Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on The Challenges and Opportunities for the EU in the Context of Globalisation
Date: 2007-05-31
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: World Trade Organisation, economic and social cohesion, globalisation, international trade, the EU's international role

27.7.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 175/57

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a directive of the
European Parliament and of the Council amending the Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accu-
mulators and waste batteries and accumulators, as regards the implementing powers conferred on
the Commission’

COM(2007) 93 final — 2007/0036 (COD)

(2007/C 175/15)

On 19 April 2007 the Council of the European Union decided to consult the European Economic and
Social Committee, under Article 175, paragraph 1 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on
the abovementioned proposal.

Since the Committee has already set out its views on the contents of the proposal in question in its opinion,
adopted on 28 April 2004 (1), it decided, at its 436th plenary session of 30 and 31 May 2007 (meeting of
30 May), by 159 votes with 11 abstentions, not to draw up a new opinion on the subject, but to refer to
the position it had taken in the above-mentioned document.

Brussels, 30 May 2007.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Dimitris DIMITRIADIS

(1) 2003/0282 COD, OJ C 117 of 30.4.2004.

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The Challenges and Opportunities
for the EU in the Context of Globalisation’

(2007/C 175/16)

On 26 September 2006, in connection with the activities of the German Presidency of the European Union,
H.E. Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for the Economy and Technology, requested by letter an opinion
of the European Economic and Social Committee on: The challenges and opportunities for the EU in the context
of globalisation.

The Section for External Relations, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the
subject, adopted its opinion on 4 May 2007. The rapporteur was Mr Henri Malosse and the co-rapporteur
was Mr Staffan Nilsson.

At its 436th plenary session, held on 30 and 31 May 2007 (meeting of 31 May 2007), the European
Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion unanimously

1. Summary

Advocating a common strategy to contend with globalisation

The EU may be regarded as a test-bed for a globalised world. It
has been established in a democratic way, has no desire to
achieve hegemony and shows respect for diversity of opinion
and cultural diversity, whilst seeking to bring about economic
and social cohesion and to open up markets. Even if the new
world order cannot be cast in its image, the European Union
must uphold its values and principles, whilst seeking to bring
about a system of global governance based on the main achieve-
ments of the European venture. If it is to be credible, the EU
needs to reflect its values and set out its integration model
without any display of arrogance or desire to achieve hegemony.

If the Union fails to have a vision or a common strategy for
addressing the challenges and opportunities of globalisation, the
peoples of Europe may feel themselves abandoned and wonder
about the usefulness of the European Union.

1.1 Establishing a ‘planetary state governed by the rule of law’

The initial response of the European Union must be to contri-
bute more forcefully to the establishment of a ‘state governed by
the rule of law’ which takes account of realities, without enga-
ging in otherworldliness; the EU should, however, also not be
sparing in its efforts to promote, by all means, a humanist
globalisation based on the following criteria: multilateralism

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rather than a power struggle; the fundamental rights of indivi-
duals, in particular employment rights and working conditions;
a responsible management of our natural heritage; greater trans-
parency on the financial markets; a high level of health and
food safety for all population groups,
in particular the most
vulnerable; cultural and linguistic diversity and the sharing and
dissemination of knowledge amongst everyone.

1.2 Setting an example for others to follow

Secondly, the EU can and must promote regional integration. It
is clear that, apart from a few rare exceptions, most of the coun-
tries in the world are engaged in various processes of rapproche-
ment, ranging from simple cooperation with regard to a specific
issue to genuine processes of integration comparable to that
being pursued by the EU. Globalisation would undoubtedly be
easier to regulate if the EU were to manage to persuade more
countries to follow its example and if a larger number of
coherent regional groupings, based, as is the case with the EU,
on pluralism, respect for diversity and the pursuit of consensus,
were to establish a dialogue rather than simply engage in a
power struggle. Regional integration is also undoubtedly one of
the keys to the future for the most vulnerable regions in the
world,
for which confined markets represent an insuperable
handicap and which are at present unable to make their voice
heard.

1.3 Balanced and responsible opening-up of trade

In the field of international trade relations, the EESC takes the
view that bilateral approaches are beneficial only insofar as they
are complementary to the multilateralism pursued by the WTO.
The EESC calls for progress to be made with regard to access to
markets, reciprocity, and measures to combat obstacles to trade
and illegal practices. The EESC proposes that a dialogue be
opened on other aspects of global governance which have an
impact on trade (such as labour and environmental standards).
The EU must also contribute towards promoting an inclusive
strategy so as to ensure that all developing countries, particu-
larly those in Africa, benefit from the process of globalisation.

At EU level, the EESC takes the view that there is a need to
the impact of any new trade
make a careful assessment of
concession, to make better use of trade defence instruments, in
particular to defend the interests of EU manufacturers, and to
promote joint actions in markets outside the EU. The EESC
considers that
the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund
should be used as a strategic tool to assist people and regions
affected by globalisation and should be replenished by national
funding.

1.4 Stepping up progress towards integration whilst preserving cultural

diversity

integrated entity, the
The more Europe becomes a coherent,
more convincing it will be and the more power it will have to
sway the argument in favour of bringing about a multipolar,
responsible system of global governance. Globalisation may
now be a source of opportunity for the process of European
integration as it forces us to step up the pace of integration. A
race is now under way. The keys to achieving success could lie
with innovation, universal dissemination of knowledge and
democratisation. A number of steps are already long overdue,

namely fully achieving the internal market, dismantling barriers
separating networks of education and research and establishing
new common policies, in particular in the fields of energy, the
environment and research.

1.5 Organised civil society should promote the achievement of globali-

sation ‘with a human face’

The EU itself should seek to achieve greater popular involve-
ment, whilst at the same time supporting the dialogue between
civilisations at global level. Having recourse to organised civil
its organisations and institutions, such as the EESC,
society,
represents a course of action which has so far not been
adequately explored. This approach takes on particular signifi-
cance in the context of globalisation since, apart from just the
states themselves, it is clear that the following players are also
involved in international relations: the media, the social part-
ners, enterprises, the scientific and cultural community, associa-
tions and all other civil society players.

2. Meeting the challenges posed by globalisation by

adopting an approach which is also global

The development of the European venture has, from the
2.1
outset, been based on a process of opening-up. By gradually
doing away with its internal frontiers, the EU has been able to:
establish a large internal market; modernise its economy;
the leading
develop its infrastructure; and become one of
players in international trade.

2.2
The process of European integration represents much
more than the creation of an internal market. The European
Union has set out common rules, introduced its own legal order
and due process of law, established a Charter of Fundamental
Rights and introduced common policies. Special mention
should be made of the policy of economic and social cohesion,
which represents a channel for the application of the principle
of solidarity between states and regions; this policy is designed
to help reduce the discrepancies in levels of development which
have increased following the recent enlargements of the EU.

Today, the challenge of globalisation is posed in a very
2.3
different context and against a background of very differing
conditions, characterised,
inter alia, by: a form of global
governance which is still in its infancy; temptations to pursue a
hegemonic agenda; and growing tensions between developed
countries and emerging economies. These global balances
constitute a genuinely new order for the European Union.

2.4
The European venture was originally by no means a
‘eurocentric’ project. The instigators of the initial treaties already
imagined that the European Communities could embrace all the
peoples of Europe, once they had been liberated from dictator-
ships, and could also provide a model for a new world order
based on: states governed by the rule of law; openness; and
trust.

2.5
Globalisation demonstrates a number of similarities with
the positive effects already experienced by the EU Member
States in the wake of the reciprocal opening of their markets,
such as the exploitation of comparative advantages and econo-
mies of scale and the opportunity to take advantage of new
development dynamics and new markets.

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2.6
Globalisation does, however, also give rise to many new
challenges which call for responses and adjustments which are
frequently highly complex, involving, inter alia: many difficulties
and asymmetric conditions with regard to market access; the
brain drain and the preservation of multilingualism and cultural
diversity; migrations; extremely diverse working and production
conditions; a hitherto unknown degree of internationalisation of
capital and financial markets; established social rights in the
developed countries becoming increasingly at risk as a result of
exposure to global competition; and, finally, major challenges in
terms of environmental protection, health and security.

2.7
Globalisation does not produce the same effects every-
where. Whilst it promotes economic and social development in
certain parts of the world, it undermines this development in
other areas, namely developed regions facing stronger competi-
tion and countries suffering from underdevelopment, which are
the casualties of this process.

3. Helping to draw up more effective global rules to
promote the achievement of ‘globalisation with a human
face’

The

values which underlie

3.1
the European project
(including diversity, collegiality, states governed by the rule of
law, subsidiarity and the achievement of a balance between
economic and social aspects and sustainable development) are
today not sufficiently in evidence on the international stage.

The full range of phenomena involved in globalisation
3.2
cannot be covered solely by relations at infra-state level. These
phenomena include: migratory flows; movements of financial
resources; pollution and damage to the climate; and channels of
information, in particular the Internet. In addition to states, the
following players are also involved, in one way or another, in
the process of globalisation: multinational enterprises, the finan-
cial markets, the media, the scientific community, organised civil
society and its institutions, the social partners, NGOs and many
other players besides.

2.8
If it is to meet these challenges, the EU has to demon-
strate that knows how to benefit from globalisation, rather than
simply being carried along by it. The EU needs to take all the
opportunities which arise but also to identify how globalisation
is affecting regions, sectors and categories of the population in
order to enable it to pinpoint, together with the Member States,
the social partners and other civil society players concerned,
concrete measures which will make it possible successfully to
carry out the necessary adjustments.

It is therefore vital that the EU continues to play a more

3.3
decisive role in promoting global governance, involving:

— the relaunch of the Doha process at the WTO with a view
to bringing about a greater opening-up of trade; this process
should, however, be backed up by regulations to ensure
more balanced and fairer trade;

The approach pursued in response to the challenges of
2.9
globalisation cannot be purely economic. Political,
social,
environmental and also cultural issues are all closely involved.
The EU response to the challenges of globalisation must there-
fore also cover all these fields otherwise there is a danger that it
will lack the requisite strength of conviction and persuasion.

The approach, based on regional

2.10
integration, which
characterises the European Union enables it to speak on behalf
of its Member States at meetings of the WTO. Other examples
of regional integration are to be found in the world, but they
have not reached a degree of integration equivalent to that of
the EU. Thus, with the exception of CARICOM, which brings
together Caribbean states, these regional entities do not speak
with one voice at the WTO. A better structured and more effec-
tive form of global governance would, however, have much to
gain from such a development.

the way in which globalisation is
2.11 Within the EU,
perceived differs according to the various categories of
the
population and the individual Member States. This diversity may
be seen as a source of enrichment but, in view of the fact that
the pace of development and the extent of the challenges of
globalisation are increasing, there is now a need to adopt a
common strategy, and to put forward concrete proposals.

— the development and efficient

the

regulations,

implementation of other
world-wide
ILO conventions
such as
(dealing with labour law), UNESCO conventions dealing
issues (diversity), the Kyoto Protocol on the
with cultural
environment,
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
decisions relating to energy matters, WIPO (World Intellec-
tual Property Organisation) conventions dealing with intel-
lectual property, WHO provisions dealing with health,
UNIDO for industrial cooperation, and other regulations;

— coordination between the various instruments of global
governance, under the auspices of the UN, with a view to
establishing ‘guidelines for creating a state governed by the
rule
jurisdiction
mechanisms based on respect for pluralism.

regulation

involving

law’,

and

of

3.4 With these aims in view, the following action needs to be
taken, in particular, in the context of international trade rules:

— finalising the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, with a
view to establishing standards in respect of: customs rules
and procedures, the simplification and lightening of proce-
dures — in particular the introduction of a ‘Single Window’
system — the promotion of effective, transparent rules and
the use of IT tools;

— stepping up the adoption, implementation and observance
of public health and crop protection measures and SPS
the WTO
(sanitary and phytosanitary) agreements of
(covering the safety of food products, animal health and
plant preservation), together with measures in respect of the
protection and welfare of animals;

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— organising a more effective campaign to combat the pirating
of products and counterfeiting, which cause a considerable
and growing amount of harm to European products, by
taking a number of measures, in particular the drawing-up
of a genuine strategy for properly protecting intellectual
property rights by having recourse to the TRIPS Agreement;

— linking progress in trade negotiations to respect for social,

ethical and environmental standards;

— helping to develop the capacities of the emerging economies
(in particular China and India) and the developing countries
in the abovementioned fields.

3.5 Other regulations

to provide the requisite conditions

3.5.1
Even if significant progress were to be made in respect
of all these trade issues, such progress would, in itself, not be
sufficient
for genuine
‘sustainable development’, a goal which was, however, expressly
recognised by the WHO in the agenda set out at Doha. If we are
to make progress towards achieving such an objective, other
regulations will be required and the European Union can also
act as a driving force in bringing about the introduction of
these regulations. These regulations concern primarily the
following issues: the environment, security, fundamental rights,
working conditions and cultural diversity.

3.5.2
Environmental protection is a fundamental requirement
in view of the growing threats with which we have to contend
(the need to protect the living environment and species and to
combat the ‘greenhouse effect’ and pollution, etc.). This chal-
lenge which, by definition, knows no frontiers, is inextricably
linked to the very concept of globalisation. It should become an
integral part of the trade negotiations and be taken into account
as a cross-disciplinary theme in the various negotiations. The
European Union should give top priority to this requirement by:

— taking the initiative with a view to renewing the Kyoto
Agreements on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases,
with the aim of involving every country on the planet in
these agreements in order to limit global warming (the
report drawn up by the international
Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) endorsed the goal set out
by the EU).

— developing — also jointly — research efforts and the drive
to master environmental technologies which would, against
the background of new global requirements, make available
leading edge expertise in the fields of processes, products
and services, involving a large variety of different areas (e.g.
agriculture and rural
communities, water and energy,
industry and recycling, accommodation and spatial planning,
etc.).

3.5.3
Security requirements have also taken on an increased
and manifold importance. Reference may thus be made, by way
of example, to: health protection against, inter alia, pandemics;
measures to combat crime; nuclear monitoring; the protection
IT data; and product safety, especially the
of exchanges of
quality of
food. Globalisation must not, under any circum-
stances, be assimilated with additional insecurity. Effective rules
therefore need to be devised for ensuring improved security in

the development of

respect of
tasks
which states have to carry out and in respect of living condi-
tions. Progress in these spheres must go hand-in-hand with
improvements in practices relating to governance and measures
to combat corruption and threats of all kinds.

the fundamental

trade,

The social dimension of globalisation and, in particular,
3.5.4
the requisite labour-law standards, based on ILO Conven-
tions (1), have to be effectively implemented throughout the
world. By invoking the concepts of ‘decent work’ and also trade
which is ‘fair and just’, the EU, working in partnership with the
ILO, can establish a body of underlying values and examples of
good practice. The issue of
ILO
Conventions, which could go so far as to cover the establish-
ment of jurisdiction, needs to be raised.

the effective application of

3.5.5 Many highly encouraging social
initiatives have been
launched in developing countries by non-governmental actors,
enterprises and the social partners. Reference may be made in
this context to the policies developed by many European enter-
prises on the basis of guideline principles agreed within the
framework of
the OECD and ILO labour standards. Special
mention should also be made of initiatives carried out by non-
in the following fields: employment;
governmental players
including
training; health; and living and working conditions,
initiatives launched in connection with a regional social dialogue
extending beyond national frontiers. The support provided by
the EU to such initiatives should be stepped up, starting with
initiatives in the ACP states. Aid provided by the EU should also
be made more dependent upon the establishment of such
programmes
society
players,
including, and in particular, programmes at regional
level.

involving active participation by civil

3.5.6
In the face of the growing internationalisation of the
financial markets, the Member States of the EU must be able to
act as one with a view to making the IMF a genuine stabilisation
instrument. The euro-area states should decide to unify their
participation in the work of the IMF as this would give added
weight to the EU. At the same time, and following the example
set by the OECD Conventions, the EU should promote global
governance with respect to measures to combat money-laun-
dering and fraud.

3.5.7 With a view to the establishment of a system of global
governance which serves the interests of the people, the ques-
tions of education and the sharing of knowledge are matters of
fundamental importance. There is a need to develop UNESCO
projects and to support networks for sharing expertise and
knowledge amongst the greatest possible number of benefici-
aries whilst paying due regard to the need to respect pluralism
and whilst acting within the framework of an intercultural
dialogue. The EU approach to bringing about better global
governance should therefore take account of
the issues of
cultural diversity and multilingualism, which, whilst being key
aspects for the EU, are nonetheless now under threat.

(1) ILO Conventions: Convention No 87 on freedom of association and
protection of the right to organise; Convention No 98 on the right to
organise and to bargain collectively; Convention No 29 on forced
labour; Convention No 105 on the abolition of forced labour; Conven-
tion No 138 on the minimum age for admission to employment;
Convention No 182 on the worst forms of child labour; Convention
No 100 on equal remuneration for men and women workers; and
Convention No 111 on discrimination (employment and occupation).

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3.5.8
Turning to the issue of fundamental rights, the EU
should take concerted action with a view to making the provi-
sions of the UN Declaration of Human Rights more effective
and extending the role of the International Criminal Tribunal,
whilst showing due respect for cultural diversity.

3.6 The originality of the contribution made by the EU

3.6.1 With a view to strengthening global governance, the
EU could also tap into its experience in the following fields
which could serve as keys for bring about the broadest possible
acceptance of global governance:

Commission. In the face of the ongoing difficulties encountered
in the negotiations in the framework of the WTO, the Commis-
sion takes the view that the EU should now explore more
including bilateral
actively other complementary approaches,
approaches. One option would be to step up discussions with
those emerging economies which are experiencing a high rate of
growth (China, India, ASEAN, Mercosur and the Gulf States),
whilst also, however, strengthening our strategic links with
and
neighbouring
Mediterranean states) and successfully modernising our relations
with the ACP states (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) by means of the
regional economic partnership agreements currently being
negotiated.

(Russia, Ukraine, Moldova

economies

— subsidiarity, the principle which makes it possible to attri-
bute
thereby
the
providing the Member States, regions and also civil society
players with real room for manoeuvre;

responsibility

appropriate

level,

at

— the practice of managing a complex Union, which involves
the application of procedures at differentiated speeds and
calls for respect for cultural diversity;

— the consultation of economic and social players in respect of
the decision-making process and their participation in this
process.

As it is already doing in its dealings with the ACP
3.6.2
states,
the EU should therefore give priority — wherever
possible — to the adoption of a regional approach in its poli-
tical, economic and trading relations with its partners. The
development of mutual contacts in this way between the EU
and other regional entities, reflecting a spirit of emulation and
mutual rapprochement, would benefit all the parties concerned,
whilst at the same time backing up and strengthening, in an
undoubtedly decisive way, the multilateral framework of the
WTO.

4. Developing a common strategy for the EU in respect of

international trade

4.1 Multilateralism or bilateralism?

A line of approach is set out in the European Commission's
communication of 4 October 2006 entitled Global Europe
competing in the world.

4.1.1
The difficulties encountered by the WTO in making
progress with the Doha Agenda and the very limits of this
Agenda should encourage the EU to undertake new initiatives.
The European Economic and Social Committee therefore
welcomes the fact that, in its Communication of October 2006,
the European Commission recommends that a new commercial
strategy be taken up, based on both bilateral and multilateral
approaches.

4.1.2
The multilateral approach to tackling problems linked
to globalisation is the most desirable approach as it offers the
best guarantees for achieving well—balanced and sustainable
results. The EESC therefore joins the Commission in reaffirming
its support for the intrinsic merits of multilateralism and the
WTO. The goal is still to successfully conclude the work on the
Doha Agenda as part of an overall framework, committing all
the participatory states to observe common rules.

4.1.3
The EESC draws attention to the need to take effective
back-up action in respect of the proposals put forward by the

The EESC is sceptical with regard to these initiatives
4.1.4
and points out
that a redeployment, based on bilateral
approaches, of the international strategy of the EU cannot take
the place of the multilateral approach, which must remain the
fundamental objective since such an approach is in line with
European values.

There is a need to ensure not only that the approaches
4.1.5
which are pursued are compatible with WTO commitments —
a requirement which is rightly highlighted by the Commission
— but also to ensure that these approaches:

— do not thwart opportunities to make progress in multilateral

negotiations;

— rather serve, ultimately, to facilitate the latter negotiations as
a result of the more in-depth discussions and the closer
bilateral
alignment
approaches.

positions

brought

about

by

of

4.1.6
Any bilateral approach adopted by the EU should
therefore be confined to providing support for the multilateral
approach, with the aim of either:

— preparing the ground for multilateral negotiations by, inter
alia, highlighting the most important issues for the EU (the
unresolved DOHA issues, commercial practices, measures to
combat counterfeiting, public contracts, etc.), or

— making progress, via bilateral discussions, in respect of the
social and

other areas of global governance: political,
environmental issues, cultural policy and energy.

in particular:

4.1.7 Many clarifications and adjustments are still required in
respect of,
the implementing procedures
relating to the criteria to be applied and (b) the policies to be
followed vis-à-vis a number of countries, in particular, such as
China, Korea, India and also Russia.

(a)

4.2 Enhancing relations with neighbouring states and special relations

4.2.1
Special attention should be paid to neighbouring coun-
tries of the EU (in particular Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldavia
and the Mediterranean states) by establishing special partner-
ships as part of a coherent neighbourhood strategy and a
strategy for promoting communities based on shared interests.

4.2.2 Within the framework of the transatlantic dialogue, the
EU and the USA should step up their efforts to bring their
respective visions of globalisation closer to each other and to
provide a framework of stability for cooperation and trade
between the EU and the USA.

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4.2.3
The EU will also have to continue to promote, by
means of its bilateral contacts, the development of regional inte-
gration in other continents (cf.
the ACP states, Mercosur,
ASEAN, etc.); such integration would make it possible to
improve the structure and balance of global trade and to facili-
tate progress in the discussions at the WTO. Quite apart from
the actual originality of this venture, the experience gained with
integration in the EU should continue to inspire and provide
support for other examples of regional rapprochement, which
constitute an essential feature of any sustainable and structured
globalisation. This approach is particularly valid as far as
developing countries are concerned (e.g. the ACP countries). The
negotiation of partnership agreements must go hand in hand
with measures to promote regional integration processes which
are undoubtedly one of the major means of ensuring that these
countries do not get left behind by globalisation. The positive
example of CARICOM is particularly significant in this light and
gives cause for hope. The EU must support administrative capa-
cities for regional integration and contacts among civil society
stakeholders.

4.2.4 We can also endeavour to learn from examples of both
good and bad practice drawn from other countries or regional
groupings. The EU should continue to promote and give favour-
able treatment to regional groupings which, despite the fact that
they are developing at a different pace and pursue different
goals, nonetheless are following a similar path to that pursued
by the EU; such regional groupings include Mercosur and
ASEAN.

The role and the work of civil society actors in
4.2.5
promoting such a bilateral approach must not be underesti-
mated. We must acknowledge more and give due recognition to
the full strategic importance of the EESC's participation in the
civil society dialogue set up by the Commission as part of the
follow-up to the negotiations within the WTO framework and
to the work carried out by the EESC through the intermediary
of the various structures which it has set up.

4.3 A more responsible liberalisation of trade

of

the

due

take

account

economic

There is also a need to ensure that impact assessments
4.3.1
of the advantages, limitations and concessions involved in any
agreement,
and
social consequences, particularly from a sectoral standpoint
(including the impact on agriculture and industries which are
highly labour-intensive). These assessments, carried out at the
initiative of the European Commission in respect of all new
negotiations, should involve local experts and representatives of
civil society to a greater extent. There is also a need to define in
greater detail the risk-management strategy addressed by the
Commission in its Communication.

4.3.3
Particular attention needs to be paid to the agricultural
sector in this context. In addition to actual agricultural produc-
tion, account also needs to be taken of agri-industrial products,
which account for 14 % of EU added value and provide four
million jobs. The CAP underwent a radical reform as of 2003,
involving major sacrifices for the professions concerned,
in
order to make it possible to reach an agreement at the WTO. A
future WTO agreement will therefore have to secure reciprocal
access to markets and an equivalent significant reduction in the
subsidies paid to US producers.

4.4 Joint action in respect of external markets

4.4.1
The EU Member States should take on board, to a
greater degree, the goals of a genuine common strategy with
regard to access to global markets and the means of achieving
these goals: with this aim in view, steps should be taken, inter
alia, to remedy three shortcomings:

4.4.2
Firstly, export credit insurance schemes continue to be
level, despite the political,
organised mainly on a national
economic, financial and — following the introduction of the
euro — monetary integration in the EU. The EU should support
these national arrangements with a view to coordinating them
and harmonising them in respect of all European enterprises, in
particular, SMEs.

4.4.3
Secondly, the EU's main trading partners are visited, in
turn, by trade missions which are essentially of a national
nature and are competing with each other. The aim is not to
question such bilateral approaches, which are often based on
historic ties, but rather to complement them — when this can
be justified on economic grounds — and strengthen them by
introducing European-level sectoral promotion missions which
reinforce our common identity.

4.4.4
Thirdly, the trade defence instruments (in particular,
anti-dumping instruments) must be more widely known and
increased
used more effectively through the allocation of
resources.

5. Stepping up integration so that globalisation provides an

opportunity for the people of Europe

The EU should address the challenges of globalisation by step-
ping up economic integration, solidarity and the ongoing search
for improved productivity, which are core aspects of the Lisbon
Strategy. Only if it becomes stronger, will the EU be in a posi-
tion to bring a substantial influence to bear in the process of
globalisation vis-à-vis the commercial powers which have a
continental dimension. With this aim in view, a number of steps
have to be taken.

4.3.2
The EESC has expressed its support for the European
Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). It takes the view that the
EGF should be used as a strategic tool to assist people and
regions affected by globalisation. Even though the role of the
EGF is complementary to that of national sources of funding, it
is essential that its role should be visible and that it should have
the requisite financial critical mass. As is the case with the
European Social Fund, the EGF should, in the EESC's view, be
managed by a tripartite committee, with the participation of the
social partners.

5.1 Enhancing the attractiveness of Europe as a site for investment

5.1.1
The first step which needs to be taken is to enable the
EU to be in a position to rely on an internal market which is
adequately integrated, effective and competitive. There would be
no point in wanting to secure from our global-level partners
concessions which we would be scarcely ready to grant to other
EU Member States. We continue to lag far behind what needs to
be achieved in this area.

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5.1.2 Many old obstacles remain unchanged and European
enterprises have scarcely been provided with the means to
enable them to feel ‘European’. Services, which account for two
thirds of GDP, continue to be organised to a large extent on the
basis of segregated national markets. As regards public procure-
ment in the Member States, whether it is a matter of supplies,
services or any work relating to the defence sector, the most
recent serious studies carried out in this field — which have not
been reviewed for ten years — show that over 90 % of these
public sector contracts continue to be awarded to national
suppliers.

There is a need to take care to ensure that

5.1.3
the
established body of EU law (‘the acquis communautaire’) is not
threatened by sterile competition between the Member States
involving dumping; subsidies; the policy of creating ‘national
champions’; and new barriers and obstacles. The development
of a European industrial policy, covering also the defence sector,
would make a considerable contribution towards strengthening
the economic and technological standing of the EU in a globa-
lised economy. It is also essential to bolster EU competition
policy, to establish a transparent fiscal and social framework
within the EU and to combat double taxation, the most blatant
cases of distortion of competition and fraud involving intra-
Community VAT.

The lack of

5.1.4
infrastructure which is of a genuinely
European dimension (in fields such as transport, energy, new
technologies, technology parks and research centres)
is now
having a detrimental effect on Europe's ability to offer the best
investment opportunities in what is still the world's leading
market.

Expanding the skills and levels of training of Europeans
5.2
with a view to creating a innovatory society and providing
access to knowledge for all

Europe is not rich in raw materials and it cannot
5.2.1
compete with the rest of the world by resorting to policies
involving social, environmental or fiscal dumping.
It cannot
either become the ‘supermarket’ of the world and let Asia take
on the role of the ‘workshop of the world’. Europe's future
depends, above all, on its capacity to innovate, its capacity for
enterprise and on the talents of its men and women. Long-term
investment in lifelong education is the key to the achievement
of harmonious development. There is therefore a need to
promote not just training and education but also voluntary
mobility in the EU, fostered by multilingualism and career plans
— also in the civil service — having a European and interna-
tional dimension.

Europe remains too fragmented. The EESC calls for the
5.2.2
adoption of large scale projects involving: the real development
of a plurilingualism in schools; a mobility programme for
young people, including those still at school, in apprenticeships
or already working; European universities; European pathways
for lifelong education; a common framework for the recognition
of all qualifications, etc.

Europe therefore deserves to be the beneficiary of a
5.2.3
wide-ranging European initiative in the fields of education,
training and the dissemination of knowledge. Special attention
will have to be paid to people and areas which have been the

victims of industrial restructuring and relocations by providing
training opportunities and creating new jobs.

5.3 Equipping ourselves with effective means of meeting the challenges

posed by globalisation

5.3.1
The issues at stake as a result of globalisation make it
necessary for the EU to enhance the competitiveness of both its
products and its services. The economic interests of the EU are
every bit as important as they are diverse. If it is to continue to
be a leading player in global trade, the EU must, in particular,
strengthen its position both in respect of ‘top of the range’
products and services — which make up half of its exports and
satisfy one third of global demand in these categories — and as
types of products and services which satisfy
regards other
popular aspirations.

5.3.2
The introduction of a European policy to provide
support for entrepreneurship and innovation should, together
with action in the field of education, training and the dissemina-
tion of knowledge, be a fundamental priority in future years, as
part of a new European ‘post-Lisbon’
strategy. The EESC
proposes that a roadmap be drawn up in these fields, bringing
together the work carried out by both the Member States and
the EU and funding provided by both public and private bodies.

5.3.3
Although there is no longer time to provide the EU
with a better budget for the period 2007-2013, what we can do
is to ensure that the best use is made of this budget, in particu-
lar by:

— providing proper funding for the priority trans-European
networks, with the aid of public-private partnerships (PPPs);

— stepping up the capacity of the EU to provide loans and
guarantees and developing more innovatory financial engi-
the Structural Funds, which are
neering in respect of
currently overly confined to simply providing grants.

international

5.3.4
The euro now constitutes a major asset for Europe
since it has become not only the single currency of 13 EU
reserve
is also a major
Member States, but
currency and medium of exchange. The euro now provides a
growing number of countries in the world with a credible and
useful alternative to the dollar. It facilitates the conclusion of
commercial contracts involving EU enterprises and promotes
the financial security of such contracts. It ensures the existence
of a real sentiment of a united Europe, both within and outside
the Community. The euro does, however, lack a central deci-
sion-making body with regard to economic policy and this
shortcoming is, at present, curbing the anticipated benefits of
the single currency.

5.3.5
It is the common policies which underlie the cohesion
of the EU. Although coal and steel can now no longer be
regarded as constituting the cornerstones of cohesion,
the
economic and social players are very strongly in favour of the
assumption by the EU of increased responsibility in the area of
energy policy (maintaining resources, security of supply, new
investments in non-polluting energies, energy saving and effi-
ciency) and environmental protection. These two areas require
more action at European level, in particular genuine common
policies.

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27.7.2007

5.3.6
The Union must adopt a more comprehensive and
consistent migration policy through coordinated integration and
reception policies that comply with the European Charter of
Fundamental Rights and the Geneva Conventions on the Right
of Asylum, at
the same time working more effectively to
combat criminal networks. The EU should also more actively
encourage the creation of high-skilled jobs in developing coun-
tries through a policy of partnership and the promotion of
integration which should make it possible to offer
regional
prospects for mobility, improvement and new trade.

5.4 Providing globalisation with a human face

The European Union can rally the people of Europe,
5.4.1
once again, behind its European integration project by invoking
the theme of the European response to the challenges of globali-
sation.

From a general standpoint, the EESC stresses the need
5.4.2
to fully involve the social partners and the various players repre-
senting organised civil society in the new overall approach
which it advocates as a means of tackling the challenges posed
by globalisation. The Council and the European Commission
must be required to display greater transparency, including over
the matter of trade negotiations. The EESC and its civil society
partners in non-EU countries would,
like to be
in particular,
involved in both bilateral and multilateral initiatives.

5.4.3
partners and other civil society players in:

Specifically, the EESC advocates involving the social

— European information campaigns and debates on the issues
at stake as a result of globalisation; these campaigns and
debates should be conducted with civil society organisations;

— regular briefings and consultations on the new international
strategy envisaged by the European Commission and the
Council, along the lines of the briefings and consultations
the European
organised by the EESC on the subject of
Convention;

— impact analyses regarding the economic and social effects of
new trade agreements; participation in the management of
the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF);

Brussels, 31 May 2007.

— participation in the various policies which need to be
to strengthen the EU policies (single

pursued in order
market, cooperation strategies, cohesion, euro, etc.);

— support for the development of an effective social dialogue
with regard to the various aspects of the adjustments and
reforms which need to be carried out at EU level,
in the
Member States and in the regions, including cross-frontier
adjustments and reforms;

— the follow-up to bilateral negotiations with regional group-
ings such as the EPA agreements with the ACP countries, for
which the EESC can provide its expertise and that of its civil
society partners in non-EU countries.

The EESC calls for the establishment of a European-
5.4.4
level organisation of
tasks in respect of services of general
interest; this would go beyond just cooperation, and involve
integrating resources in respect of economic security, civil and
the EU's
environmental protection, customs surveillance at
external frontiers; police forces and even in the defence sector,
rather than allowing such a blueprint to be suffocated by a
system of ‘national fortresses’, which flies in the face of the
achievement of further progress in the European venture.

5.4.5
The EESC also supports the adoption of a more
participatory approach to the single market by encouraging:
initiatives by the voluntary sector, the social dialogue, corporate
social responsibility and socio-occupational self-regulation and
in particular, services, commerce,
co-regulation (in respect of,
financial markets, the environment, energy, social aspects and
consumer rights).

5.4.6
Organised civil society players do, themselves, have a
direct, autonomous role to play in developing links with their
counterparts in the countries and regional groupings which are
trading partners of the European Union.

5.4.7
The achievement of both globalisation with a human
dimension and European integration are matters which involve
the people and organised civil
they are better
informed and consulted and systematically involved, the peoples
of Europe will take on board a strategy which they have shaped
and which they can make their own.

society.

If

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Dimitris DIMITRIADIS