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

At the EESC plenary session, in the presence of Martin Schulz i, 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 sets out Europe's priorities for the year ahead. He welcomed the new Commission's determination to find ways to cut red tape, which has hobbled worthy initiatives in the past, and to actively involve civil society in EU policy-making.

"Introspection is to be left behind", said the EESC President, "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 emphasised 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 recognises 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.

Martin Schulz i, President of the European Parliament, welcomed the much needed EESC input into the EU decision-making process, underlining that “the good cooperation between the European Parliament and the EESC is of benefit to 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 EU legislation on the ground.”

On the critical issue of tax fraud and tax evasion, Mr Schulz stated that "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 EP 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, Mr Schulz said “the crisis in Europe will only be over when the 25 million unemployed Europeans have found a sustainable job”. Mr Schulz pledged the “return of the “Community method”, with the European Parliament involved as co-legislator” and, touching on the Commission's EUR 315 billion investment plan, he insisted: “we cannot leave mountains of debt to our children; we must invest in the future”.

In the debate which followed, both Presidents agreed on the need to prioritise education, innovation, entrepreneurship and the shift to a sustainable economy in the Commission’s investment plan.

Many EESC members welcomed the European Parliament's support for better regulation, and underlined the importance of the EP-EESC Cooperation Agreement.

Background

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

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  Detailing its input 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:
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  On the much debated "social dumping" introduced by the "Services Directive", the Committee proposes investigating the application of the "country of destination principle" to working conditions and social rights.
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  Conscious of the major 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.