Judging by recent events, migration can be unpredictable and unprecedented, with EU policy being anticipatory and yet reactive. This paper highlights recent EU policy and developments, and the EESC's position in response to them.
The European Commission has published a proposal for a new regulatory framework for batteries and waste batteries, aiming to establish minimum sustainability requirements for all batteries placed on the EU internal market. The EESC supports the proposed measures, however, it calls for more precise and workable governance instruments to implement the new regulation, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) believe that the present and future of critical raw materials resilience is of essential concern to EU's organised civil society. For this reason, and because the Commission's Action Plan represents a step forward by providing a clear roadmap with initiatives and actions to be taken at EU level, overall the EESC recommends that the European Parliament and the Council support this approach.
This factsheet provides an overview of the work carried out by the EESC over the past few years to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of employment, accessibility, multiple discrimination and the full exercise of the right to vote in European elections - a fight the EESC is now preparing to take to the next level to achieve meaningful change before the next European elections.
During the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, in September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The EESC has been actively promoting an ambitious agenda for sustainable development, assisting with strengthening SDG implementation and involving the Committee's strong civil society organisation networks and acting as a platform for dialogue.
In 2005 the Commission adopted the "Monti-Kroes package", updated in 2011 (the "Almunia package"), with key rules for services of general economic interest (SGEI) funding. The Commission declared its intention to carry out a review of this set of rules five years after their entry into force.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an own initiative opinion in order to contribute to the upcoming Commission review by taking a detailed look at experience with implementing the SGEI package.
The Energy Union is one of the ten priority work areas of the European Commission under the Presidency of Jean-Claude Juncker. The Energy Union strategy was launched in February 2015. The EESC has followed the Energy Union process closely. The Committee has produced as many as 22 opinions directly in response to the Energy Union initiative, ranging from general ones concerning the Energy Union construct to sectoral ones covering policy proposals in each of the five pillars.
Road transport is a crucial part of the European Union's single market and of its economy as a whole. At the same time, it is a vital economic sector in its own right, employing about 5 million people across the EU, generating close to 2% of EU GDP, and directly impacting on the quality of life of millions of European citizens. The EU road transport sector has developed significantly over the years, benefiting trade, the economy and freedom of movement. However, the success has had dark sides too and the sector today faces considerable challenges.
Switching from a linear (take-make-use-throw away) economy to an eco-design focused circular (make-use-reuse-remanufacturerepair) economy in which nothing is wasted is a critical challenge for Europe. It makes the economy more sustainable and reduces the environmental footprint through better resource management and reduced extraction and pollution; it also enables businesses to gain a competitive edge thanks to better management of raw materials, while making the economy less dependent on imported – potentially critical and rare – materials.
The new United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted on the UN world summit on 25 – 27 September, sets out an unprecedented broad action plan for people, planet and prosperity. An ambitious strategy and the installation of effective governance mechanisms will be key for a proper implementation of the SDGs in Europe.
