The Austrian social partners have always actively promoted Austria's integration into the EU and they have repeatedly stressed their commitment to European integration. From an economic and social point of view, comprehensive participation on an equal footing by Austria in the process of uniting Europe makes sense, and it is a key element of the way Austria sees itself in political terms.
9 Nov 2012
President Staffan Nilsson participated on 8-9 November 2012 in the annual meeting of the Presidents and Secretary Generals of national ESCs and the EESC in Dublin. Representatives from 16 EU countries and the EESC gathered to debate on the labour market and welfare/benefits reforms.
At its plenary session of 14 and 15 November 2012 (meeting of 15 November), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted this resolution, stating that, in light of the ongoing crises, the EU must restore trust in a dynamic growth model and in the legitimacy of its decision-making process. We must build a strong, sustainable, social and competitive Europe
The International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) Board meeting took place in Seoul. The EESC was represented by president Staffan Nilsson. The Korean Prime Minister welcomed the AICESIS Board along with representatives from Federation of Korean Trade Unions and Korea Employers Federation.
485th Plenary Session with statements by the EESC President Mr Staffan Nilsson and by Ms Birgitta Ohlsson, Swedish Minister for European affairs, democracy and consumers | Award ceremony for the 2012 EESC civil society prize
The award ceremony of the 5th EESC Civil Society Prize
took place today, 12 December, during the Committee's 485th plenary session.
2012 EESC Civil Society Prize
Rewarding excellence in civil society initiatives
Theme of the 2012 prize:
Innovate for a sustainable Europe!
The Jury of the EESC Civil Society Prize has announced the winners of the 2012 edition, under the theme 'Innovate for a sustainable Europe!', and has decided to award the prize to the following organisations:
1. Transition Network (United Kingdom)
2. CAIS Association (Portugal)
3. Livstycket (Sweden)
10 Dec 2012
Some have questioned why the EU has been awarded the Peace Prize just now, when people all over Europe are protesting against what they see as the EU's strict austerity requirements.
12 Dec 2012
Anna-Maria Darmanin talks with Luca Jahier about the EESC's opinion on Participatory Democracy (Articles 11(1) and 11(2) of the Lisbon treaty)
Luca Jahier is President of the national management committee of ACLI (Christian associations of Italian workers) and head of the international relations department.
He is member of the EESC since 2002.
The European Economic and Social Committee is following up on its engagement to "bring Rio home". On 18 December the EESC will be organising together with the European Commission a public hearing in order to enhance the impact of theCommission's ongoing consultation on the EU follow-up to Rio+20 by giving civil society representatives the opportunity to discuss statements related to the questions raised in the consultation.
18 Dec 2012
The European Economic and Social Committee and the European Commission are jointly organising a public hearing on "The achievements and future prospects of the Millennium Development Goals: Input from civil society". The hearing will be held at the EESC, room JDE51 on 18 December from 9.30 a.m. until 1.00 p.m.
