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Document 52019IE0936
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)’
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)’
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)’
OJ C 228, 5.7.2019, p. 37–49
(BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)
5.7.2019 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 228/37 |
Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future (Sibiu and beyond)’
(2019/C 228/06)
Rapporteurs: Vladimíra DRBALOVÁ
Peter SCHMIDT
Yves SOMVILLE
Bureau decision |
16.10.2018 |
Legal basis |
Rule 29(2) of the Rules of Procedure |
Adopted at plenary |
20.3.2019 |
Plenary session No |
542 |
Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions) |
217/6/8 |
Listening to the citizens of Europe for a sustainable future
1. Introduction
1.1. |
The EESC is a bridge between the EU institutions and its citizens, through the diversity of its members, and as such would like to propose its ambitious vision for the future, with Europe becoming the global leader on sustainable development. |
1.2. |
The foundation of the European Union is one of the most successful peace, social and economic projects in European history. Our Europe was founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (1). These values must continue to be at the heart of the EU’s future development and policies. |
1.3. |
Seven decades of peace and stability in Europe is a historic and exceptional achievement. The European project and the construction of the European Union, which have created a union among the peoples of Europe and, step by step, tied European States together with a common purpose, have made this possible. This explains why the EU is still an attractive project for candidate countries and for countries participating in the EU neighbourhood policy. However, Europe must be prepared to face new geopolitical developments. The EESC should play a role in raising awareness of the fact that peace cannot be taken for granted forever. |
1.4. |
The single market in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions is at the core of European integration. Therefore it should be able to generate sustainable growth and innovation, attract investment and foster the sustainable competitiveness of its companies in globalised markets. However, it is also important to recognise that the positive impact of the single market has not spread evenly and that not all citizens are in a position to benefit from its wealth. |
1.5. |
Sustainable growth means that growth should be based not only on quantity but also — in fact even more — on quality, which means (i) no exploitation of the environment or of labour, (ii) fair living conditions, (iii) economic growth measured not only by annual flow, but also by stocks of wealth and their distribution, (iv) meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet, (v) developing economies that allow us to thrive, regardless of whether or not they grow, and (vi) a closed flow of income cycling between households, businesses, banks, government and trade, operating in a social and ecological way. Energy, materials, the natural world, human society, power, and the wealth we hold in common: all are missing from the current model. The unpaid work of carers — principally women — is ignored, though no economy could function without them (2). |
1.6. |
Sustainable competitiveness, meanwhile, is a model that balances economic prosperity, environmental issues and social inclusiveness. In this context, the sustainability-adjusted global competitiveness index needs to take into consideration two new dimensions — environmental and social (3). |
1.7. |
The four freedoms, namely the freedom of movement of products, citizens, services and capital, which together enable trade and economic development, employment, creativity and innovation, exchange of skills and development of infrastructure in remote areas, are the essence of Europe. Well-functioning economic freedoms and competition rules go hand in hand with fundamental social rights, but should not undermine them. |
1.8. |
Nevertheless, the EU is still facing exceptional internal and external economic, social, environmental and political challenges (4) that threaten its existence: protectionism in the single market, social inequalities, populism, nationalism and extremism (5), as well as major shifts on the geopolitical scene and major technological changes. |
1.9. |
The faster-changing climate, collapsing biodiversity, other environmental risks and the collective failure to deliver successful policies are also a vital threat to Europe’s population, economy and ecosystems. That is why we need a strong EU strategy for the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030. More equal societies have a better environmental record and a greater ability to become increasingly sustainable. |
1.10. |
There is a clear need to address the demand for quality jobs on the part of citizens all over Europe, especially in regions with high unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, or facing structural changes. This places an obligation on all — institutions, governments, social partners and other civil society organisations — to redefine a sustainable Europe to foster quality job creation. |
1.11. |
There is an urgent need to enhance access to the labour markets through a correlation between quality job creation and an enhanced education system to create adequate skillsets, for example by means of the dual system. |
1.12. |
The social and environmental dimensions are intertwined and the economy must be the enabler for social, economic and cultural renewal, not least through the promotion and development of key skills and greater diversification. The UN Agenda 2030 must encourage the private sector to contribute to the achievement of sustainable economic, social and environmental objectives, thereby fostering equitable and sustainable growth of wellbeing for all and the protection of social, human and labour rights (6). |
1.13. |
The cultural dimension, in all its diversity, of the European project also must be fully recognised in all EU policies. This involves understanding and promoting cultural heritage, integrating a cultural and creative dimension in education and supporting contemporary creation as a driver for cohesion and development. |
1.14. |
Sustainability is a forward-looking process which must be driven by strong political resolve and the determination to shape a sustainable European Union by shifting our economies towards a resilient and cooperative, resource-efficient, low-carbon and socially inclusive future (7), whereby the behaviours, actions and decisions of governments, companies, workers, citizens and consumers are driven by the realisation of their economic, environmental and social impacts in a responsible manner.
|
2. Peoples’ Europe
2.1. |
In the eyes of European citizens, Europe is perceived as being less and less of a solution, and more and more of a problem. Nationalism and protectionism are current threats. Faced with the loss of identity and values, and having neglected the cultural dimension of the European project, Europe is not managing to find answers that correspond to the level of local and global issues. |
2.2. |
Acknowledging citizens’ legitimate concerns and boosting their democratic participation, especially those of young people, are very important. Improving and reforming the existing EU participatory mechanisms and consultation processes is paramount. Youth issues are embedded within the European Pillar of Social Rights, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals, among others.
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3. Social Europe
3.1. |
The European Social Model should provide solid and fair protection for all citizens, while alleviating poverty and providing opportunities for everyone to thrive. Decent incomes should narrow the gap between the wealthy and disadvantaged and ensure quality living. Everyone should benefit from decent work standards, equality, improved wellbeing and decreased health disparities within and between countries and across generations. Social inclusion and protection, high-quality jobs, gender equality, good quality, affordable and accessible public health and health care, access to affordable and quality housing, environmental justice, high-quality public education and equal access to culture: these must be the main principles driving national and European political agendas.
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4. Sustainable Environment
4.1. |
Environmental risks continue to dominate the results of the annual Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS). This year, they accounted for three of the top five risks by likelihood and four by impact. Extreme weather was the risk of greatest concern, but survey respondents are increasingly worried about environmental policy failure: having fallen in the rankings after Paris, ‘failure of climate-change mitigation and adaptation’ jumped back up to second place in terms of impact this year (17). |
4.2. |
There will be no life, no jobs and no entrepreneurship on a dead planet. The collapse of biodiversity and climate change therefore mean that it is an absolute prerequisite for the EU to create high-quality jobs (18) and provide a solution beneficial to employers, workers and other representatives of civil society. Delaying adaptation, or not acting at all, could substantially increase the total cost of climate change (19) and its deadly impact on biodiversity, including humanity. |
4.3. |
The draft European Finance-Climate Pact has been in discussion for several years and is still being discussed. This Pact would allow the EU to maintain its leadership in sustainable development and in the fight against climate change (20).
|
5. European business as a stronger sustainable global leader
5.1. |
Business is an enabler for societal and environmental development, and sustainable competitiveness is a necessary pre-condition for companies to play their role in society. Companies are increasingly operating in a sustainable way, based on their own specific circumstances and resources and in collaboration with their stakeholders, to monitor, assess and report on the social, environmental, consumer protection and human rights impacts of their business operations. Europe therefore needs to take an approach in its policies that is in line with its ambition of becoming the global leader in sustainable development. There are already frontrunners among companies in Europe, but they have to be more ambitious and spread this sustainable mind-set across value chains, giving particular encouragement to SMEs. |
5.2. |
A multitude of new models are transforming the relationship between producers, distributors and consumers. Some of these new models (such as the functional economy, the sharing economy and responsible finance) seek to address other key challenges for people and the planet that are crucial for sustainable development, such as social justice, participatory governance and the conservation of resources and natural capital.
|
6. Free and Fair Trade
6.1. |
EU trade policy is a key factor that applies to the EU as a whole and indeed unites all its Member States. Trade policy has helped the EU to increase its prosperity through commercial exchanges with a wide range of partners. Today the EU is a leading force in world trade, with more than 30 million jobs linked to international commerce (25), a major role in the trade of services and significant trade surpluses in goods, for example with the USA (more than EUR 107,9 billion for the first 11 months of 2018). At the same time, the EU embodies and promotes, through trade, the values of social inclusion and environmental protection that are essential to shaping sustainable globalisation — in other words, a form of globalisation that will benefit not only large companies and investors, but also ordinary people, workers, farmers, consumers and SMEs. |
6.2. |
The EU aims to promote — multilaterally, bilaterally and unilaterally — a vision of trade policy that combines the traditional mercantilist approach to market access (tariffs and non-tariffs) with sustainable development goals in line with the fight against climate change. |
6.3. |
EU trade policy has strengthened the role of civil society during both the negotiation phase and the implementation phase thanks to the contributions of the Domestic Advisory Groups. The EESC supports the professionalisation of all organisations that enable citizens to have more say in determining the content of trade agreements and more control over trade partners’ compliance with ‘qualitative’ commitments and standards (26).
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7. Public goods and services
7.1. |
According to Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ‘Everyone has the right to access essential services of good quality, including water, sanitation, energy, transport, financial services and digital communications’ (28). These services cannot operate only according to common competition and market rules: specific rules are essential to ensure that every citizen has affordable access to these services, which are considered essential and are recognised as common values of the Union (29).
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8. Fair taxation
8.1. |
Tax policy in the EU has two components: direct taxation, which remains the sole responsibility of the Member States, and indirect taxation, which affects free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services in the single market. With regard to direct taxation, the EU has nevertheless established some harmonised standards for company and personal taxation, whilst Member States have taken joint measures to prevent tax avoidance and double taxation. Nevertheless, the EU must continue to promote a fair tax system that requires individuals and legal entities to pay tax on their income and profits proportionally. Concerning indirect taxation, the EU coordinates and harmonises law on value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties. It ensures that competition in the internal market is not distorted by variations in indirect taxation rates and by systems giving businesses in one country an unfair advantage over others. |
8.2. |
Lack of transparency, discrimination, distortion of competition and harmful tax practices increase economic inequalities and reduce investments and jobs, leading to social dissatisfaction, mistrust and a democratic deficit. This is why a fair EU taxation policy should be implemented in keeping, and not in contradiction, with the overarching strategy of sustainability in order to promote economic and social convergence, social cohesion and investment in sustainable development.
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9. Governance
9.1. |
Driving the transformation towards sustainable development requires a new governance approach and new rules and instruments, when defining and implementing EU policies. Sustainable development requires a holistic and cross-sector policy approach to ensure that economic, social and environmental challenges are addressed together.
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10. A comprehensive approach to migration policy
10.1. |
The debate on the future of a sustainable Europe cannot ignore Europe’s approach to migration. Demographic developments show that Europe will need migrants, their talent, skills and entrepreneurial potential. There is an urgent need to change the narrative and policies on migration based on closer cooperation with third countries, to ensure a rational debate on the basis of facts. Refugees and migrants should be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity for Europe’s economic and social model (37). For this we need a comprehensive approach and strategy for migration.
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11. The EU Budget
11.1. |
The EESC recognises the high European added value of the programmes where the Commission’s proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 concentrate the main increases in expenditure (R+D+I, Erasmus+). However, the Committee questions the fact that these increases are made at the cost of substantial cuts to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to cohesion policy and to the common agricultural policy (CAP), due to efforts to reduce the EU budget, which decreases from 1,16 % of the gross national income (GNI) of the EU-27 in the current budget, to only 1,11 % in the MFF post 2020. |
11.2. |
The EESC questions the proposed cuts in planned commitments for the CAP. These cuts will make it impossible to implement a model of sustainable rural development, a global objective of the new reform of the CAP, and other objectives included in the Commission’s recent communication on the future of food and agriculture. |
11.3. |
Unfortunately, the Commission’s proposal seems excessively geared towards preserving the status quo, and the EESC regrets the mismatch between the nature and scale of the new challenges facing the EU, and its ambitions, and the resources available to achieve them. |
11.4. |
People’s distrust of national and European democratic institutions is leading to the rise of political movements that question democratic values and principles and the EU itself. Some of these political movements are now part of some EU Member States’ governments.
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12. Communication
12.1. |
Even the most ambitious political concepts and programmes at EU level will not contribute to overcoming the existing gap between the Union and its citizens if they are not adequately communicated. |
12.2. |
This mismatch between initiatives, activities and decisions at EU level and their perception by its citizens leads to a vicious circle of uninformed or ill-informed citizens, with the consequence that populism is increasing in most of the Member States. At the same time, we are observing the emergence of anti-Europe sentiment on the part of some sectors of the population, something which undermines the continuing work on building the European project. |
12.3. |
Therefore, a comprehensive common communication strategy for all EU institutions, at all levels, including all civil society players, is urgently needed in order to combat this lack of information, as well as deliberately misleading information. |
12.4. |
An effective communication policy has to take the form of a real dialogue between those who provide the information and those who receive this information, to avoid a top-down approach. |
12.5. |
Substantial, credible and lively information on European topics helps to create awareness and to generate interest in European matters. |
12.6. |
The EESC, as a bridge between EU and its citizens and through its 350 members, should serve as a facilitator for such coordinated measures. The diversity of the EESC’s members is a major advantage in terms of getting into contact with a maximum of citizens everywhere in Europe. In particular, more attention should be paid to youth.
|
Brussels, 20 March 2019.
The President
of the European Economic and Social Committee
Luca JAHIER
(1) Treaty on the European Union, Article 2.
(2) This definition of sustainable growth comes from Kate Raworth, of Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute, and her concept of ‘doughnut economics’, a breakthrough alternative to growth economics, and the new sustainable economic model for the 21st century that could help end inequality — https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/
(3) This definition is based on the work of Sten Thore and Ruzanna Tarverdyan on sustainable competitiveness: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162516000664?via%3Dihub
(4) EESC Opinion of 18 October 2017 on ‘The transition towards a more sustainable European future’ (OJ C 81, 2.3.2018, p. 44).
(5) European Parliament Resolution of 25 October 2018 on ‘The rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe’.
(6) EESC Opinion of 7 December 2017 on ‘The core role of trade and investment in meeting and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 27).
(7) EESC Opinion of 21 September 2016 on ‘Sustainable development: a mapping of the EU’s internal and external policies’ (OJ C 487, 28.12.2016, p. 41).
(8) EESC Opinion of 14 November 2012 on Principles, procedures and action for the implementation of Articles 11(1) and 11(2) of the Lisbon Treaty (OJ C 11, 15.1.2013, p. 8).
(9) EESC Opinion of 13 July 2016 on The European Citizens’ Initiative (review) (OJ C 389, 21.10.2016, p. 35).
(10) Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on a European Union Work Plan for Youth for 2016-2018
Eurochild Child Participation Strategy of 5 April 2017
The UN Programme on Youth — Youth Participation in Development — Summary Guidelines for Development Partners.
(11) EESC Opinion of 18 October 2018 on the Communication from the Commission Engaging, connecting and empowering young people: a new EU Youth Strategy (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 142).
(12) EESC Opinion of 17 September 2015 on Improving the Lisbon Treaty (OJ C 13, 15.1.2016, p. 183).
(13) EESC Resolution of 5 July 2017 on the Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe and beyond (OJ C 345, 13.10.2017, p. 11).
(14) ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work — Work for a brighter future of 22 January 2019.
(15) EESC Opinion of 20 February 2019 on the communication from the Commission Annual Growth Survey 2019 — For a stronger Europe in the face of global uncertainty (OJ C 190, 5.6.2019, p. 24).
(16) European Commission Reflection Paper — Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030, of 30 January 2019.
(17) The Global Risk Report 2019 for the world economic forum — executive summary.
(18) EESC Opinion of 25 January 2017 on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 10).
(19) OECD — Report on The economic consequences of Climate Change of 2 September 2016.
(20) EESC Opinion of 17 October 2018 on the European Finance-Climate Pact (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 8).
(21) EESC Opinion of 2 July 2015 on The Paris Protocol — A blueprint for tackling global climate change beyond 2020 (OJ C 383, 17.11.2015, p. 74).
(22) EESC Opinion of 6 December 2017 on Civil society’s contribution to the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 18).
(23) EESC Opinion of 27 April 2016 on the Circular Economy Package (OJ C 264, 20.7.2016, p. 98).
(24) Manifesto for a Sustainable Europe for its Citizens of 28 September 2018.
(25) Communication from the Commission of 14 October 2015 on Trade for All.
(26) EESC Opinion of 23 January 2019 on The role of Domestic Advisory Groups in monitoring the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 28).
(27) EESC Opinion of 23 January 2019 on Reforming the WTO to adapt to developments in world trade (OJ C 159, 10.5.2019, p. 15).
(28) These services, which the Commission describes as ‘essential services’, and whose 20th principle does not provide an exhaustive list, fall under ‘services of general interest’ subject to public service obligations. The notion of ‘essential services’ does not exist in EU law, which deals only with public services (transport) and services of general interest (economic, non-economic).
(29) The EESC is currently drafting an own-initiative opinion For a better implementation of the Social Pillar, promoting essential services within the framework of the EESC contribution for the Sibiu Summit and beyond.
(30) EESC Opinion of 17 October 2018 on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ C 62, 15.2.2019, p. 165).
(31) EESC Opinion of 20 September 2017 on A favourable tax system for fair competition and growth (OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 18).
(32) See footnote 31.
(33) EESC Opinion of 20 September 2017 on a Common (Consolidated) Corporate Tax Base (OJ C 434, 15.12.2017, p. 58).
(34) EESC Opinion of 12 July 2018 on The taxation of profits of multinationals in the digital economy (OJ C 367, 10.10.2018, p. 73).
(35) See footnote 22.
(36) EESC Opinion of 7 December 2017 on the Advantages of the Community-led Local Development (CLLD) approach for integrated local and rural development (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 36).
(37) EESC Opinion of 12 December 2018 on The costs of non-immigration and non-integration (OJ C 110, 22.3.2019, p. 1).
(38) Final report and recommendations of the High Level Group on Own Resources on the Future financing of the EU — December 2016.
(39) EESC Opinion of 19 September 2018 on the Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 106).
ANNEX
The following amendments, which received at least a quarter of the votes cast, were rejected during the discussions (Rule 59(4) of the Rules of Procedure):
a) Point 1.5
Amend as follows:
Sustainable growth means that growth should be based not only on quantity but also — in fact even more — on quality, which means (i) no exploitation of the environment or of labour, (ii) fair living conditions, (iii) economic growth measured not only by annual flow, but also by stocks of wealth and their distribution, (iv) meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet, (v) developing economies that allow us to thrive, regardless of whether or not they grow, and (vi) a closed flow of income cycling between households, businesses, banks, government and trade, operating in a social and ecological way. Energy, materials, the natural world, human society, power, and the wealth we hold in common: all are missing from the current model. The unpaid work of carers — principally women — is ignored, though no economy could function without them. The concept of sustainable growth refers to growth that recognises not only economic but also social and environmental considerations. Different kinds of economic models have been presented in recent years, for example the ‘doughnut economics’ which aims at meeting the essential needs of all (based on 12 ‘social foundations’) within the means of the planet (defined by 9 ‘planetary boundaries’) Correspondingly, proposals have been made to measure growth with indicators going ‘beyond GDP’.
Reason
The objective is to clarify the fact the fact that the deleted text is not a commonly adopted definition of sustainable growth but refers to the economic model presented by Kate Raworth mentioned in the footnote. In fact, the text does not describe the core idea of this ‘Doughnut’ model either but mingles prerequisites, features, implications and measurement aspects related to it.
Result of the vote:
For |
: |
75 |
Against |
: |
132 |
Abstentions |
: |
11 |
b) Point 1.6
Amend as follows:
The concept of sustainable competitiveness, meanwhile, refers to is a model that balances economic prosperity, environmental issues and social inclusiveness. In this context,This is reflected e.g. in the sustainability-adjusted global competitiveness index by WEF.needs to take into consideration two new dimensions — environmental and social
Reason
The sustainability-adjusted competitiveness index specifically takes into consideration environmental and social dimensions.
Result of the vote:
For |
: |
64 |
Against |
: |
147 |
Abstentions |
: |
13 |
c) Box 1 (after point 1.14), 2nd bullet
Amend as follows:
Competitiveness and sustainability are not in opposition as long as social and environmental aspects are part and parcel of the valuation of products and services in the markets.definition of competitiveness. Competitiveness must not be defined only by quantity and pricing but preferably by also taking into account European values, quality and sustainability.
Reason
Competitiveness in the markets is not determined by definitions.
Result of the vote:
For |
: |
66 |
Against |
: |
148 |
Abstentions |
: |
9 |
d) Box 1 (after point 1.14), 5th bullet
Amend as follows:
European companies, workers, consumers and the whole civil society need to fulfil their role and their responsibilities and act as leaders in the eyes of the rest of the world with respect to sustainability.if the competitiveness and economic sustainability of our European system is redefined in respect of our one and only planet’s boundaries.
Reason
All civil society actors need to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. This holds true irrespective of definitions.
Result of the vote:
For |
: |
56 |
Against |
: |
138 |
Abstentions |
: |
9 |