Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee — Implementing the Partnership for growth and jobs: Making Europe a pole of excellence on corporate social responsibility COM(2006) 136 final
Date: 2006-12-14
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: European Employment Strategy, business management, business policy, corporate social responsibility, economic and social cohesion, sustainable development, type of business

30.12.2006

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Official Journal of the European Union

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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social
Committee — Implementing the Partnership for growth and jobs: Making Europe a pole of excel-
lence on corporate social responsibility

COM(2006) 136 final

(2006/C 325/14)

On 22 March 2006 the Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee,
under Article 262 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the abovementioned proposal.

The Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, which was responsible for preparing the
Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 7 November 2006. The rapporteur was
Ms Pichenot.

At its 431st plenary session, held on 13 and 14 December 2006 (meeting of 14 December 2006), the Euro-
pean Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 153 votes in favour with 21 votes
against and 14 abstentions.

1. Conclusions and recommendations

1.1
Each European citizen is affected by corporate social
responsibility, a component of the European social model. The
European Economic and Social Committee is pleased that the
Commission communication encapsulates this view; the docu-
ment also emphasises that ‘CSR mirrors the core values of the
EU itself’. In line with this, the Committee takes the view that
people in the EU should have access to the most reliable and
comprehensive possible information on the declarations made
by enterprises and territorial authorities and the practices which
they pursue. The provision of high quality reports would make
it possible for European citizens, in their capacities as consu-
mers, savers and residents, to make guided choices. Products
and services which offer high quality social
information and
traceability already enjoy a real comparative advantage with
investors and consumers, as well as consumers' associations.
This trend will become increasingly important for sustainable
development.

1.2
An information portal on CSR could thus be established
in connection with the Action plan to improve communicating
Europe. This European portal, which would bring together the
available information, would make it possible to carry out a
survey of the number and type of enterprises concerned, the
issues tackled and the stakeholders involved. It would be useful
in encouraging the adoption of CSR by the relevant actors in all
the Member States. It would, in particular, be highly desirable
for this portal to contain information on best practice in enter-
prises in the new Member States. This portal would also provide
a tool for overall assessment in the field of CSR. This voluntary,
multilateral directory, an essential instrument to accompany the
‘European Alliance’, should be co-financed by the Commission.
The ‘praxis (1) library’ of CSR thus constituted would make it
possible to exchange information on the best practice of enter-
prises and territorial authorities.

In view of

1.3
that CSR makes a contribution
towards the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy (in respect

the fact

(1) Praxis (a word of Greek origin meaning action) denotes all human activ-
ities capable of transforming the natural environment or modifying
social relationships.

of innovation, competitiveness, employability and the creation
of jobs), the EESC suggests to the Member States that they
include the promotion of CSR in their National Reform Plans
and of course in the national strategies for sustainable develop-
ment. It wishes to point out that CSR practices are voluntary
and should form a complement to labour legislation and to
national social legislation and should, where necessary, comply
with international labour legislation. The EESC also urges public
authorities in the Member States and the EU to promote the
emergence and development of new sectors of activity created
or developed by virtue of the CSR policy. The EESC calls upon
the Member States and the EU to encourage enterprises to
adopt a responsible attitude with regard to public procurement
(social and environmental best bid policy).

1.4 Many practices related to sustainable development or
CSR are found throughout Europe. This diversity is a factor for
dynamism but makes a concerted European approach difficult.
The EESC is pleased that the communication advocates reacti-
vating the high-level group of the Member States on CSR to
debate ways of improving the exchange of best practice. Before
any attempt at convergence it is necessary to update the inven-
tory of national practices. This examination,
including public
policies and existing legislation, should make it possible to high-
light, while respecting the diversity mentioned above, the results
obtained by public policies to encourage promotion of CSR.

The European Commission believes that European enter-
1.5
prises should engage in responsible conduct,
irrespective of
where they carry out their activities, whilst respecting the values
of the Union and recognised international standards, particularly
in respect of decent working conditions. With this same aim in
view, the EESC urges the social partners in multinational enter-
prises of European origin to enrich the transnational social
dialogue by negotiating international
framework agreements
(ACI) on CSR. Since these ACI would, at the very least, have to
be based on respect for the principles of the ILO Declaration
and the guiding principles of the OECD for multinational enter-
prises, the enterprises which sign them would thus help to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

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The EESC endorses sectoral social dialogue initiatives
1.6
which seek to involve CSR in the field of the management of
economic change. The EESC calls upon the sectors concerned to
ensure that these initiatives include participants from all the EU
Member States.

1.7
The EESC takes the view that CSR is at its most effective
when it is an integral part of strategy and when it is imple-
mented throughout
the corporate hierarchy. The EESC calls
upon those enterprises which wish to support the Alliance to
participate fully and comprehensively in its work, also by invol-
ving both staff representatives who desire to participate and
European Works Councils, where they exist.

1.8
The EESC is in favour of SMEs playing a role in bringing
about the widespread adoption of CSR practices desired by the
Commission. It does, however, call upon all forms of enterprise,
including social economy enterprises, to become involved in
CSR, whilst maintaining their diversity.

1.9
In order to improve assessment, the EESC calls upon
European enterprises to help develop the various measuring and
information instruments, such as EMAS, GRI and ISO 26000. It
points out that at all events, certification when feasible depends
on the willingness of the enterprise and cannot be made obliga-
tory. To ensure the legitimacy and feasibility of assessment and
certification agencies, it seems important for these agencies to
make their assessment according to criteria based on the funda-
mental texts contained in the list drawn up by the Multistake-
holder Forum of 2004. The EESC encourages the self-regulation
initiatives of the agencies sector.

1.10
The Committee notes that the Annex to the Commis-
sion's Communication is of the nature of a joint initiative on
the part of the Commission and part of the business world, and
that the other interested parties were not consulted. It therefore
believes that it is up to employers' organisations to disseminate
information on — and to promote at national and local level —
the activities in the field of CSR of the enterprises supporting
the Alliance.

stakeholders

The EESC urges external

1.11
to become
involved in new meetings of the Forum and to participate in the
open dialogues within enterprises supporting the Alliance. It
recommends that national, multilateral discussion forums be set
up to look at best practice, in particular those appearing on the
European portal, so as to go as far as possible towards meeting
public expectations.

1.12
The EESC would like the assessment of the level of CSR
achieved to be the subject of a thorough appraisal. This
appraisal should take place as soon as possible in order to
ensure the credibility of the new initiative, which is explicitly
designed to achieve excellence. This could fit in to the examina-
tion of national and Community sustainable development strate-
gies, as the two ideas are part of the same concept, with social
responsibility — of businesses and territorial authorities — at
the micro level, and sustainable development at the macro level.
This issue should be placed on the agenda for the initial meet-
ings of the Multistakeholder Forum (scheduled to take place at
the end of 2006); the EESC wishes to be fully involved in the
work of this Forum.

The EESC proposes to the Commission that one of the
1.13
next few years be designated the ‘European Year of Corporate
Social Responsibility’.

2. Explanatory statement

2.1 The European context of CSR since the Lisbon Summit

The European Councils (Lisbon 2000, Gothenburg
2.1.1
2001) outlined three aspects of a European approach to corpo-
rate social responsibility (CSR). In European terms, CSR is a
voluntary approach which goes beyond the Community acquis,
while the latter remains an obligatory foundation in its social
aspect (labour law), its societal aspect (consumer law) and its
environmental aspect (environmental law). Voluntary European
instruments covering the environmental aspect (EMAS, Ecolabel)
were already available.

2.1.2
In July 2001 the European Commission published a
Green Paper defining CSR and entitled ‘Promoting a European
framework for Corporate Social Responsibility’ (2). The EESC adopted
an opinion on the Green Paper on 20 March 2002 (3). The
Green Paper called upon every Member State to provide a
contribution on this question. On the basis of the contributions
received,
the Commission adopted (in July 2002) an initial
communication on corporate social responsibility entitled ‘A
Business Contribution to Sustainable Development’. This title empha-
sised the fact that CSR is the microeconomic aspect of the
macroeconomic concept of sustainable development.

2.1.3
A Multistakeholder Forum on CSR in the Union was
organised by the Commission. The objective was to define
common guiding principles on CSR. This was a new process of
dialogue and consultation involving the social partners, research
bodies and the parties concerned. It was a unique attempt to
organise a civil dialogue on a theme put
forward by the
Commission. After lengthy committee work and four plenary
meetings, the Forum delivered its final report on 29 June 2004.
The Forum recognised that various stakeholders and not just
enterprises are involved in sustainable development. The report
contains nine sets of recommendations intended for enterprises,
stakeholders, public authorities and European institutions. These
recommendations concern raising awareness of and training for
CSR, inclusion of CSR in the work of each actor and ensuring
an environment favourable to CSR. UNICE was satisfied with
the results; the ETUC accepted the text of the report with some
the
reservations; other parties expressed dissatisfaction. As

(2) COM(2001) 366 final.
(3) EESC opinion of 20.3.2002 on the Green Paper entitled ‘Promoting a
European framework for corporate social responsibility’, rapporteur: Ms
Hornung-Draus; co-rapportreur: Ms Engelen-Kefer; co-rapporteur: Mr
Hoffelt (OJ C 125, 27.5.2002).

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‘the Forum
Communication of 22 March 2006 points out,
succeeded in achieving a measure of consensus among partici-
pants, but it also revealed the significant differences of opinion
between business and non-business stakeholders’.

2.2 Summary of the communication

2.1.4
In June 2003, Directive 2003/51/EC amending two
directives on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of
enterprises introduced the possibility of publishing indicators of
non-financial performance, particularly in terms of environment
and employees. To contribute to promoting CSR,
the EESC
adopted in June 2005 an opinion on the instruments for
measuring and providing information on CSR (4).

A second communication entitled ‘Implementing the
2.1.5
partnership for growth and jobs: Making Europe a pole of excellence
on corporate social
responsibility’ was published on 22 March
2006 (5). It is the subject of this opinion. It is accompanied by
an annex entitled ‘The European Alliance for CSR’.

2.1.6
In its Communication of May 2006 entitled ‘Promoting
decent work for all’ (6) the Commission ‘acknowledges the impor-
tant role of CSR, which complements legislation, collective
bargaining and control of working conditions. It takes the view
that codes of conduct and other CSR instruments should be
(OECD,
based on instruments adopted at
ILO). It calls on businesses, the European Alliance for CSR and
other stakeholders to take action to promote decent work for
all.’ In addition, in the integrated guidelines for the implementa-
tion of the Lisbon Strategy, the European Council of June 2006
recommended that the Member States encourage enterprises to
develop their social responsibility.

international

level

to achieve

The Council, in its new definition of sustainable devel-
2.1.7
opment (7) dated June 2006, provides,
in the guiding policy
principles, the ‘involvement of businesses and social partners’
consisting of ‘Enhanc[ing] the social dialogue, corporate social
responsibility and private-public partnerships to foster coopera-
tion and common responsibilities
sustainable
consumption and production.’ Point 31 of the communication
‘Business leaders and other key stakeholders including
states:
and nongovernmental organisations
workers' organisations
should engage in urgent reflection with political leaders on the
medium- and long-term policies needed for sustainable develop-
ment and propose ambitious business responses which go
beyond existing minimum legal requirements. A proposal to
foster this process will be made by the Commission in 2007. In
accordance with the European Alliance for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), awareness and knowledge of corporate
social and environmental
responsibility and accountability
should be increased.’

(4) EESC opinion of 8 June 2005 on the Information and measurement
instruments for CSR in a globalised economy, rapporteur Ms Pichenot
(OJ C 286 of 17.11.2005).

(5) COM(2006) 136 final.
(6) COM(2006) 249 final.
(7) Communication 10117/06.

The Communication of March 2006 (8)

2.2.1
follows on
from what was achieved earlier, and restores political visibility
to CSR. In this Communication, the new Commission supports
the creation of the European Alliance for CSR and relaunches
the meetings of the Multistakeholder Forum. With regard to the
European Alliance: the Commission ‘announces backing for the
launch of a European Alliance on CSR, a concept drawn up on
the basis of contributions from business active in the promotion
of CSR.’ With regard to the Multistakeholder Forum:
‘The
Commission continues to attach utmost importance to dialogue
with and between all stakeholders, and proposes to re-convene
meetings of
the Multistakeholder Forum at regular intervals
with a view to continually reviewing progress on CSR in the
EU.’

2.2.2
The Commission emphasises that it does not play an
active role in the Alliance. In particular, the Alliance ‘does not
imply any new financial obligations for the Commission’. The
Commission specifies that the Alliance ‘is not a legal instrument
and is not to be signed by enterprises, the Commission or any
public authority’ but is ‘a political umbrella for new or existing
CSR initiatives by large companies, SMEs and their stakeholders’.

In an annex, which does not have the same scope as
2.2.3
the text of the Communication, the Alliance is presented as an
initiative by the business world based on partnership:
‘In this
context, the European Commission backs members of the busi-
ness community that are laying the foundations of a European
Alliance for CSR. This is an open alliance for enterprises sharing
the same ambition: to make Europe a pole of excellence on CSR
in support of a competitive and sustainable enterprise and
market economy. The essence of this initiative is partnership.’ It
is intended to be open to all European enterprises, whatever
their size, on a voluntary basis. In autumn 2006, around a
hundred enterprises were listed on the UNICE website.

2.2.4
The Commission takes the view that ‘because CSR is
fundamentally about voluntary business behaviour, an approach
involving additional obligations and administrative requirements
for business
risks being counter-productive and would be
contrary to the principles of better regulation.’ Certainly it does
not seem compatible with the voluntary character of CSR to
impose new binding rules, but it is clear that an enterprise
involved in CSR begins with strict respect for the letter and
spirit of the law, duly verified by the relevant authorities.

2.2.5
The Commission is hoping that its support for the Alli-
ance will make it possible to generalise CSR in European enter-
prises. Confidence, which is the key to this process, cannot be
decreed; it can be guaranteed only by the quality of an enterpri-
se's governance.

(8) COM(2006) 136 final.

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The participation of enterprises in the Alliance is
2.2.6
purely declaratory and is not covered by any formal commit-
ment. This simplicity should encourage a rapid increase in the
number of enterprises regarding the Alliance as a point of refer-
ence.

2.2.7
The Commission ‘recognises that without the active
support and constructive criticism of non-business stakeholders,
CSR will not flourish.’ Thus the active support and constructive
criticism of stakeholders who do not belong to the business
world enrich the process.

2.2.8
The Alliance's existence is not intended to replace the
dialogue with and between all the stakeholders. To encourage
this dialogue, the Commission ‘proposes to re-convene meetings
of the Multistakeholder Forum at regular intervals with a view
to continually reviewing progress on CSR in the EU.’ These
meetings will make it possible to take stock of the situation:
‘The Commission will reassess the evolution of CSR in Europe
in a year's time following the discussion within the Multistake-
holder Forum.’ This opinion seeks to provide a guide for
preparing the next stage in the process, emphasising the points
on which recommendations can be made.

2.3 Focus on certain salient points of the Communication

2.3.1 Enter pr ises in the Lisbon Strategy

The Commission takes the view that enterprises,
2.3.1.1
which create wealth and jobs, offer goods and services which
bring an added value to society. It calls on European enterprises
to ‘step up’ their commitment to CSR. The EESC agrees with the
Commission's view that enterprises which make a voluntary
effort in the direction of CSR contribute to the renewed Lisbon
Strategy. In particular, these voluntary CSR practices can help
the public authorities to draw up certain integrated guidelines
relating to social integration, lifelong learning, innovation and
the development of entrepreneurship, for example by combating
discrimination and favouring diversity particularly as regards
disabled people, anticipating the evolution of qualifications,
recruiting in disadvantaged districts and providing support
through the chambers of commerce and industry for young
heads of enterprises, including women or people who are recent
immigrants.

greater respect for fundamental rights in the developing coun-
tries. The EESC endorses this form of encouragement.

2.3.1.3
The EESC approves of the link made between the
Lisbon Strategy, sustainable development and CSR. Nevertheless,
as it stated in a recent opinion (10), it takes the view that the
links between the Lisbon Strategy and the sustainable develop-
ment strategy should be clarified. To implement these strategies,
action by the public authorities remains essential, defining an
optimal framework for growth and innovation at macroeco-
nomic level
(National Reform Plans, national strategies for
sustainable development); responsible enterprises form part of
this framework by acting at the microeconomic level. Thus the
CSR practised by enterprises, by developing innovative processes
and responsible management strategies, contributes to sustain-
able develop at European and worldwide level.

2.3.2 Diffusion: CSR for all enter pr ises willing to

take par t

2.3.2.1
The communication of March 2006 calls upon Euro-
pean enterprises, whatever their size, to commit themselves to
CSR. The EESC is convinced that the promotion of CSR among
SMEs is an important part of this diffusion. Specific tools, tried
out over the last two years, represent accumulated experience
which deserves an impact study making it possible to follow the
development of these practices.

2.3.2.2
In the conclusions of the Multistakeholder Forum, it
was made clear that the recommendations were addressed to all
types of enterprises (including SMEs and social economy enter-
prises), while respecting their diversity. The EESC supports the
idea that SMEs and microenterprises have a part to play in a
CSR strategy equipped with appropriate tools. It also points out
that all types of enterprise are equally concerned: not only
limited liability companies but also enterprises operated under
the owner's name, public enterprises, mutual societies, craft,
industrial and agricultural cooperatives, joint enterprises, social
economy associations etc. It invites all these forms of enterprise
to commit themselves to the Alliance. CSR measures are desir-
able from the moment a business is set up.

2.3.3 The role of the inter nal stakeholders

The Committee maintained in a recent opinion (9)
2.3.1.2
that ‘the European Social Model should provide an idea of a
democratic, green, competitive, solidarity-based and socially
inclusive area for all citizens of Europe’. The Commission calls
upon European enterprises to engage in CSR measures which
do not bring them immediate profit but improve the competi-
tiveness of Europe as a whole and help to achieve the Millen-
nium Development Goals, such as recruitment of personnel
among disadvantaged groups, reduction of pollution levels and

(9) EESC opinion of 4 and 5 July 2006 on Social cohesion: fleshing out a Euro-

pean social model, rapporteur Mr Ehnmark (CESE 493/2006).

2.3.3.1
The communication draws attention to the effective-
ness of the social dialogue on CSR and the constructive role of
the European Works Councils in the definition of best practice.
In view of this, the EESC deplores the failure to invite the parti-
cipation of
the representative organisations involved in the
social dialogue — at both inter-professional and sectoral levels
— on the occasion of the launch of the European Alliance on
CSR.

(10) EESC opinion of 22 May 2006 on the Communication from the
Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the
review of the Sustainable Development Strategy: a platform for action,
rapporteur: Mr Ribbe (CESE 736/2006).

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In the EESC's view (11) the ‘European social market
2.3.3.2
economy model does not regard enterprises simply as capita-
lised companies or bodies for processing contracts but also —
and more especially — as collective entities which should
provide a forum for social dialogue’. Frequently, the initiative for
from top management.
engaging in CSR practices comes
However, best practice cannot be imposed by the management
of the enterprise. In the EESC's view, CSR on a European scale is
not driven by philanthropic decisions but is rather the result of
a dialogue with all the vital forces of the enterprise at every
level of responsibility. It is not just heads of enterprises who are
concerned by CSR — executive staff and all employees are like-
wise concerned, inter alia through dialogue with external stake-
holders. CSR is worthy of the name when it is an integral part
of business strategy and when it is implemented by all corporate
stakeholders. Since CSR is, by definition, a voluntary act that
goes beyond the law, it includes and exceeds what is required by
law.

2.3.3.3
That is why the international framework agreements
on CSR are very interesting. These agreements are negotiated
and signed by the management of the enterprise or of the enter-
prises in the group and by the employees' representatives. The
latter are the international or European sectoral federations or
national
trade union federations and the European Works
Council. By signing the agreements, the two social partners
commit themselves to applying the principles of CSR in rela-
tions between their enterprises and external stakeholders, in par-
ticular subcontractors and local and regional communities.

2.3.3.4
The EESC agrees with the point made in the commu-
nication that ‘The role of employees, their representatives and
their trade unions in the development and implementation of
CSR practices should be further enhanced.’ The EESC calls upon
the enterprises which intend to support the Alliance to play a
full part in it, also by involving staff representatives who wish to
participate. In cases where enterprises have a European Works
Council (EWC), these bodies, too, have a role to play in this
context.

2.3.3.4.1
In a recent opinion (12), the EESC stated ‘The EESC
upholds the social dimension of businesses in the European
Union, and the role played by EWCs. In discussing sustainable
the European
development and the European social model,
debate has focused on the Union's unique features. Corporate
social responsibility in a global economy represents one of
Europe's responses to the problems raised by globalisation, the
negative effects of which could be mitigated by the adherence of
all WTO members to basic ILO standards.’ and ‘The European
social model is marked by the respect it shows for the rights on
which human dignity is based, as well as by the protection it
provides for the most vulnerable through welfare systems.. In
today's Europe, it should be indeed possible to exercise citizen-

(11) EESC opinion of 8 June 2005 on the Information and measurement
instruments for CSR in a globalised economy, rapporteur Ms Pichenot
(OJ C 286, 17.11.2005).

(12) EESC opinion of 13 September 2006 on European works councils: a new
role in promoting European integration, rapporteur: Mr Iozia, points 1.11
and 1.13. OJ C 318, 23.12.2006

ship rights everywhere, including in the workplace and, in par-
ticular, within cross-border companies.’

The EESC encourages enterprises and vocational
2.3.3.5
training bodies to include in their training programmes educa-
tion in respect of sustainable development and CSR.

2.3.4 Sectoral approaches

2.3.4.1
The Commission will continue to support CSR initia-
tives launched by the stakeholders, particularly by the social
partners and the NGOs and especially measures taken at sectoral
level. It underlines the important role of the sectoral dialogue
committees. The EESC supports these initiatives. The EESC calls
upon the sectors concerned to ensure that
these initiatives
include participants from all the EU Member States.

2.3.5 Making Europe a pole of excellence on CSR

2.3.5.1
The communication refers to ‘making Europe a pole
of excellence on corporate social responsibility’ but says nothing
about how to assess the level of quality attained. However, if we
are to be able to claim that we have achieved a level of excel-
lence, we must have some means of assessing the quality of CSR
attained in Europe. Over and above the reports issued by indivi-
dual enterprises, the EU should be in a position to compare its
achievement in the field of CSR with those of other regional
‘poles of excellence’. As an initial step, a portal could be set up
to gather together the available information in order to provide
an inventory of the number and type of enterprises, the subjects
covered and the stakeholders involved.

2.3.5.2
If Europe is to become a pole of excellence on CSR,
the European Alliance should include work on appropriate
tools. Products and services which offer high quality social infor-
mation and traceability already enjoy a real comparative advan-
tage with investors and consumers, as well as consumers' asso-
ciations. This trend will become increasingly important
for
sustainable development.

2.3.5.3
The EESC would like the assessment of the level of
CSR achieved to be the subject of a thorough appraisal. This
appraisal should take place as soon as possible in order to
ensure the credibility of the new initiative, which is explicitly
designed to achieve excellence. This question should be on the
agenda of the initial meetings (late 2006) of the Multistake-
holder Forum. At this forum held in Brussels on 7 December
2006, the Commission presented a compendium — essentially
an inventory — of corporate social responsibility initiatives
implemented so far. The EESC expresses its readiness to analyse
what has been done in some specific areas and to initiate insti-
tutional cooperation with the Commission which would include
management of the CSR portal.

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The concepts are not well established, and there is no
2.3.5.4
overall consensus about the tools. Nonetheless, some Member
States are carrying out policies aimed at greater corporate trans-
parency on CSR. More in-depth knowledge of national policies
carried out by Member States would facilitate a process of cross-
fertilisation. The proposal in the communication to reactivate
the high-level group on CSR is a step in the right direction, as
long as the new and future Member States play an active part in
it. It would be appropriate to include a review of public policies
promoting CSR in the review of the European (EU and Member
States') sustainable development strategy planned for 2007.

2.3.6 Infor mation and transparency

the enterprises in which they invest

2.3.6.1
The EESC notes with interest the Commission's inten-
tion to improve transparency and consumer information. The
EESC would, nonetheless, highlight the fact that this transpar-
ency and information in respect of CSR must not be confined
to public health requirements with regard to consumer goods.
Consumers can play a role in encouraging the responsible
production of goods and services. With this aim in view, they
need to know not only whether the goods which they consume
conform to public health requirements but also whether the
production methods employed are in line with social and envir-
onmental standards. Furthermore, the concern for transparency
should be extended to cover all sectors of the economy. It is
desirable for consumers to be informed whether the goods
which they consume qualify for the description ‘socially respon-
it is desirable for investors and savers to be informed
sible’;
whether
their money
qualify for this same epithet and it is desirable for residents to
be informed whether facilities, infrastructure and other services
have been constructed in a socially responsible way and, in par-
ticular, whether they respect the environment. Financial players
are already demonstrating their interest in providing informa-
tion on enterprises which is not
just confined to financial
matters by offering ‘socially responsible’ investment funds. These
players, together with rating agencies assessing aspects other
than financial considerations, are pre-eminent promoters of
CSR. Industrial sectors are taking steps to define professional
standards, a case in point being the construction industry which
has established the ‘high environmental quality’ criterion, whilst
a number of sectors which are highly concerned by this matter,
such as the aluminium, oil and paper industries are concerned
about the environmental
impact of their activities. Such self-
regulatory measures should, in the EESC's view, be taken up by
other sectors.

Enterprises use different techniques to assess their
2.3.6.2
financial viability (nature and transparency of
investments,
accounts and checks) and their social and environmental perfor-
mance (working conditions, protection of nature and territories
in the value chain). These are different and complementary, and
need to be in synergy with one another.

In order to ensure the legitimacy and reliability of
2.3.6.3
assessment and certification agencies, transparency on principles
is essential. Enterprises need to know according to what refer-
ences they are assessed. With this in mind, the EESC welcomes
the publication of the principles of socially responsible invest-
ment (13). It is important that these agencies should make their
assessment on the basis of the fundamental texts contained in
the list drawn up by the Multistakeholder Forum of 2004. The
agencies must be as transparent as possible. The CSRR-QS
standard was an attempt at professional self-regulation. The
EESC calls upon the profession to continue in this direction. In
a recent opinion (14) the EESC called upon European enterprises
to involve themselves in the development and revision of the
various measuring and information instruments, such as EMAS,
GRI, ISO 26000. The EESC stresses the need to ensure that
international standards do not redefine the concept of corporate
social responsibility, reducing it to the mere application of stan-
dards and conventions, when the essence of CSR is that of
voluntary initiatives taken by enterprises quite apart from their
legal obligations. It recommends to the national representations
which are drawing up the ISO 26000 guidelines that
they
promote the European definition of CSR, which includes the
law but goes beyond it. However important the work of the
assessment agencies, enterprises must not be obliged to submit
to private standards the verification of which would be burden-
some for SMEs. When the instruments make certification
possible,
it depends on the willingness of the enterprise and
must not in any case be made obligatory.

good quality. The
the enterprises which support

2.3.6.4
The communication underlines that ‘External stake-
holders, including NGOs, consumers and investors, should play
a stronger role in encouraging and even rewarding responsible
business conduct.’ They should also play their role of sounding
information for external stake-
a warning. That means that
communication
holders must be of
encourages
the Alliance to
communicate information on CSR to all those concerned, parti-
cularly consumers, investors and the general public, and calls on
large enterprises to present their strategies and initiatives in the
field of CSR as well as results achieved or best practice, in a
form which the public will find easy to access. As regards infor-
mation on CSR, the EESC would draw attention to its earlier
proposal (15) calling for the establishment of a European infor-
mation portal on CSR practices adopted by large enterprises.
Given that analysis by a third party makes it possible to
improve information and ensures transparency, the EESC envi-
saged data provided by businesses themselves being analysed by
a trustworthy third party, such as a European institutional
observer. This analysis could be carried out later, using data
from the European portal.

(13) See the website on the principles of socially responsible investment, in

French: http://www.unpri.org/principles/french.html.

(14) EESC opinion of 8 June 2005 on the Information and measurement
instruments for CSR in a globalised economy, rapporteur Ms Pichenot
(OJ C 286, 17.11.2005) (Points 4.4.1 and 4.4.2).

(15) EESC opinion of 8 June 2005 on the Information and measurement
instruments for CSR in a globalised economy, rapporteur Ms Pichenot
(OJ C 286, 17.11.2005) (Point 4.4.3).

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 325/59

2.3.6.5 Moreover, the communication states that no formal
requirement is placed on enterprises which wish to express their
support for the Alliance and that the European Commission will
not keep a list of the enterprises which do so. At the present
time, seven months after the launch of
is
presented solely on the websites of UNICE, CSR Europe, and a
number of national employers' organisations. The EESC deplores
the failure to make information on the Alliance accessible and
to make such information available to the parties concerned in
an amalgamated form.

the Alliance,

it

2.3.7 Competitiveness and sustainable development

2.3.7.1
A responsible enterprise may gain a competitive
advantage in terms of image, which is particularly useful to
enterprises in the consumer goods sector.

2.3.7.2
Responsible enterprises are a breeding ground for
innovation and creativity. Their products and services give the
customer more quality and value. This can also lead to a
comparative advantage.

2.3.7.3
By anticipating risks, putting in place an integrated
CSR process leads to better management or even avoidance of
crises,
inter alia in terms of the risk of misappropriation of
funds, and industrial and technological risks. For example, there
are fewer accidents when staff work safely because they have
been properly trained and the relevant investment has been
made. Thus, the adoption of CSR practices can lead to a measur-
able reduction in observed or predictable risks. The EESC notes
with interest that some insurance companies take account of
this in their premiums, and calls on the entire financial sector to
do likewise.

2.3.7.4
Application of CSR principles leads the enterprise to
improve its decision-making processes and its governance, thus
improving its long-term performance. A system of management
of human resources which includes lifelong learning schemes
and the retention of older workers helps enterprises to make
optimal use of their human capital and promotes active ageing.
The EESC notes with interest the initiatives carried out by certi-
fied public accountants in Europe with a view to promoting
responsible management by ensuring that the quality of infor-
mation on environmental issues and staff matters forms an inte-
gral part of strategic analyses of enterprises.

2.3.7.5
The EESC points out that long-term competitiveness
often results from actions with a short-term cost. It calls on
enterprises not to focus on immediate profitability alone.

2.3.7.6
The EESC calls upon the Member States and the EU
to encourage enterprises to adopt a responsible attitude with
regard to public procurement (social and environmental best bid
policy).

2.3.7.7
On a macroeconomic scale, the solution of social or
environmental problems involves the creation or the develop-
ment of new fields of activity, opening up opportunities for
economic development and job creation. These include eco-effi-

individual services and the relationship between town
ciency,
planning and transport. The EESC calls on the public authorities
of the Member States and the EU to encourage the emergence
and the development of these sectors.

2.3.8 The new Member States

2.3.8.1
Even though efforts have been made in some of the
new EU Member States, the enterprises which claim to be up to
date on CSR are found mainly in the old Member States.

2.3.8.2
The EESC thinks it essential to make known and
make the most of the best practice followed by the enterprises
in the new Member States, particularly SMEs.

Because of

the enterprises of

the differences in the economic and
2.3.8.3
cultural context,
the new Member States
undoubtedly have much to learn from the experience of enter-
prises in regions with similar characteristics. When socially
responsible measures are implemented in countries which do
not have a long experience of the social market economy, such
initiatives may provide inspiration, more especially to players in
countries which have had a similar history.

2.3.8.4
It is therefore particularly important for information
on the best practice of enterprises in the new Member States to
be brought to the attention of their counterparts in all the
existing and future EU Member States.

interest groups on issues

Similarly, awareness-raising among the public and/or
2.3.8.5
various
relating to responsible
economic activity should be promoted, as it is largely their
dynamism and the participation of various stakeholders which
determines the speed and quality with which CSR principles are
put into practice.

2.3.9 The inter national dimension of CSR

level

2.3.9.1
The EESC approves the approach adopted by the
Commission, which intends to continue to promote CSR at
global
in order to maximise the contribution made by
enterprises to the achievement of the UN Millennium Develop-
ment Goals. The EESC also expresses its backing for
the
Commission's intended course of action with regard to interna-
tional benchmarks for responsible business conduct, namely: to
encourage the implementation of the ILO declaration of tripar-
tite principles on multinational enterprises and social policy, of
the OECD's guiding principles for multinational enterprises, of
the United Nations Global Compact for enterprises and princi-
ples of Socially Responsible Investment and of the other refer-
to give an impulse to the
ence instruments and initiatives;
promotion of strict environmental standards; to take account of
trade and cooperation
sustainable development
in bilateral
agreements;
incentives
respect for the great international principles on human rights
and labour rights, environmental protection and governance; to
ILO on decent working
intensify cooperation with the

through commercial

to encourage

C 325/60

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Official Journal of the European Union

30.12.2006

to promote CSR in the framework of
to follow related international

the new
conditions;
strategy for Africa;
initiatives
(work of the United Nations special representative, ISO guide-
lines, certification of the Kimberley process). Such encourage-
ment is all the more important because it could, for some coun-
tries, represent the first step towards effective social legislation.

The EESC takes the view that free zones, which exist
2.3.9.2
to create an attractive investment environment, must in no case
operate outside the limits set by national employment legisla-
tion. Expressing CSR concerns in such zones cannot be a substi-
tute for compliance with the corpus of
ILO
conventions.

fundamental

Brussels, 14 December 2006

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Dimitris DIMITRIADIS

Opinion Of the European Economic and Social Committee on Children as indirect victims of
domestic violence

(2006/C 325/15)

On 21 April 2006, the European Economic and Social Committee, acting under Rule 29(2) of its Rules of
Procedure, decided to draw up an opinion on: Children as indirect victims of domestic violence

The Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, which was responsible for preparing the
Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 7 November 2006. The rapporteur was
Ms Heinisch.

At its 431st plenary session, held on 13-14 December 2006 (meeting of 14 December 2006), the European
Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 105 votes to four with five abstentions.

1. Conclusions and recommendations

adopted by the European Economic

This additional opinion refers to the definitions and
1.1
analyses contained in the opinion on Domestic violence against
women,
and Social
Committee on 16 March 2006, which dealt only with violence
perpetrated by men against their female partners (1). This opinion
likewise deals only with this aspect of violence in the family, namely
with the effects on children who witness violence against the partner.
Direct violence against children in the family, which is very often also
carried out by women (i.e. mothers), is not the subject of this opinion.
Although growing up in a climate of physical and psychological
violence can have serious consequences for children, awareness
of children as indirect victims of domestic violence is still
limited. This situation can no longer be tolerated, not least in
the context of children's rights to a life without violence, and in
particular to an upbringing free from violence, and to care and
protection.

1.2
The EESC therefore urges the EU Council presidencies
also to look at the issue of Children as indirect victims of domestic
violence when examining the question of domestic violence
against women.

The above comments are addressed to the EU Council presiden-
cies and the Commission.

(1) EESC own-initiative opinion of 16.3.2006 on Domestic violence
against women, Rapporteur: Ms Heinisch (OJ C 110, 9.5.2006, pp 89-
94, points 2.3.4 and 2.3.5.
URL:
C:2006:110:0089:0094:EN:PDF.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:

1.3
On 4 and 5 April 2006, a conference in Monaco
launched the Council of Europe's three-year programme (2006-
2008) entitled Building a Europe for and with children. As well as
campaigning for
this
programme will deal with the issue of protecting children from
violence. In order to give this important project even more
impetus,
in particular in the media, the EESC proposes joint
action involving the Council of Europe, the European Parlia-
ment, the Committee of the Regions and UNICEF.

the protection of

children's

rights,

The above comments are addressed to the Council of Europe,
the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and
UNICEF.

1.4 Whilst the main responsibility for combating domestic
violence lies with the Member States, the importance of chil-
dren's rights and the different responses in different countries
do, however,
lead the EESC to believe that a Europe-wide
strategy is necessary.

The basis for this Europe-wide strategy must be an initial
Europe-wide study on the prevalence and consequences of
growing up in the context of domestic violence, which also
looks into what can be and is being done to protect and
support children indirectly affected by such violence.

The above comments are addressed to the Commission, Directo-
rate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security.