Brussels, 04/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - During its plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted an own-initiative opinion by Eva Belabed (Director of the European Policy Department at High Austria's Chamber of workers and employees) on "Transatlantic dialogue- how to improve transatlantic relations". According to a press release, this opinion states that the Committee recommends the reinforcement and extension of civil society links between America and Europe, with a view to regular and permanent co-operation and the creation of a transatlantic Economic and Social Committee. The Committee suggests its use as a forum to promote dialogue and meetings between parties on either side of the Atlantic. Eva Belabed believes that it is important to systematise dialogue which already exists between consumers, unions and employers, bringing them together as one dialogue. For this reason, the EESC is proposing the creation of a transatlantic civil society forum or consultative council.