.

16

(17)  See footnote 8.

17

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