The EESC presents an Action Plan for Europe - Five years to save the Union!
12 May 2014 10:32 AM
At a time when public trust in the European
Union has reached an all-time low of 31% and worries about unemployment and the
economic situation are dominating public debate, it is vital to respond not
with nationalism or populism but with genuine European
action.
At
its 498th plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted
its Action Plan for Europe. The plan focuses on
three pillars - an economic union, a social union, and a democratic and civic
union. This threefold focus highlights the weaknesses inherent in the European
Union as it currently operates and the action plan proposes ways forward on
each of the fronts:
- An economic union: the EESC
strongly believes that a genuine Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) must be
created a matter of urgency, since the EU's fundamental problems still
remain. Key cornerstones here include a joint European investment programme,
better coordination of fiscal policies, the creation of a common system of
automatic stabilizers and the completion of the single
market.
- A social union: economic growth has to
go hand in hand with social progress. Europe needs a stronger social
fundamental rights agenda and a comprehensive new social agenda. We need
a fair Europe.
- A democratic and civic union: to
support active citizenship and democratic innovation, the EESC is proposing
that a European Convention on Participatory Democracy and Active Citizenship be
held in 2015.
European action means a long-term and sustainable plan
for a better Europe. Its basic tenet is solidarity between Member States and
civil society. It therefore requires dialogue and interaction between
countries, civil society organisations, generations, groups and citizens.
"Solidarity is not a one-way street. Getting all Europeans on board is
ultimately a win-win situation for all." So said Cristian
Pirvulescu, a Romanian EESC member and rapporteur for the Action
Plan for Europe. "We need to give a clear and comprehensive response
to the European public's fears, outlining the necessary and sometimes
difficult steps ahead. With this year's elections in sight and a new
Commission in the offing, this is the right time to act. We have five years to
rebuild the European Union, to make it a competitive and fair place to live
that has at its heart the welfare of all
generations."
The
European Union is based on fundamental values that are indivisible and
universal – respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity and
diversity. These are the guarantors of peace. "Seventy years of peace
do not come by chance," said EESC president Henri Malosse, as he expressed his hope that the European
Action Plan would be the blueprint for the years ahead and the lynchpin by
which European priorities are set.
Related Documents
An Action Plan for Europe
Related Events
Plenary session of 29-30 April
2014