Brussels, 06/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - After debating enlargement with Commissioner Günter Verheugen and representatives of civil society from the candidate countries, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted opinions that had been included on its agenda (see EUROPE of 24 April, p.16), for example:
Youth policy. Own-initiative opinion by Gillian Hassett (Various Interests, Ireland) on the European Commission White Paper. The ESC calls on the Commission to design specific measures without delay and release the resources required for their implementation, guaranteeing the continuation of the open co-ordination method, and publish regular reports on the situation of young people in Europe. The European Convention should "examine in depth the … status of young people".
Household over-indebtedness. Own-initiative opinion by Manual Ataide Ferreira (Various Interests, Portugal). The ESC stresses need to harmonise various legal aspects, noting that over-indebtedness has spread throughout the EU and has arisen in candidate countries. It tends to be particularly serious following the opening of borders and cross-border trade.
SMEs in EU island regions. Own-initiative opinion by Nikolaos Vassilaras (Various Interests, Greece). The ESC plans to help draw up measures to enable SMEs to develop in island regions and draw the Commission's attention to the need to establish positive discrimination for ultraperipheral islands and regions.
Eastward enlargement of the EU and the forestry sector. Own-initiative opinion by Seppo Kallio (Various Interests, Finland), outlining the importance of forestry and the wood industry in the candidate countries. In a press release the ESC points out that the principle of subsidiarity must be respected in forestry after enlargement "since forests differ in their characteristics, both in the current EU15 and in the applicant countries".
ACP-EU partnership agreement. Own-initiative opinion by Ramon Baeza Sanjuan (Workers' Group, Spain). The ESC notes that the involvement of new players as provided for the in the Agreement raises a number of questions - various governments could make arbitrary choices, the lack of instruments to bind non-state players and uncertainty regarding their direct access to financial resources. The ESC proposes specific measures for the full participation of organised civil society in the furtherance of ACP-EU relations.
Common policy on illegal immigration. Own-initiative opinion by Spanish trade unionist Luis Miguel Pariza Castanos. The ESC believes a common policy on illegal immigration is needed as a necessary adjunct to a common immigration policy and new criminal provisions are required to increase penalties for human trafficking.