Brussels, 25/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Lisbon strategy, sustainable development, consumer policy 2002-06, research, the financial participation of salaried workers will be at the centre of the work of the Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) plenary session on 26-27 February in Brussels under the Presidency of Roger Briesch. On Thursday, the President of the Committee of the Regions, Albert Bore, will give a low-down on the relations between the two assemblies and the EESC will be called on to adopt a resolution on the "European Spring Council and the Lisbon Strategy". EESC President, Roger Briesch will report back on his visit to Montevideo in the context of Mercosur and Brazil's inauguration into the Economic and Social Development Council in Brasilia(see EUROPE 18 February p 18).
In the course of this session, the EESC is expected to adopt an own-initiative opinion on the "Lisbon Strategy and sustainable development: the real challenge" (rapporteur: Mr Ehnmark, Workers Group, Sweden; co-rapporteur: Mr Ribbe, Various Activities Group.
In this opinion, the EESC regrets that sustainable development has not always been entirely integrated into the Lisbon Strategy.
The EESC is thus requesting at the Spring Summit to "firmly re-establish sustainable development as an overarching objective for the EU" and considers that it is necessary to go forward on the three points: more vigorous support for private and public investment in new and clean technology; improvements in the quality of work; wider debate on the issues of unsustainable production and consumption patterns.
The EESC is proposing that the Summit launch a coherent action in the EU leading to lower dependence on fossil fuels.
The EESC is all so going to give its opinion on the following legislative proposals and Commission communications:
1) Commission's Strategy for Consumer Policy 2002-2006 (rapporteur: Ms Davidson, Various Interests, United Kingdom): the EESC is particularly worried by the fact that accession countries may have transposed EU legislation but may not yet have the infrastructure to enforce it. it is calling for the speedy implementation of the e-commerce directive which is "needed to protect consumers purchasing goods and services on-line". The EESC is urging the Commission to "establish a plan to fully support carefully targeted campaigns to enhance public awareness of consumer safety".
2) More Research for Europe - Towards 3% of GDP (Ms Seirkeinen, Employers Groups, Finland): the EESC underlines that "particularly in times of an economic slow-down, research and development should be seen as an investment and not a cost".
3) Detergents (Mr Adams, Various Interests, UK): the EESC is calling for: 1) a clear commitmen to banning substances that cause excessive harm to the environment; 2) the communication of the general environmental impact characteristics of a product. The level of biodegradability should be indicated as a percentage on the product's label; 3) consumer education (via labelling and advertising) on the correct use of detergents in terms of damage, in order to eliminate the overuse of detergents.
4) Financial Participation of Workers (Mr Sepi, Workers Group, Italy): the EESC underlines the importance of the taking into account of this principle "with company governance in terms of growth and improved transparency with European companies".
5) European Research Area: strengthening, re-orientating and opening up new perspectives -advantages for the EEA (Mr Wolf, Various Interests, Germany): the EESC recommends new measures for promoting research, coordination and networking and underlines the "fundamental importance of adequate mobility for scientists and researchers".
The EESC is expected to adopt opinions on the drug precursors, airline insurance, Official inspections/Animal products destined for human consumption, Erasmus World, Compensation for victims of crime and civil responsibility: circulation of motor vehicles.