Brussels, 19/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - At the July plenary session (see EUROPE 9224), with Margot Wallström in attendance, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted, an opinion on the Commission White Paper on a communication policy (rapporteur: Jillian Van Turnout, Group III, Ireland). The Committee firmly opposed the adoption of a new Charter or new Code of Conduct, and argued for a proper legal basis. It stressed, too, the need for closer cooperation between the Commission and Committee members at decentralised level and urged Member States to place greater emphasis on a common vision and positive messages, particularly through civic education. Opening the debate, EESC President Anne-Marie Sigmund said that the communication on Europe was one of the main political priorities of her Presidency. Ms Wallström acknowledged the role of the Committee and its innovative actions in communication. “The Committee is a key stakeholder with a prominent role to play when it comes to putting the ideas contained in the White Paper into practice. Its members are decentralised communicators par excellence,” she said, adding “As representatives of trade unions, employers and employees as well as organised civil society, you have the perfect profile to help the Commission implement its new approach to 'going local'”. Ms Wallström recognised, however, that the Commission had to work more closely with EESC members in the various countries of the EU.