ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
3.3.3

In the context of civil society activities in Croatia, the dialogue between the social partners at various levels merits particular attention. The institutional framework for a tripartite social dialogue (employers and trade unions as partners of government) is formally well developed through the Croatian Economic and Social Council. So far, however, it has produced few concrete results. One of the reasons for this is the still not completely resolved problem of the fragmentation of interest groups, not only on the employees' side. The Committee considers that further consolidation of interests at the level of the various organisations would be desirable, also in the interests of the representativeness of individual associations. Another cause can be found in the practical arrangements: thus, for example, the deadlines for submission of opinions by the social partners are usually too short (in most cases only 3-4 days), and there is no feedback as to why specific proposals have not been taken up. An autonomous, bipartite social dialogue does already exist at company level. At this level it creates the most implications for relationships between both workers and employers and trade unions and employers, in the form of numerous collective agreements and also through the works council track. But autonomous bipartite social dialogue still has a great deal of unrealised potential related to resolving the issue of trade union representativeness with a single employer and establishing the representation on the workers' side in collective bargaining. Additionally, in SMEs there is a relatively low level of interest representation and organisation of workers. At sectoral level social dialogue is mostly absent. The reason for this is very much influenced by the still not fully resolved issue of establishing representativeness of both workers and employers and the problems of establishing the scope of sectors and branches as bargaining units. Bearing in mind the importance of sectoral bargaining on influencing the conditions of the overall economic situation, the development of social dialogue should be focused at this level. Since the social dialogue is still mainly conducted by the government through a tripartite social dialogue, the main focus is put on tripartite consultations. But without the development of an autonomous bipartite relations system at national and sectoral level and without emphasising sectoral collective bargaining, it will be difficult to develop a well-structured and balanced system of industrial relations. In this regard also the statistics of collective bargaining coverage and membership should be made public.
4.4.

The requirement under point 19 of the Framework that entrustments comply with Union public procurement rules fails to take into account that secondary law in this field has experienced a thorough review following the 2014 procurement package. The Public Procurement Directive only applies, according to its Article 1(2), to acquisitions by contracting authorities and cannot impose a binding regime on SGEIs as they refer to tasks performed by an undertaking on behalf of the authority. Thus, any requirement under procurement law would run contrary to its governing directive. The 2014 procurement package also rules concessions for the first time. But it would be highly misleading to infer that SGEIs could fall under this regime: concessions imply that undertakings assume all the risk once the award has been granted, in sharp contrast with SGEIs, where the authorities cover the extra costs involved in running the service, thus minimising risk. Only where the authority chooses to apply concessional treatment to an SGEI would this regime would apply, but in these cases there would be no aid element, as the designated provider would bear all risk. Thus, neither procurement nor concessional rules would apply to SGEIs. Legally speaking, the Framework can only call on the Member States to implement, where applicable, the principles of transparency and equal treatment for selecting providers, in particular private ones, with no binding obligation being attached to this request. The EESC therefore asks the Commission to revise point 19 of the Framework to take due account of the new legal requirements as regards procurement and concessions.
4.6.

Nudges can also be used to change how choices are presented and the appearance of certain products, in an effort to highlight those considered healthiest or most environmentally-friendly, etc. This type of nudge is sometimes likened to the principle of branding. Several experiments have also been carried out in canteens with the aim of encouraging customers to eat healthy foods. Healthy foods were displayed at the start of the display stand, which in some cases can double their consumption compared to when they are displayed in the middle or at the end. Other canteens have attempted to reduce waste by reducing plate size: customers filled their plates just as much, but less food was served (bearing in mind that customers can always go back for more if they wish) (5).
3.2.2.3.

Thus in relation to state aid, the CJEU has recognised the specific situation of cooperatives compared with for-profit companies as regards the constraints they face in accessing financing for their activities. In a legal judgment, the Court stated that tax advantages granted to cooperative societies could not be described as giving them a selective advantage since the respective situations of cooperatives and for-profit entities were not comparable. The Court of Justice based its reasoning on the specific characteristics of cooperatives: their control structure and the fact that relations with their members are not purely commercial, their limited access to equity markets, and their necessary dependence on their own capital or credit financing for growth.
5.8.

The circular economy has a strong role in agriculture. Traditional family-owned and family-operated farms have been (and in some cases still are) models of efficient use of resources in harmony with nature. The EESC calls for EU funding to support circularity in the agricultural sector, at all levels and on all scales. The bioeconomy is a subsector of circularity. Biological flows and material flows combine to create the interconnected wheels of the circular economy. Roadmaps for agricultural regions can help those areas to have a coordinated approach and to ensure that the competitive advantage of being circular is fully realised.
5.7.

The final point concerns the role of productivity in achieving sustainable economic growth. For an economy to continue to grow sustainably in the future, it needs to increase its capacity to grow, but to the point where such growth adds value to the economy and its people. This includes improved wages and working conditions especially via collective bargaining, and certainly not at the expense of a more equitable distribution of income. Hence strategies aimed at enhanced economic sustainability need to be developed around productivity, but they cannot be allowed to happen at the expense of workers’ rights and social development. Higher productivity, therefore, is not an end in itself but the means for improving wages, increasing overall demand in EU economies, and thus improving standards of living. Higher productivity will also lead to the development of new and better products and services, thereby enabling firms to move to higher value chains of goods and services, and allowing the EU to have a competitive edge in the global market. Again, and as stated above, higher productivity should be strictly related to the goal of achieving sustainable economic growth and not be achieved at the expense of working conditions, social development or environmental policies. On the contrary, the overall aims, as stated in the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), in particular social protection and the strengthening of the collective bargaining process ought to be upheld. The same applies in the case of the objectives as set out in the Green Deal and the EU’s climate change targets. Also, a truly European response to the current COVID-19 crisis and any unified attempts at fostering sustainable growth across the bloc should eschew the ‘race to the bottom’ mentality of cross-country tax competition, which only serves to deter cooperation across Member States, fomenting nationalistic tendencies. Rather, the focus should be on assisting countries to develop their human capital and boost productivity, while addressing regional disparities in growth and job opportunities through targeted investment, all while addressing key structural shortcomings that create obstacles to doing business.
4.4

During and subsequent to the COVID-19 crisis, cleaning and facility services can only ensure value and achieve high standards of quality employment if cleaners are sufficiently qualified and have the right technical equipment and there is a clear definition of the rights and obligations of employers and employees. This could require public authorities to pay a higher price for cleaning services. Indeed, due to the suspension of activities during the COVID-19 crisis, many business services providers faced severe cash-flow problems and sustained increased costs to implement the health and safety measures required to protect both workers and clients. These financial problems are exacerbated by bad contracting practices, from public and private buyers. In order to support companies in continuing to ensure the health and safety of their cleaning agents as well as maintaining and enhancing the quality of their employment conditions, the EESC calls on public and private buyers to ensure a quick return to efficient public procurement, fair contracting practices and better consideration of quality criteria ( 14 ) . Cleaners often work in dangerous and hazardous circumstances that can put their own health at risk ( 15 ) . Although some workers prefer to work part-time, some workers wish to work longer hours or full-time. It can sometimes, however, be difficult for employers to offer full-time contracts. Furthermore, despite the social partners’ commitment to daytime cleaning, cleaning services are frequently provided by workers who work alone during the night. This is often due to the requirements of the client. Such employment practices contribute to cleaners’ labour remaining invisible ( 16 ) , under-valued and unrecognised ( 17 ) . Unfortunately, zero-hour contracts still exist in some Member States. Public authorities bear responsibility insofar as they continue to manage the contract, monitor it and assess quality. The aim should be to increase the opportunities for workers to work during the day, in a single shift and be employed on full-time contracts to improve quality of life.
19. 9. 74 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities No C 109/25 
OPINION  OF  THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE 
on the  proposal  for  a Council  Directive  on the  approximation  of the  laws  of the 
Member  States  relating  to the external  projections  of motor  vehicles 
The text  referred  to the Committee  has  been  published  in the Official  Journal  of the 
European  Communities  No  C 35 of 28 March  1974,  page  23. 
At its meeting,  held  on 21 January  1974,  the  Council  referred  the  abovementioned 
proposal  for  a Directive  to the  Economic  and  Social  Committee  in accordance  with 
Article  100  of the Treaty  establishing  the European  Economic  Community. 
The request  for  an Opinion  was  sent  by the  Council  to the  Economic  and  Social 
Committee  on 22 January  1974. 
B. OPINION  OF  THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE 
The Economic  and  Social  Committee  prepared  its Opinion  on the above  matter  at its 
120th  Plenary  Session,  held  in Brussels  on 29 and  30 May  1974. 
The full  text  of the Opinion  is as follows  : A. LEGAL  BASIS  FOR  THE  OPINION 
THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE, Having  regard  to the  discussions  at its  120th 
Plenary  Session,  held  on  29  and  30  May  1974 
(sitting  of 29 May), Having  regard  to the request,  dated  22 January  1974, 
from  the President  of the  Council  of the  European 
Communities  for an Opinion  on the proposal  for a 
Council  Directive  on the approximation  of the laws 
of the  Member  States  relating  to the  external  pro-
jections  of motor  vehicles  ; HAS  ADOPTED  THE  FOLLOWING  OPINION  : 
Having  regard  to Article  100  of the  Treaty  esta-
blishing  the European  Economic  Community  ; The Economic  and  Social  Committee  approves  the 
proposal  for a Directive. 
Having  regard  to the  Decision  taken  by its Bureau 
on 29  January  1974  instructing  the  Section  for 
Industry,  Commerce,  Crafts  and  Services  to prepare 
an Opinion  and  a report  on the matter  ; Done  at Brussels,  29 May  1974. 
The Chairman 
of the 
Economic  and  Social  Committee 
Alfons  LAPPAS Having  regard  to the  Opinion  delivered  by  the 
Section  for Industry,  Commerce,  Crafts  and  Services 
at its meeting  of 8 May  1974  ;
7. 3.77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 56/27 
Opinion  on the  proposal  for  a Council  Regulation  amending  Regulation  (EEC)  No 
1163/76  on the  granting  of a conversion  premium  in the wine  sector 
The text  referred  to the  Committee  has  been  published  in Official  Journal  of the 
European  Communities  No  C 273  of 18 November  1976,  page  6. 
A. LEGAL  BASIS  FOR  THE  OPINION 
On 4 November  1976,  the  Council  referred  the  abovementioned  proposal  to the 
Economic  and  Social  Committee  in accordance  with  Article  43 of the Treaty  establishing 
the European  Economic  Community. 
B. OPINION  OF THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMIJTEE 
The Economic  and  Social  Committee  prepared  its opinion  on the  above  matter  at its 
143rd  plenary  session,  held  in Brussels  on 24 and  25 November  1976. 
The full  text  of the opinion  is as follows: 
THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE, 
Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the 
European  Economic  Community,  and  in particular 
Article  43 thereof, 
Having  regard  to the request  for an opinion  made  by 
the Council  of the  European  Communities  on  4 
November  1976, 
Having  regard  to the decision  taken  by its Bureau  on 
27 October  1976,  instructing  the  Section  for  Agri-
culture  to prepare  the  Committee's  work  on  the 
matter, 
Having  regard  to its previous  work  in this  field,  and, 
in particular,  its opinion  of 30 October  1975  (*), 
Having  regard  to the  oral  report  made  by the  rap-
porteur,  Mr.  Gui'llaume, 
Having  regard  to the  opinion  issued  iby the Section 
for Agriculture  on 18 November  1976, 
Having  regard  to the discussions  at its 143rd  plenary 
session  held  on 24 and  25 November  1976  (meeting 
of 24 November  1976), HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  ADOPTED  THE  FOLLOWING 
OPINION: 
1. The  Economic  and  Social  Committee  approves  the 
present  proposal. 
2. The  Committee,  regrets,  however,  that  the  Com-
mission  has  not  used  the  present  proposal  to take 
account  of a request  it made  previously  for  a suf-
ficiently  attractive  special  Community  premium  for 
wine  growers  who  agree  to grub  up  their  entire 
vineyards  once  and  for ail. 
3. In the light  of the wine  trade's  initial  reactions  to 
Regulation  (EEC)  No  1163/76,  the Committee  thinks 
it should  be laid  down  that  after  31 March  1982  (the 
limit  for  the  undertaking  not  to re-plant  given  by 
persons  receiving  the  conversion  premium)  any 
recipient  of the premium  undertaking  not  to re-plant 
for a new  period  yet  to be determined  should  auto-
matically  be given  a new  premium. 
Done  at Brussels,  24 November  1976. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic  and  Social  Committee 
(») OJ  No  C 15,  22. 1. 1976. Basil  dc FERRANTI
8. 3. 78 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 59/69 
Opinion  on the proposal  for a Council  Directive  extending  the derogations  granted  in respect 
of classical  swine  fever  to Denmark,  Ireland  and  the United  Kingdom 
The text  referred  to the Committee  has been  published  in Official  Journal  of the European 
Communities  No  C 294  of 7 December  1977,  page  11. 
A. LEGAL  BASIS  FOR  THE  OPINION 
On 30 November  1977  the Council  referred  the abovementioned  proposal  to the Economic 
and Social  Committee  in accordance  with  Article  100  of the Treaty  establishing  the Euro-
pean  Economic  Community. 
B. OPINION  OF THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE 
The Economic  and  Social  Committee  prepared  its opinion  on the above  matter  at its 154th 
plenary  session  held  in Brussels  on 14 and  15 December  1977. 
The full  text  of the opinion  is as follows: 
THE  ECONOMIC  AND  SOCIAL  COMMITTEE, 
Having  regard  to the Treaty  establishing  the European 
Economic  Community,  and  in particular  Article  100 
thereof, 
Having  regard  to the request  for an opinion  made  by 
the Council  of the  European  Communities  on 30 
November  1977, 
Having  regard  to the decision  taken  by its Chairman  on 
25 November  1977  instructing  the Section  for Agricul-
ture to draw  up an opinion  on the matter, 
Having  regard  to its past  work  on the matter,  and  in 
particular  its opinion  of 28 October  1976  on the pro-
posal  for  a Council  Directive  amending  Directive 
64/432/EEC  of 26 June  1964,  Directive  72/461/EEC  of 
12 December  1972  and  Directive  72/462/EEC  of 12 
December  1972  on health  and  veterinary  problems  (1), 
Having  regard  to the oral  report  submitted  by the rap-
porteur,  Mr Schnieders, Having  regard  to the opinion  issued  by the Section  for 
Agriculture  at its meeting  on 1 December  1977, 
Having  regard  to the discussions  at its 154th  plenary 
session  held  on 14 and  15 December  1977  (meeting  of 
14 December), 
HAS  ADOPTED  THE  FOLLOWING  OPINION 
unanimously: 
1. The  Economic  and  Social  Committee  has taken  note 
of the Commission's  proposal  for extending  by one year 
the 31 December  1977  deadline  on which  the deroga-
tions  granted  in respect  of classical  swine  fever  to 
Denmark,  Ireland  and  the  United  Kingdom  were  to 
cease  to apply. 
2. The  Committee  once  again  regrets  the delays  in the 
harmonization  of national  legislation  in the veterinary 
field  which  this  renewed  extension  is bound  to cause. 
3. The  Committee  would  refer  to the comments  on the 
same  matter  made  in its opinion  of 28 October  1976. 
Done  at Brussels,  14 December  1977.  The  Chairman 
of the Economic 
and Social  Committee 
Basil  de FERRANTI 
(!) OJ  No C 299,  18. 12. 1976.
No C 178/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 7. 82 
Opinion on the amended proposal for a Council Regulation amending for the third time 
Regulation (EEC) No 222/77 on Community transit (amendment pursuant to the second 
paragraph of Article 149 of the EEC Treaty) 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the Euro­
pean Communities No C 33 of 10 February 1982, page 5. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 8 February 1982 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Econo­
mic and Social Committee in accordance with Article 198 of the Treaty establishing 
the European Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 
197th plenary session held in Brussels on 28 and 29 April 1982. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Euro­
pean Economic Community, and in particular 
Article 198 thereof, 
Having regard to the request from the Council of the 
European Communities on 8 February 1982 for an 
opinion on the amended proposal for a Council 
Regulation amending for the third time Regulation 
(EEC) No 222/77 on Community transit (amend­
ment pursuant to the second paragraph of 
Article 149 of the EEC Treaty), 
Having regard to the decision of its chairman on 22 
February 1982 instructing the Section for Industry, 
Commerce, Crafts and Services to draw up an 
opinion and a report on the matter, Having regard to the opinion adopted by that 
Section at its meeting on 31 March 1982, 
Having regard to the oral report of the rapporteur, 
Mr Broicher, 
Having regard to the discussions at its 197th plenary 
session of 28 and 29 April 1982, 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
unanimously: 
The Committee approves the Commission's 
amended proposal. 
Done at Brussels, 28 April 1982. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Tomas ROSEINGRAVE
6. 8. 84 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 206/17 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 80/232/EEC on the 
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the ranges of nominal 
quantities and nominal capacities permitted for certain pre-packaged products 
(84/C 206/05) 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 27 January 1984, in accordance with Article 100 of the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community, the Council asked the Economic and Social Com­
mittee for an opinion on the abovementioned proposal. 
Procedure: 
The Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services, which was responsible for 
the preparatory work, adopted its opinion on the matter on 4 April 1984. Mr Flum was 
rapporteur. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee adopted unanimously the opinion which follows 
below at its meeting on 23 May 1984 (217th plenary session on 23 and 24 May 1984). 
1. The Committee agrees to the amendments proposed. 
2. The Committee welcomes any moves from the Commission to examine nominal 
quantities and nominal capacities from the point of view of their clarity and helpful­
ness to the consumer and submit appropriate proposals. 
Done at Brussels, 23 May 1984. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Francis CEYRAC 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of an Agreement 
between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Spain on the 
international combined road/rail carriage of goods 
(84/C 206/06) 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the Euro­
pean Communities No C 49 of 21 February 1984. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 6 February 1984 the Council asked the Economic and Social Committee, in pursu­
ance of Article 75 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, for 
an opinion on the abovementioned proposal. 
Procedure: 
The Committee's Section for Transport and Communications, which was instructed to 
prepare the work on the matter, adopted its opinion on 11 April 1984. The opinion 
was based on an oral report given by Mr Jeannot Schneider.