Europe in 2015: EESC and European Parliament call on Juncker Commission for rapid action and direct democracy

At the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plenary and in the presence of Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Henri Malosse, the EESC President, presented the Committee's contribution to the 2015 Work Programme of the European Commission, a plan that orientates Europe's priorities for the year ahead. He welcomed the will of the new Commission to find ways to cut red tape, which has hobbled worthy initiatives in the past and to actively involve civil society in the EU policymaking.  

"Introspection is to be left behind," said EESC President Henri Malosse (pictured), "we need concrete actions to be implemented immediately to bring back competitiveness and sustainable growth. But for this to work, a more democratic Union is needed: the success of this new Commission resides in its ability to mobilise and engage civil society."

In connection with this, the EESC President emphasized the role of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Parliament, the EESC and the Committee of the Regions as a model for the implementation of direct democracy. "Better regulation works hand in hand with a more democratic Europe that recognizes and includes the contribution of its citizens. With its new impact assessments, the EESC offers a strong and effective tool for EU leaders that helps to reach this objective", said the EESC president. President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz welcomed the much needed EESC input into the EU decision-making process, underlining that “the good co-operation between the European Parliament and the EESC is of the benefit of all Europeans, as we, the representatives of the people of Europe, are the eyes and ears of the EU, the only ones able to report on the practical implications of the EU legislation on the ground.”

On the critical issue of tax fraud and tax evasion, Schulz said: "The country where profit is made should be the country where tax is paid," recalling the EESC opinion adopted at this plenary on the role of taxation. The EESC opinion, in line with the European Parliament president's statement, calls for greater economic policy coordination in the European Semester that will help to "fight the recurring problem of harmful tax competition between member states, notably by reducing and harmonising the range of different taxes", according to Carlos Trias Pintó, EESC Rapporteur.

Calling for ambitious measures to pull Europe out of the crisis, Schulz said “the crisis in Europe will only be over when the 25 million unemployed Europeans have found a sustainable job”. Schulz pledged for the “return of the “community method”, with the European Parliament involved as co-legislator and touching on the 315 billion euro investment plan by the Commission, he insisted: “We cannot leave mountains of debt to our children; we must invest in the future.”

In the following debate, both Presidents agreed on the need to prioritize education, innovation, entrepreneurship and the shift to a sustainable economy in the Commission’s investment plan. Many EESC members welcomed the European Parliament support to better regulation and underlined the importance of the EP-EESC Co-operation Agreement.

Background

During a productive meeting held on 10 December with Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans, the first VP confirmed his will to develop a reinforced partnership with the EESC, notably in the work and implementation of a social Europe.

Detailing its inputs on the 10 points of the Commission's plan, the EESC has highlighted some shortcomings and proposed concrete solutions, notably on the internal market and on climate change policies.  On the much-debated 'social dumping' introduced by the Services Directive, the Committee proposes to investigate the application of the country of destination principle to working conditions and social rights.

Conscious of the big challenge posed by climate change, the EESC is calling for a radical shift towards innovative economic models, including efficient use of resources, better waste management and collaborative consumption.

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