ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
4.31

The Roadmap speaks in general terms of the need to review rules on weights and dimensions to optimise resource efficiency. One of the issues that then arises is the scope for using the European modular system (EMS) for maximum 25.25-metre long road vehicle combinations. This system is already accepted in national transport in an increasing number of Member States. The Committee is well aware of the ongoing debate about the usefulness of such vehicle combinations and regrets that this issue is not clearly addressed in the Roadmap. It considers that the current ban on cross-border transport involving such vehicles between Member States that already permit them in national transport is clearly a regulatory bottleneck, which constitutes a barrier to the free movement of goods across borders and that is not consistent with the aim of enhancing transport efficiency and sustainability through a co-modal approach. The Committee consequently urges the Commission to take the initiative to lift this ban. In a longer perspective, it is to be assessed whether the use of longer road vehicles operating with new fuels etc., could be linked to the development of multimodal corridors envisaged in the Roadmap as part of the core TEN-T network. The same goes, of course, for the introduction of longer and heavier trains in the EU to enhance capacity in the rail links of such multimodal corridors. The Committee is aware that the prerequisite for a positive assessment of any change to load weights on roads is that this change should not have any negative repercussions on the multimodal use of transport units, in particular combined rail/road transport. Any additional infrastructure costs caused by longer or heavier vehicles or trains must of course be accurately evaluated and shared appropriately by users benefiting from the change.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 229/145

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a Council directive laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption’

COM(2012) 147 final — 2012/0074 (NLE)

2012/C 229/30

On 17 April 2012 the Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 31 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the

Proposal for a Council directive laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption.

COM(2012) 147 final — 2012/0074 (NLE)

Since the Committee endorses the contents of the proposal, it decided, at its 481st plenary session of 23 and 24 May 2012 (meeting of 23 May 2012), by 159 votes to 7 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 11/87

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/87/EC clarifying provisions on the timing of auctions of greenhouse gas allowances’

COM(2012) 416 final — 2012/0202 (COD)

2013/C 11/23

On 11 September 2012, the European Parliament and the Council decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the

Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending directive 2003/87/EC clarifying provisions on the timing of auctions of greenhouse gas allowances

COM(2012) 416 final — 2012/0202 (COD).

Since the Committee endorses the contents of the proposal, it decided, at its 484th plenary session of 14 and 15 November 2012 (meeting of 14 November 2012), by 61 votes to 9 with 4 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 44/160

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Amendment to the Commission proposal COM(2011) 627 final/3 for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)’

COM(2012) 553 final — 2012/0282 (COD)

2013/C 44/31

On 22 October, the European Parliament and on 24 October 2012, the Council decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the

Amendment to the Commission proposal COM(2011) 627 final/3 for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

COM(2012) 553 final — 2012/0282 (COD).

Since the Committee endorses the content of the proposal, it decided, at its 485th plenary session of 12 and 13 December 2012 (meeting of 12 December), by 137 votes with 4 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
5.1

The views expressed at the hearing organised by the CCMI on 19 December 2012 emphasised the following main aspects: 5.1.1 The publication of the Commission's communication is timely, and includes many of the elements expected by the construction industry. 5.1.2 The proposed strategy does not cover tactics for tackling the impact of climate change on the industry. 5.1.3 Project financing and the trend towards late payments remain important topics on the construction industry agenda. 5.1.4 There is an acute ageing of the construction workforce which needs to be tackled by attracting young skilled workers. 5.1.5 An enhanced approach is needed in order to solve the main threats and weaknesses and to ensure that the EU 2020 and TEN objectives are reached. 5.1.6 Without high quality in design and execution, we will not achieve sustainable construction or sustainable competiveness for the construction sector. High-quality design and execution cannot be obtained by tenders based only on the "lowest price criterion" and ignoring long term costs. 5.1.7 Public procurement for construction services traditionally driven on the basis of the lowest cost prevents companies from innovating in their processes and investing in new and innovative materials. Innovation is further hindered by insurance regimes which penalise companies who wish to vary their work practices or use innovative materials. 5.1.8 There are inequalities in competition between companies in OECD and BRICS countries, which requires specific solutions. 5.1.9 Reduced VAT for affordable housing could once again be looked into as a possible stimulus. 5.1.10 Social partnership in the construction industry which generated several paritarian NGOs should also be further developed and enhanced in the Member States together with the social dialogue in order to tackle the very specific challenges facing this industry (health and safety, training, holiday payments etc.). 5.1.11 A code of ethics is also necessary and appropriate in order to reduce the impact of corruption. 5.1.12 There is a need for enhanced communication on investment policies in order to improve companies' strategies, which are for the time being mostly based on short-term survival. 5.1.13 The high level forum on construction created by the Commission, which starts work in January 2013, is much needed and the EESC should be part of it.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 271/154

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 and Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 and Council Regulation (EU) No XXX/2011 on integrated maritime policy’

COM(2013)245 final — 2011/0380 COD

and on the ‘Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common Strategic Framework and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006’

COM(2013)246 final — 2011/0276 COD

2013/C 271/32

On 7 May 2013, the Council decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 42, Article 43(2), Article 91(1), Article 100(2), Article 173(3), Article 175, Article 188, Article 192(1), Article 194(2) and Article 195(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the

Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund [repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 and Council Regulation (EC) No 861/2006 and Council Regulation No XXX/2011 on integrated maritime policy]

COM(2013)245 final – 2011/0380 COD

and on the

Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common Strategic Framework and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006

COM(2013)246 final – 2011/0276 COD.

Since the Committee endorses the content of the proposal, which is an alignment of the EMFF with the existing set of rules for cohesion policy, and feels that it requires no comments on its part, it decided, at its 490th plenary session of 22 and 23 May 2013 (meeting of 22 May 2013), by 161 votes to 2 with 5 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
3.3

From the EESC's point of view, the implementation of the plan should make it possible to: — Create the framework conditions to maintain international competitiveness and sustainable development of the European steel industry in the short and long term. The ability of the industry to respond to changed economic circumstances is influenced by policies on research and innovation, environment, energy, trade, competition and consumer needs. The plan should aim at shaping these policies so that they adequately address the challenges facing the steel industry. — Support the steel industry — which has been and continues to be severely affected by the economic crisis — in order to deal with the economic downturn. Since the crisis began the steel industry has reacted decisively to the drop in demand for steel by introducing permanent and temporary cuts in production capacity. 15,5% of jobs in the steel industry have been shed since 2008 (source: EUROFER). — Ensure that the future of the steel industry in Europe is not threatened. Production facilities which have been stopped and blast furnaces that have been left idle may very well not be replaced or put back into operation. The EESC believes that, once demand picks up, the EU economy faces the very real risk of becoming a structural steel importer. — Improve the business environment and regulatory conditions for steelmaking in Europe. Raw materials, energy prices and regulatory costs in Europe are amongst the highest worldwide. Gas prices in the EU are three to four times higher than and electricity prices are double those in the US. The gap is forecast to widen if no measures are taken. — Support the workers and regions which have also been hit hard by the crisis but also improve the way in which change is planned and managed by promoting training, upgrading skills and supporting retraining when necessary. Thousands of jobs have been shed and many more are still under threat. In addition, there has been a general increase in the number of temporary jobs, making it more difficult to transfer essential skills and know-how. In some cases this may affect production quality or put the safety of workers at risk.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 226/70

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the zootechnical and genealogical conditions for trade in and imports into the Union of breeding animals and their germinal products

COM(2014) 5 final — 2014/0032 COD

2014/C 226/15

On 25 February 2014 the European Parliament and on 19 March the Council decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 42 and 43(2) of the TFEU, on the

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the zootechnical and genealogical conditions for trade in and imports into the Union of breeding animals and their germinal products

COM(2014)5 final — 2014/0032 COD.

Since the Committee has already set out its views on the content of the proposal in question in its opinions CES 4014-2013_00_00_AC, adopted on 16 October 2013* (1) and CES 1334/88 adopted on 14 December 1988* (2), it decided, at its 497th plenary session of 25 and 26 March 2014 (meeting of 25 March), by 135 votes to 3 with 17 abstentions, not to draw up a new opinion on the subject, but to refer to the position it had taken in the above-mentioned documents.

Brussels, 25 March 2014 The President of the European Economic and Social Committee Henri MALOSSE

(1) * EESC opinion NAT/611 on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health, plant reproductive material, plant protection products and amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, 1829/2003, 1831/2003, 1/2005, 396/2005, 834/2007, 1099/2009, 1069/2009, 1107/2009, Regulations (EU) No 1151/2012, [….]/2013, and Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC, 2008/120/EC and 2009/128/EC (Official controls Regulation) and the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain, animal health and animal welfare, and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material, amending Council Directives 98/56/EC, 2000/29/EC and 2008/90/EC, Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 882/2004 and (EC) No 396/2005, Directive 2009/128/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Council Decisions 66/399/EEC, 76/894/EEC and 2009/470/EC, OJ 2014/C 67/34, page 166 of 6 March 2014.

(2) * ESC opinion AGR/337 on the Proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) laying down zootechnical and pedigree requirements for the marketing of purebred animals, OJ 89/C 56/10, page 25 of 6 March 1989.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 12/116

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area

COM(2014) 457 final — 2014/0213 COD

(2015/C 012/19)

On 17 July 2014, the European Parliament and on 31 July 2014, the Council respectively decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 43(2) of the TFEU, on the

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area

COM(2014) 457 final — 2014/0213 COD.

Since the Committee unreservedly endorses the content of the proposal and feels that it requires no comment on its part, it decided, at its 502nd plenary session of 15 and 16 October 2014 (meeting of 15 October 2014), by 172 votes with 4 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 230/128

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part (codification)’

COM(2014) 374 final — 2014/0190 (COD)

(2015/C 230/29)

On 20 October 2014, the European Parliament decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part (codification)

COM(2014) 374 final — 2014/0190 (COD).

Since the Committee unreservedly endorses the proposal and feels that it requires no comment on its part, it decided, at its 503rd plenary session of 10 and 11 December 2014 (meeting of 10 December), by 152 votes to 1 with 6 abstentions, to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 383/100

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean repealing Regulation (EC) No 302/2009’

(COM(2015) 180 final — 2015/0096 COD)

(2015/C 383/15)

On 30 April 2015 the European Parliament and on 7 May 2015 the Council decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 43(2) of the TFEU, on the

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean repealing Regulation (EC) No 302/2009

(COM(2015) 180 final — 2015/0096 COD).

Since the Committee endorses the content of the proposal and feels that it requires no comment on its part, it decided, at its 509th plenary session of 1 and 2 July 2015 (meeting of 1 July), to issue an opinion endorsing the proposed text.
3.3.

The initiatives to be launched under the new action plan will have to comply with the following overarching principles: — digital by default: digital services should become the norm, while other communication channels should be kept for those who, by choice or out of necessity, are not connected. In addition, public services should be provided via a single point of contact or one-stop shop which acts as an intermediary, and through a variety of channels, — once only principle: under this principle, individuals and businesses should not have to provide the same information to public administrations more than once, — inclusiveness and accessibility: public administrations should design digital public services which are inclusive by default and cater for different needs such as those of the elderly and people with disabilities, — openness and transparency: public administrations should share information and data between themselves and enable citizens and businesses to access, control and correct their own data; enable users to monitor administrative processes that involve them; and engage with and open up to stakeholders (such as businesses, researchers and non-profit organisations) in the design and delivery of services, — cross-border by default: public administrations should make relevant digital public services available across borders and prevent further fragmentation from arising, thereby facilitating mobility within the single market, — interoperability by default: public services should be designed to work seamlessly across the Single Market and across organisational silos, relying on the free movement of data and digital services in the European Union, — reliability and security: all initiatives should go beyond mere compliance with the legal framework on personal data protection and privacy and IT security, by integrating those elements in the design phase.
EN Official Journal of the European Union C 487/113

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work

[COM(2016) 248 final — 2016/0130 COD]

(2016/C 487/20)

Consultation Council, 24/05/2016 European Parlement, 25/05/2016 Legal basis Article 148(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Section responsible Employment, Social affairs and Citizenship Adopted at plenary 21/09/2016 Plenary session No 519 Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions) 171/0/3

Since the Committee has already set out its views on the content of the proposal in question in its opinions on the Proposal for a Council Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work (sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) adopted on 2 June 1988 (1) and on 20 October 1999 (2), as well as on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on an EU strategic framework on health and safety at work (2014-2020) adopted on 11 December 2014, it decided not to draw up a new opinion on the subject, but to refer to the position it had taken in the above-mentioned documents.

Brussels, 21 September 2016. The President of the European Economic and Social Committee Georges DASSIS

(1) OJ C 208, 8.8.1988 p.43.

(2) OJ C 368, 20.12.99 p. 18.
2.5.

The main overall objectives of the ESS are to increase the contribution of standards and the process of European standardisation to the free movement of goods and services in the internal market, boost growth and innovation and promote the competitiveness of European firms, particularly SMEs, while at the same time ensuring high levels of consumer, worker and environmental protection. This should be done by means of broad but rapid, inclusive and transparent drafting processes both at national and European level, based on recognised criteria, such as those laid down in the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, and in Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012.
3.6.

The EESC warns that failure to steer economic policies towards promoting the general objectives of the EU and the EMU, including in the forthcoming White Paper on the Future of Europe, may fail to stem the rise of anti-EU and anti-EMU sentiment. This could be particularly problematic given the current challenges posed by, among other things, geopolitical developments in the EU’s neighbourhood, the waves of refugees and migrants, and climate change. Only a united and economically strong Europe with strong popular support could succeed in transforming such challenges into opportunities. The European institutions, in collaboration with civil society committed to the European project, should strive to transmit to all Europeans, through appropriate means, all the positive things that the EU is supposed to do for them in the fields of politics and the economy.