Assessment of EU policy implementation in EU Member States in practical terms. Launch of an EESC observatory survey in the European construction sector

Following the new agreement signed this week with the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions, the EESC's Single Market Observatory (SMO) has launched a survey on the implementation of the Services Directive in the construction sector. This work will produce a realistic snapshot of the situation on the ground to underline practical examples of inconsistencies regarding this European policy in order to enable the Members of Parliament to improve the directive.

On 5 February, the EESC's president, Henri Malosse, signed a cooperation agreement with the presidents of the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions. Among the various components, this new collaboration includes impact assessments for European legislation. The results will be submitted systematically to the European Parliament with information and relevant materials from civil society concerning how existing legislation and spending programs are applied, how effective they are and what shortcomings need to be taken into account in revising legislation and EU policy.

"In the agenda for the European elections, it was essential to start with the services directive in order to convince European citizens that Europe can hear them and be a part of the solution to their everyday problems" declared Mr. Malosse.

The Single Market Observatory launched its field work in selected Member States in December 2013. "The observatory follows a strict agenda but always with the goal of high quality results", says Anna-Maria Darmanin president of the SMO. "The idea is to produce a qualitative picture of the situation on the ground and to improve the various existing proposals."

The first results should be presented to experts on 3 April. A public presentation is scheduled for 29 April, for the EESC plenary.