October 2019 European Economic and Social Committee Diversity Europe

Diversity Europe Group’s Conference Boosting EU in competitiveness 3 pillars for sustainable growth © Shutterstock Foreword This issue:

Arno METZLER News from the Diversity p. 3 President of the Diversity Europe Group Europe Group

EU – UNSOLVED: Debating ‘New Role p. 6 where do we stand? Models for Societies in Europe’ Dear Colleagues, Highlights of the p. 6 September plenary There are challenging times ahead in session Brussels. The Liberal Professions in p. 8 is still unresolved, the EU acces- the age of digitalisation sion talks with the Western Balkans (Re- and artificial intelligence public of North Macedonia and Albania) have been voted down and there are still Structuring associational p. 8 questions pending regarding potential life at the EU level EU Commissioners. Group III at the WTO’s p. 9 All of this shows that we need clear structures, the best possible prepara- Public Forum tion of discussions and decision-making and no hidden agendas, behind the back games, vanity nor destruction. Partnership through p. 9 social entrepreneurship What we all request and deserve is a clear vision, EU leadership and cour- age. The EESC and we as GRIII in particular, are entitled to make this demand Empowering women p. 9 because during the elections to the we engaged our- through international selves and our organisations, in promoting a positive European vision to trade our fellow citizens and compatriots. We do not want to see all of this turned down for short term little games. The future of the p. 10 teaching profession How can we react? The future of the p. 11 I am strongly convinced that we can give good examples and advice, at the European retail sector same time as delivering our proposals and further communicating our posi- tion for a better, sustainable and non-populistic Europe. The upcoming visits Delivering rural well- p. 12 of European politicians to the EESC will give us a good opportunity to ex- being press this in the name of organised civil society. Group III Members p. 12 Yours sincerely working on new Opinions

Reflections on the EESC p. 13 Arno METZLER media seminar in Malaga President of the Diversity Europe Group Overview of our p. 14 Members’ work

News from the EESC’s p. 16 Categories

Meetings with national p. 16 OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER delegations 2 News from the Diversity Europe Group Overview of the Group III conference in Finland

On 16 September 2019, the Diversity Europe Group held a conference in Helsinki entitled: ‘Boosting EU competitiveness - 3 pillars for sustainable growth’. erstock © Shutt The main purpose of the event was to examine ways of increasing EU competitiveness through 3 pillars of sustainable growth: • Bioeconomy and climate neutral Europe • Digitalization • Infrastructure

But to what cost for farmers, forest- representatives - came together and actively involved in a genuine civil owners, industry, infrastructure debated openly issues and challenges dialogue, has a pivotal role to play in operators, public and private investors, ahead, as well as possible ways to making the transition possible. The research and technology institutes use the three pillars as leverage for EESC and the Diversity Europe Group in and consumers? EU competitiveness in the context particular, will without doubt continue of the transition to a climate- facilitating dialogue, building bridges Stakeholders from all those different neutral economy. The conference among civil society and towards the backgrounds – including institutional demonstrated that civil society, European Institutions.

https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/ boosting-eu-competitiveness-3-pillars-growth/presentations

Impressions of the event by our Finnish Members

Simo TIAINEN (FI) President of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners Member of the Diversity Europe Group

In my view, the subjects chosen reflected very well the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU. We were looking at increasing the EU’s competitiveness from the perspective of the three pillars of sustainable growth. Bioeconomy, Panel moderated by Mr Tiainen – Pillar I – Bioeconomy and Climate Neutral Europe digitalisation and infrastructure Salla AHONEN, Vice President, Sustainability, NESTE, Mr Simo TIAINEN, Member of the Diversity are all important themes, not only in Europe Group, Director of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, Juha NOUSIAINEN, Senior Vice President, Carbon-neutral Milkchain, Valio, terms of competitiveness, but also in Mindaugas MACIULEVIČIUS, Vice-president of the Diversity Europe Group DIVERSITY EUROPE 3 Impressions of the event by our Finnish Members

the transition to a carbon neutral economy. The wants the EU to be climate-neutral by 2050, a target that the EESC is of course fully supporting. It is hoped that all Member States will be able to agree on this goal in the very near future. In Finland, the government has set itself the goal of a carbon-neutral economy by 2035.

The bioeconomy was a special theme for me personally and I moderated the panel on this topic. Agriculture, waters and in Finland forests in particular, play a central role in the bioeconomy. Panel moderated by Mr Moisio – Pillar III – Infrastructure Farmers and forest owners are real Anna-Kaisa ITKONEN, Spokesperson for climate action and energy, European Commission players in the bioeconomy. Achieving Pasi MOISIO, Member of the Diversity Europe Group, Sabina LINDSTRÖM, Director-General of the Networks Department, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Jorma MÄNTYNEN, Director of the WSP Finland Ltd a carbon-neutral economy requires us Business and Logistics Unit to find alternatives to fossil fuels and other products in the fossil economy. Sustainably produced biomass plays Pirkko RAUNEMAA (FI) management. Now all Members, an important role in a climate-neutral Representative of the Council of Home even the city-dwellers, know that economy. In an emission-neutral Economics and Consumer Associations mechanical forest harvesting causes economy, biomass consumption is (KKN) damage to lower vegetation and much higher than at present. Member of the Diversity Europe Group that it takes years for the forest to recover and for the under flora to I am pleased that we were able to ‘Finland lives on wood’, so they say grow again! I think that the visits to secure high-level speakers at our in my country. So it was important the forest in South Finland and to the seminar. The discussions were topical to show colleagues from the other Knehtilä Farm, perfectly illustrated and interesting and the cooperation Member States what happens in the everyday challenges facing forest with the Finnish government and wood harvesting and to explain forest owners and farmers. parliament worked well! I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to present the story of the rise of women’s political, social and economic rights in Finland. The secret behind it was the political decision, as early as the mid-19th century, to allow girls to go to school, even in the distant countryside.

I was proud to be able to tell this story, which I hope will inspire many others. OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER

4 Finnish Women: Pioneers in Political, Following up on Economic and Social Equality our event with Finnish MEP During the dinner in the evening of 16 September, our Finnish Member Ms Raunemaa took the initiative to inform Members on the early evolution of the suffragette movement in Finland, which has progressively led to remarkable levels of gender equality in contemporary Finland. As early as 1906, Finnish women became the first in Europe to be granted the right to vote and in 1907, the 19 female Finnish MPs were the first in the world to be elected to parliament.

Today, the country stands fourth in the rankings of the 2018 ‘Global Gender Gap Index on Women’s Rights’ of the World Economic Forum. Moreover, women represent 32% of students Arno METZLER (President of the Diversity Europe studying mathematics and computer Group – GRIII – EESC) with MEP Elsi KATAINEN science and constitute 51% of the active workforce. These high levels Following on from the Group III of equality are maintained by the event in Finland, on 3 October ‘2016-19 Government Action Plan for Mr Metzler met with Finnish MEP Gender Equality’, which covers thirty Elsi Katainen at the European measures concerning working life, Parliament. equal pay, economic decision-making, reconciliation of work and family, They exchanged views on the bio- parenthood, education, men’s health economy, forestry management, and wellbeing, etc. jobs in rural areas and the way for- ward to the Green New Deal. However, as Ms Raunemaa highlighted countryside and in the cities in 1863 during her presentation, the reason and 1872 respectively. The relatively Moreover, it was also an opportu- for positive attitudes towards political, early access of girls to grammar nity for Mr Metzler to present the economic and social equality for schools and universities in Finland, study commissioned by our Group women may have their origins in also directly contributed to positive on populism outside metropolises. the historical specificities of the attitudes towards gender equality, country. As one of the provinces of in the economic, social and political Read the study: the Kingdom of for 600 years, spheres. https://www.eesc.europa.eu/ Finnish tax-paying women who were en/our-work/publications- members of guilds, were among those other-work/publications/ granted suffrage during the Swedish societies-outside- Age of Liberty (1718-1772). Similarly, metropolises-role-civil- as part of the Russian Empire (1809- society-organisations-facing- 1917), Finnish taxpaying women were populism-study granted municipal suffrage in the DIVERSITY EUROPE 5 UPCOMING EVENT Group III Debating New Role Models for Highlights of the September Plenary session Societies in Europe NEW PARLIAMENT, NEW On 12 November our Group will organ- COMMISSION - WHAT OUTLOOK ise a high level thematic conference FOR THE FUTURE OF EUROPE? on the topic of ’New Role Models for Societies in Europe’, which will bring European Parliament vice-presi- together grassroots civil society organ- dent, Klára Dobrev, presented the isations, academia, the social partners, Parliament’s focus for the 2019- the EU and national authorities. The ob- 2024 legislature. jective of this event is to launch a reflec- Arno METZLER (President of the Diversity Europe Group), Klára DOBREV (EP vice-president), tion on perceptions of roles within our Dilyana SLAVOVA (President of the REX Section, European societies. To explore wheth- Member of the Diversity Europe Group) er these perceptions are changing and what is influencing change. On behalf of the Diversity Europe Group, Mr Metzler highlighted the importance of maintaining an open exchange and good inter-institu- tional cooperation.

Ms Slavova focused on two main is- sues: the fight against populism and the collaboration on better communicating the EU. She also ‘A strong Europe clearly means a strong European mentioned the EESC Opinion on to economy and a strong social Europe that can protect th Europeans.’ the 10 anniversary of the Eastern Klára DOBREV, EP vice-president Partnership.

The Vice-President referred to pri- Mr Guerini called for the promotion As the EU Directive on Work-Life Balance ority files such as deepening the of democratic participation. ‘Democ- for Parents and Caregivers enters into the EMU, working on the European de- racy is under threat. We thank and transposition phase in Member States, posit insurance scheme being a support the European Parliament it is crucial for civil society to engage major missing piece in the Banking for its efforts in defending the Rule with national and European policy Union, coordinating social security of Law and ask not to forget parlia- makers to review work-life balance systems, the social and economic mentary intergroups’, he said. policies and legislation. What best consequences of climate change, in practices already exist in Member States addition to the fair minimum wage, Ms Cser pointed out the fact that the and under what conditions have they the European Social Fund + and the EESC represents civil society without emerged? What new proposals can be European Globalisation Adjust- political groups. made by civil society to reduce tensions ment Fund (EGF). between professional and family life? How to enable family carers to provide ‘We have to realise that our short quality and long-term care for those in political mandate will depend on our need? On 12 November, we will look long political commitment. We need at practical solutions and begin a to listen to European citizens and dialogue on how to ensure greater this is a common task of all the insti- equality of opportunities for all par- tutions. We need to hear their voice; ents and caregivers in contemporary they are asking for more security and Giuseppe GUERINI (Member of the Diversity Europe families. better living conditions’, she said. Group) Ágnes CSER (Member of the Diversity Europe Group) https://www.eesc.europa. eu/en/agenda/our-events/ OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER events/new-role-models- 6 societies-europe Highlights of the September Plenary session

EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN, sentative to the and EMILY O’REILLY GAVE HER Louka Katseli, Chair of the National INSIGHT INTO THE CHALLENGES Bank of , , and former FACING THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC Minister of Economy and Labour con- ADMINISTRATION AND HOW THEY tributed to the discussions. While Mr SHOULD BE ADDRESSED Saarenheimo and Mr Ebeke under- lined the importance of deepening Two Members of our Group, Messrs the capital market union and the Pater and Longo, addressed the - EMU, Ms Katseli focused on a roadm- Mindaugas MACIULEVIČIUS (Vice-President of the Diversity Europe Group), pean Ombudsman. ap for sustainable economic devel- opment. Mr Maciulevičius noted that Mr Pater put emphasis on the funda- bio-economy and circular economy mental right and on the fact that mil- strategies are directly correlated lions of EU voters with disabilities were with fighting climate change. He not able to cast their ballots at the elec- added that SMEs and rural communi- tions to the European Parliament. ties have a huge role to play and that the question relies on access to fi- Mr Longo commented that a lot re- nance. He suggested the solution of es- mains to be achieved, in order to re- tablishing a European Climate Bank. store the trust of citizens in the Euro- Evangelia KEKELEKI (Member of the Diversity Europe pean institutions and added that the Group) role of plays an important part in this process. In her intervention, Ms Kekeleki stat- ed that services of general interest should be included in the European Se- mester. She highlighted transparen- cy in implementation, combatting poverty and consumer protection. Etele BARÁTH (Member of the Diversity Europe Group)

Finally, Mr Baráth called for a new coordination of governance of the Eu- ropean Semester, taking advantage of Krzysztof PATER (Member of the Diversity Europe Group) - Antonio LONGO (Member of the Diversity the opportunities represented by a new Europe Group) Commission, the comprehensive post- 2020 strategy and the new focus on sustainable development. The rappor- DEBATING ECONOMIC AND teur of the EESC Opinion ‘The Euro- SOCIAL POLICIES AT THE EU Krzysztof BALON (Vice-President of the Diversity Europe pean Semester and Cohesion Policy’ LEVEL, THE EMU AND THE Group), (ECO 495), stressed the importance EUROPEAN SEMESTER Mr Balon took the floor and explained of a specific cooperation agreement that the European Semester and so- between the EC and the Committee On the second day of the plenary, cial scoreboard are key instruments. on the Semester process. He added Vice-President of the European He added that the social scoreboard that an EESC ‘one-stop-shop’ could be Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, should monitor and target all rights set up, with information on the prepa- launched the debate. Tsuomas Saar- and principles of the European Pillar ration and implementation of the Se- enheimo Finnish Permanent Un- of Social Rights. Moreover, he called mester. Indeed, the decision to place der-Secretary for International and for the establishment of an EU so- the European Semester Group within Financial Market Affairs, Christian cial policy forum, exchanges of best the structure of the Committee’s ECO Ebeke, IMF Acting Resident Repre- practices and social programmes. Section, was a first step in this direction. DIVERSITY EUROPE

7 UPCOMING EVENT The Liberal Professions in the Structuring Associational Age of Digitalisation and Artificial Life at the EU Level Intelligence During the meeting of the Group Mr Roirant concluded his presenta- in Brussels on 25 September, a tion by explaining the close working debate took place on ‘Structuring relations between local national and Associational Life at the EU Level’, federal associations of NGOs, with Eu- with presentations by the two co- ropean thematic platforms, networks Spokespersons of the EESC Category and representative platforms. ‘Associational Life’, Messrs Roirant and Trantina. Mr Trantina, also co-Spokesperson of the Category ‘Associational Life’, Mr Roirant outlined the historical evo- recalled that this Category has lution of European level associations, emerged from the EESC informal noting that past attempts to agree on club of NGOs. The objectives of the a single terminology for ‘Associations’, Category include: ‘NGOs’ or ‘Charities’ have not been suc- cessful. The only singular definition of • Recognising the role and place of NGOs that has been adopted is that of all NGOs and civil associations as the European Commission in the 1997 civil society actors; The 5th edition of the Day of the Communication “Promoting the Role Liberal Professions organised of Voluntary organisations and Foun- • Promoting and defending the by the EESC’s Liberal Professions dations in Europe”. freedom to associate in all Category will be held at the EESC Member States, in cooperation on 13 November 2019. The event, The speaker informed Members that with the Fundamental Rights and entitled ‘Trust in Liberal Profes- the first EU level sectoral platforms the Rule of Law Group of the EESC. sions in the Age of Digitalisation were COFACE Families Europe (1958) and Artificial Intelligence’, aims and the EU Consumer Organisation The co-Spokesperson informed the to gain fresh insight into the im- BEUC (1962). However, following Members that at its first meeting in pact of artificial intelligence on the the active engagement of numerous 2019, the Category discussed the exercise of professional services civic actors and a timely interest by awareness raising campaigns of and on clients’ and patients’ rights. key EC officials, opportunities for networks of associations and NGOs, The discussions will be animated dialogue arose in the newly created in relation to the elections to the by numerous representatives of ‘EC Stakeholder Forums’. Moreover, European Parliament. Two further the liberal professions from both subsequent to the establishment meetings are foreseen this year, on the the national and European level, of the Social Platform in 1995, civic topics ‘Policy Debate on EU Support to as well as academic experts on the actors have progressively structured Women’s Rights Associations’ and ‘The topic. The day’s discussions will be along both sectoral and cross-sectoral State of Art in Civic Association Life’. divided into three panels covering: lines, leading to the creation of the The latter will be co-organised with Civil Society Contact Group (2002) and the European Civil Forum and Civil • Consumers’ protection, the EESC Liaison Group (2004). More Society Europe. healthcare and digital health systematic cross-sectoral cooperation • Skills and training has developed following the ECI • Regulation Campaign in 2006, the numerous NGO Forums within the context of Presidencies of the Council of the EU and the ‘European Year of Volunteering https://www.eesc.europa. 2011 Alliance’ in particular. eu/en/agenda/our-events/ events/day-liberal- OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER professions-2019 8 GROUP III MEMBERS in the spotlight playing a key role

Group III at the WTO’s Partnership for Social the ecosystem of social enterprises” Public Forum Entrepreneurship – the states the resolution. role of municipalities, The EESC was represented by a delega- Dilyana SLAVOVA (BG) tion of three Members. As our Group III President of the REX Section cities and regions Member and coordinator of the NGO Member of the Diversity Europe Group Roman HAKEN (CZ) Development Platform, Mr Roman The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest Director of the Centre for Community Haken commented during the event: annual outreach event. It provides a Work (CpKP) in Central Moravia “Little is known about the importance unique platform for Heads of State, Member of the Czech government’s of municipalities, cities and regions. We Parliamentarians, leading global busi- Committee for the EU for non-profit believe that the good practice presented ness people, students, academics and NGOs by the Pardubice Region, which has its non-governmental organizations, to Coordinator of the Platform for the own subsidy program to support social come together and debate a wide Development of non-profit NGOs entrepreneurship, will also inspire other range of WTO issues, including some of (Platforma rozvoje NNO) in the Czech regions.” the major trade and development top- Republic ics of the day. The main theme of this Member of the Diversity Europe Group Other EU participants included the year’s forum was ‘Trading Forward: President of the European Committee Adapting to a Changing World’. On 5 September a high level confer- of the Regions and representatives of ence took place in Prague entitled the European Commission. In the framework of the Public Forum, ‘Partnership for Social Entrepre- the REX Section organised an event on neurship – The Role of Municipali- the topic “Adapting the WTO to recent ties, Cities and Regions’. The event Empowering Women trends: building coherence between was organised by the NGO Develop- trade and sustainable development”. ment Platform and Spiralis, in part- through International Our Group III Members at the event, nership with the Prague City Hall and Trade: Time for Action Mr Arno Metzler and Ms Dilyana Slavo- Česká spořitelna. va, focused on an inclusive vision of Dilyana SLAVOVA (BG) trade, based on consultation with The more than 130 participants adopt- President of the REX Section civil society and respect for basic ed a resolution on the promotion of Member of the Diversity Europe Group democratic and social values. social entrepreneurship in the . Among other, the resolu- The most recent analysis by the Euro- tion calls on the government to use pean Commission1 reveals that in 2017 social entrepreneurship to create exports are more important than ever, new jobs for those who lose their supporting 36 million jobs in the EU. jobs due to digitalization and the Women occupy less than two fifths of transition to Industry 4.0 and Work those. Globally, women lead only 15% 4.0. “It is necessary for the state ad- of exporting companies. ministration to start preparing for this situation already and to support The conference “Trade for Her. Empowering Women through International Trade - challenges and solutions” on 30 September was hosted by the EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. The event tried to find out how to 1 The “EU Exports to the World: Effects on Employment” and “EU Exports to the World: Effects on Income” can achieve greater involvement of

be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in- women in international trade, in the DIVERSITY EUROPE focus/trade-and-jobs/ 9 GROUP III MEMBERS in the spotlight playing a key role

EU and beyond. Panelists included connected three million women to prominent well known speakers markets and would represent a signif- such as: Arancha González, Executive icant accomplishment in global efforts Director, International Trade Centre, to support female economic empower- Roberto Azevêdo, Director General, ment. World Trade Organization, Guy Ryder, Director General, International Labour We should never forget that gender Organization, Vera Songwe, Executive equality is one of the EU’s founding Secretary of the United Nations principles. It is up to us as civil soci- Economic Commission for Africa, etc. Vera SONGWE (Executive Secretary of the UN Economic ety to come together and show that Commission for Africa), the issue is high in the EU agenda. Dilyana SLAVOVA (President of the REX Section, High-level representatives from in- Member of the Diversity Europe Group – GRIII – EESC) Through trade, we can help spread ternational organizations, govern- these values beyond our borders. To ments, businesses and civil society Declaration on Women and Trade, achieve this we need to engage in a shared their experiences, views and which seeks to remove barriers to, and constructive debate to ensure that ideas on women in trade in four the- foster, women’s economic empower- we can tackle these issues in Europe matic panels: ment. The work is still ongoing. and beyond. • Empowering women through international trade – challenges It is well-known that women play a and solutions major role in the global economy. They The future of the • Barriers for women to trade in invest more in their families than men, Europe and beyond creating a secure foundation for the teaching profession – • Enhancing opportunities for future. So empowering women eco- or rather the future of women in trade – what role for nomically, especially through their in- educators? business? volvement in trade, creates job oppor- • Looking for synergies – The tunities for everyone. Pavel TRANTINA (CZ) role of other policy areas in EU Relations and Project Manager at empowering women There are a number of challenges that the Czech Council of Children and Youth women face in doing business world- Vice-President of the Diversity Europe wide. Today there still remain clear Group structural barriers that stop women making the most of the possibilities The EESC Diversity Europe Group afforded by international trade. These Vice-President, Pavel Trantina, was in- include lack of information, access to vited by Commissioner Navracsics to finance, discrimination in public pro- speak at the ‘2nd European Education curement policies, or difficulties that Summit’, which took place in Brus- women face in getting access to capital. sels on 26 September. Addressing the topic ‘Teachers first: excellence and

Cecilia MALMSTRÖM (Trade Commissioner), What are the solutions? It is time for ac- prestige for the European Education Dilyana SLAVOVA (President of the REX Section, tion, for translating our ideas into real A r e a ’, Mr Trantina highlighted the fol- Member of the Diversity Europe Group – GRIII – EESC) activities. We need concrete proposals lowing (extract from speech): Empowering Women through Inter- how to change the things. national Trade started in Buenos Aires “I am not a teacher, but come from the when WTO members and observers An interesting and innovative idea is non-formal educational sector, which endorsed a collective initiative to in- the International Trade Centre’s SheT- is finally getting more attention, as it is crease the participation of women in rades initiative – a scheme to support complementary to the formal/school trade. In order to help women reach the integration of female entrepre- education. And I see many similarities their full potential in the world econo- neurs into global value chains. between the work of teachers and my, 120 WTO members and observers youth leaders, which will only grow in

OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER agreed to support the Buenos Aires By 2021, the initiative hopes to have the future. 10 But first, let’s have a look at how the members Emmanuelle Butaud, Group I learning environment is likely to de- and Ferre Wyckmans, Group II. velop: “school” will take many forms, sometime it will be self-organised. The hearing was a very lively event, Learning will no longer be defined by with some criticism expressed and a time and place – and it will become constructive approach adopted. There learner-centred. was consensus among the partici- pants about the objectives set out in What will be the role of teachers or the Commission’s communication. better educators in this changing envi- aspire to become the Minister of mag- The retail sector needs to respond to ronment? The educators will add many ic. Instead, he concentrated on edu- the changes that are occurring – in- new roles in their portfolio – learning cating Hogwarts students - with love, cluding through e-commerce – and pathway designer, competency track- understanding and support of young to the demands of today’s consumers. er, data-steward or social innovation people’s competences. Only thanks However, this is a considerable chal- portfolio director, to name but a few. to that, Dumbledore’s Army of good lenge, especially for SMEs. Demand could defeat the evil army of “You- for practical information, guidance, What are the necessary compe- know-who”. assistance with financing logistics and tences of future educators? They a database of good practices came to will need new, constantly updated the fore. As regards competition, there adaptive and technical skills (such Hearing with Belgian were repeated calls for a genuinely lev- as reflection, communication or el playing field within and outside the management of blended learn- stakeholders on EESC’s EU. Moreover, there is an urgent need ing), qualities (grit, transparency Opinion on the future for EU-wide measures to foster proper and collaboration) and changing of the European retail conduct in relations between business- mind-sets (new vision for teaching sector es, including through more balanced and learning, orientation towards franchise contracts. The EESC was asked change and improvement). to undertake an own-initiative opinion Ronny LANNOO (BE) on this topic. The EESC opinion under General Adviser, Belgian Union of Self- Expectations are developing and in- discussion also received considerable Employed Entrepreneurs, SMEs and creasing, which means that teachers’ support. Among other things, partici- liberal professionals and educators’ ADAPTABILITY will pants welcomed its proposal to draw Member of the Diversity Europe Group need to be strengthened. As the EESC up a coherent and feasible retail action has said several times already, school On 26 September, 33 retail represent- plan, together with the relevant civil so- and other life-long learning providers atives attended the Belgian hearing ciety organisations, considering this an will need to work hand in hand to pro- following the EESC’s opinion on A Eu- essential step. vide this learner-centred approach and ropean retail sector fit for the 21st to make the most of all the education century. The participants included The hearing in was the last and learning that an individual receives. representatives of SME organisations, in the series. Earlier hearings were consumer organisations, trade unions held in , and Finland. Are we preparing the teachers well and retail consultants, as well as stake- enough for the future reality of learn- holders from a wide spectrum of the It was striking how similar the main ing (not teaching, but learning, be- retail trade, including supermarkets, concerns were in all of the countries in cause it is about changing of the per- hypermarkets, electrical goods retail- spective)? I doubt so. ers, fashion retailers, and booksellers. A representative of the European Com- Yes, it is tiring and sometimes frustrat- mission’s DG GROW also attended the ing, that is why teachers deserve our meeting. The participants were briefed support. After all, do you know why on the opinion by rapporteur Ronny professor Dumbledore was one of the Lannoo, Group III, co rapporteur Gerar- greatest wizards of all time? He did not do Larghi, Group II, and study group DIVERSITY EUROPE 11 GROUP III MEMBERS in the spotlight playing a key role

this highly competitive sector, which is communities fit for all ages’. During experiencing huge change. A summary his presentation, he put the emphasis report is now being drawn up and for- on 3 EESC opinions: NAT/661 on Rural warded, inter alia, to the new European Development Programmes, NAT/738 Commission, for further consideration. on the Contribution of rural areas to the 2018 EYCH and NAT/698 on Vil- rea). The major aim of the event was lages and small towns as catalysts for 12th OECD Rural to share practices from across the rural development. Moreover, he pre- world on how rural policies can sup- sented the work done by the European Development port rural business to embrace new Network for Rural Development, the Conference – technologies, access global mar- highlights of the Manifesto ‘Empow- Delivering Rural Well- kets, and mobilise rural assets such ering Young Farmers & Rural Youth’ Being ! as renewable energy, natural resources, and he provided the audience with land and know-how, in order to create concrete examples of apprenticeships jobs. This was also a momentum to and circular economy. Tom JONES (UK) launch the Manifesto ‘Rural 3.0.’. The Farmer conference was followed by a field trip Vice-President of the Wales Council for to the Wanju province to demonstrate Voluntary Action (WCVA) local approaches to rural develop- Member of the Diversity Europe Group ment and well-being. The 12th OECD Rural Development Conference took place over two days On 25th September Mr Jones took part (24-26 September) in Seoul (South Ko- as a speaker in the panel entitled ‘Rural

Rural 3.0.: https://www.oecd.org/rural/rural-development-conference/documents/Rural-3.0-Policy-Highlights.pdf NAT/661: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/rural-development- programmes NAT/738: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/contribution-europes-rural- areas-2018-year-cultural-heritage NAT/698: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/villages-and-small-towns- catalysts-rural-development

GROUP III MEMBERS working on new opinions

Antonio LONGO (IT) is the rapporteur of the study group Marina ŠKRABALO (HR) is the rapporteur of the study for the opinion “A Single Market for All” – INT/892 group for the opinion “The effects of campaign on partic- ipation in political decision-making” – SOC/630 Kinga JOÓ (HU) is the president of the study group for the opinion “Demographic challenges in the EU in light of eco- Toni VIDAN (HR) is the rapporteur of the study group for nomic and development inequalities” – SOC/628 the opinion “Financing the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy and the Challenges in Financing Climate Change Pavel TRANTINA (CZ) is the co-rapporteur of the study Adaptation” – NAT/778 group for the opinion “Sustainable funding for lifelong learning and development of skills, in a context of a short-

OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER age of skilled labour” – SOC/629 12 REFLEXION CORNER

Reflections on the EESC media seminar in Malaga

Jan DIRX (NL) Liaison officer for the Groene11 (Green11) Dutch nature and environmental organisations Member of the Diversity Europe Group

The press and democracy

“A democratic society can only function them with the real story of what the EU is A somewhat more optimistic note was struck properly if journalism in that society and what it means. “A democracy cannot by Mar Cabra, who among other things sits is free and professional.” This was just operate in an information vacuum”, she on the board of the Global Editors Network one of the very valuable comments made said: “the vacuum quickly gets filled with (https://www.globaleditorsnetwork. during the 2019 media seminar on The populism.” The European Commission org/). She explained how the network role of civil society in communicating even has its own dedicated website to was responding to the changing media the European Union, held in Malaga counter myths about the EU spread in the landscape in order to continue being on 10 and 11 October 2019. The UK. The site lists hundreds of statements, able to offer high-quality independent seminar was organised by EESC vice- and when you scroll through them you journalism. It was crucial, she said, for president Isabel Caño Aguilar and sometimes do not know whether to laugh investigative journalists to work together her team, together with the Faculty or cry (see https://blogs.ec.europa.eu/ with data analysts and computer experts: of Communication Sciences at the ECintheUK/euromyths-a-z-index/). there was so much information available University of Malaga, and it was a great in the digital world, and it was much success. The wide range of speakers (25 Pauline Adès-Mével, spokeswoman for Re- easier for whistle-blowers to provide large in total, 12 men and 13 women, young porters Without Borders (https://rsf.org/), amounts of information if it was available and old, from a number of different set out some shocking figures on the num- digitally. It was with this kind of diverse professional disciplines) generated some ber of journalists who had disappeared or team that she had, for example, played an very interesting reflections and engaging been killed, held hostage or threatened in important role in publishing the Panama discussions. And since almost all of the recent years, or who needed protection Papers, for which she had received a speakers stuck to their allotted speaking to live their normal lives. And these trag- number of awards, including the Pulitzer time, there was ample opportunity for the edies occur not just in conflict regions and Prize. She also highlighted the importance attendees – including journalism students warzones, but also in EU Member States. of international cooperation on major from the University of Malaga – to be They mostly affect journalists investigat- investigations, because it made it much actively involved in the discussions. The ing high-level political corruption or the harder to impede an investigation by seminar covered far more than I can do criminal underworld (and sometimes a thwarting individual journalists. And there justice to in this short article, so I will just combination of the two). is no more effective way of tackling abuses focus on the panel on the journalistic side than exposing them to the general public. of communications. A number of contributors pointed out that She added that it was important to have as journalism was not only under pressure wide a range of funding sources as possible This panel, which put the spotlight on the from these kinds of harassment and worse, (such as foundations, businesses and relationship between democracy and the but other factors were also important. For individuals), in order to remain financially press, was introduced by Jane Morrice, example, originally non-media-related independent. a member of the EESC’s Diversity Europe corporations are playing an ever greater Group from Northern Ireland. Ms Morrice, financial role in the media world, with the Everyone involved left with plenty of food who has experience in both journalism result that journalistic interests are being for further thought and discussion, after a and politics, talked about the importance pushed into the background by business day and a half in beautiful Malaga. It’s cer- and necessity of continuously nourishing interests. In a number of countries there is tainly worth visiting on holiday, and only the public debate with accurate and clear increasing political pressure on the media 22 hours from Brussels by train. information, and, she added, of doing so to reflect government positions or party with passion and a dash of humour. She interests, often tied in with reductions or Jan Dirx argued that, during the Brexit referen- increases in subsidies. And in the new fast- dum campaign, the Remain camp had not paced online media world, pressure from done enough to expose the falsehoods publishers to get results quickly presents a DIVERSITY EUROPE told by Brexit supporters and to counter threat to good journalism. 13 Overview of our Members’ Work in the EESC

INT/880TEN/694 - -Blockchain New institutional and distributed of sustainability. Many businesses are ac- framework for energy and climate tually ahead of the policies. Policy needs to ledger technology as an ideal in- create the stable environment and certainty frastructurepolicy by 2025 for the social economy to ensure best practice becomes common (own-initiative opinion) practice. Baiba MILTOVIČA (LV) • calls for all existing EU policy and budg- InternationalThe EESC: and EU Affairs Adviser of the etary/financial frameworks and tools •Latvian Nationalsupports Association the activities for Consumer pro - such as the European Semester, Bet- posedProtection by (LPIAA) the European Commission ter Regulation and MFF to be urgently Vice-President of the Diversity Europe Group aligned with the achievement of the to develop a European Blockchain © Shutterstock SDGs. New tools, such as measures of “dis- ThePartnership, EESC: starting with the EU implementation of the Pillar and the tance to targets” and new indicators should Blockchain• welcomes the Observatory proposal to use and the passerelle Forum. enforcement of existing social rights also be developed. • clauses wouldto establish encourage a qualified the instimajority- and standards. Fundamental needs and in the Council and a co-decision system rights especially of vulnerable groups, Press Release: https://europa.eu/!Qc79UJ tutionswith the to European facilitate Parliament the involvement. disparities of opportunities, income and of• could civil playsociety an important organisations role in insupport the - wealth within and between MS, inclusion NAT/764 - Developing synergies Observatorying the trilogue and. European Block- policies and appropriate conditions for • considers that efficient governance of the public and not-for-profit-services and so- across different circular economy chainclimate Partnership and energy strategy and greater cial enterprises should be addressed as a roadmaps • coherencebelieves in EU thatlegislation social onecono energy- priority. mytaxation organisations should take can into help account promote the con - • provides an update on the progress made Cillian LOHAN (IE) greatercerns of and European informed businesses, awareness workers and at EU level on the measures adopted and CEO of Green Economy Foundation, nominated other stakeholders, including consumers. instruments available, divided into the of the potential of blockchain, with by the Irish Environmental Pillar • calls on the EU when using qualified ma- three main areas of the EPSR – equal oppor- Member of the Diversity Europe Group thejority aim voting, of maintaining to remain committed a high level to the tunities and access to labour market, fair ofsubsidiarity transparency principle and involvingand, in areas all where working conditions and social protection The EESC: it does not have exclusive competence, con- and inclusion – and puts forward proposals Europeans in the development that • encourages the incoming Commission in centrate on areas in which shared objec- for the next steps. 2019 to ensure that the broadening of the thesetives new cannot technologies be achieved moremay effectivebring - circular economy concept is reflected in ly at national, regional or local level. NAT/760 - Reflection Paper any new circular economy package. ‘Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030’

Cillian LOHAN (IE) CEO of Green Economy Foundation, nominated by the Irish Environmental Pillar Member of the Diversity Europe Group

© Shutterstock The EESC: • calls on the Commission to move beyond SOC/614 - European Pillar of Social GDP growth policy. The use of GDP as a Rights implementation: evaluation measure of prosperity ignores important elements of social and environmental costs and recommendations for the © Shutterstock and benefits. future • recognises that there are leaders within • supports a stakeholder-led initiative, the business community on integration and encourages stakeholders to identify Bernd SCHLÜTER (DE) and signal the practical barriers faced Board member of the Federal Association of by civil society in driving the circular Non-Statutory Welfare Services (BAGFW), economy agenda. The European Circular Lawyer Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) Member of the Diversity Europe Group is ideally placed for this, working with the secretariat to propose solutions to such bar- The EESC: riers. • has consistently advocated upward conver- • identifies obvious barriers to achieving gence and a more effective social policy a circular economy, despite the successes at both EU and Member State levels. The to date. These include political, public per- European Social Model (ESM) should also be spective, infrastructural governance and strengthened and updated as an interna- financial barriers. The ECESP must flag up tional reference. any other barriers when proposing solutions • has already called for a clear and coordi- to policy-makers. nated roadmap setting priorities for the OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER

14 The complete texts of all EESC opinions are available in various language versions on the Committee’s website: EESC Opinions by Group III rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs Overview of our Members’ Work in the EESC adopted at the Plenary of September 2019

REX/520 - 10 years of Eastern creating an EU instrument that can deal Partnership: reflecting on with such political situations and crises in the future. However, it should only be for achievements and shaping the exceptional situations and be decided for- future mally, case by case. • welcomes the increase in the advance Dilyana SLAVOVA (BG) payments from the current level of 10% President of the REX Section of the expected amount to 25%, but more Member of the Diversity Europe Group needs to be done so that the response is rap- id and effective. © Shutterstock • considers that the Commission should pay • calls on the Member States to ratify Inter- particular attention to small and medi- national Labour Organization (ILO) Con- um-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they are vention No 188, providing the necessary the most vulnerable to the challenges of resources for it to be transposed into nation- Brexit. The EESC: al legislation and applied effectively and, • calls for the newly-elected European Par- where appropriate, delegating inspection REX/521 - International Trade and liament and the European Commission to and document issuance functions to classifi- Tourism – A Global Agenda for fully commit to the cation societies, given the current problems (EaP). in coordinating these functions in some Sustainable Development • commits to remaining highly involved in countries. building stronger and more democratic Alfred GAJDOSIK (AT) societies in the neighbouring countries. ECO/501 - Modification of the Vice-chair of the Austrian Federal Group of • identifies major challenges ahead within Solidarity Fund – No Deal Brexit Christian Trade Unionists (FCG) the EaP: effective implementation of AA/ Board member of the Austrian Trade Union DCFTA and other related commitments, Federation (ÖGB) strengthening the rule of law, the imple- Ioannis VARDAKASTANIS (EL) Chair of the -Tunisia Friendship mentation of judicial reforms and the President of the Greek National Confederation of Association, vice-chair of the Austrian Safety fight against corruption; further protecting Disabled People (NCDP) and Security Board (Kuratorium Sicheres the environment and actively tackling cli- President of the European Disability Forum (EDF) Österreich, KSÖ) mate change; increasing societal resilience Treasurer of the International Disability Alliance Mandate for the Consumer Protection by countering hybrid threats and disinfor- (IDA) Association (VKI) mation; strengthening the environment for Member of the Economic and Social Council of Vice-President of the Diversity Europe Group civil society and a free and independent me- Greece (OKE) dia; and stepping up EU engagement to help Member of the Greek National Commission for The EESC: improve the lives of citizens affected by Human Rights (EEDA) • proposes that the stakeholders responsi- the conflicts in the region. Vice-President of the Diversity Europe Group ble in the economic sectors concerned be explicitly involved in achieving the SDGs NAT/776 - Social dimension of through relevant statements of commitment. • draws attention to the importance of fi- fisheries nancial planning for implementing po- litical priorities and underlines the signif- Gabriel SARRÓ IPARRAGUIRRE (ES) icance of budgets as the most efficient Representative of the Spanish Fishing means of implementing policy. • calls for consideration to be given to the im-

Confederation (CEAPE) © Shutterstock Member of the Diversity Europe Group portance of tourism, not least by revising the The EESC: latest proposal for the 2021-2027 multian- The EESC: • believes that the principles of solidari- nual financial framework (MFF) to incorpo- • recommends ensuring legislative con- ty and are essential to the rate a separate budget line for tourism. sistency between measures to conserve functioning of the European Union. It is • calls for measures to harmonise or recog- marine biological resources and standards important, therefore, that in the event of the nise training, professional standards and of maritime safety and working conditions. leaving the EU without an vocational qualifications in tourism, that • urges the European Commission to include agreement on 31 October, all Member States consolidate efforts to introduce a Europe- in its work programme a proposal for a stay united and face the consequences and an vocational qualifications passport and directive to incorporate the Internation- challenges of this decision together. promote lifelong learning in tourism. al Maritime Organization’s International • strongly believes that the Commission Convention on Standards of Training, should take all the necessary steps to en- Certification and Watchkeeping for sure that the extension of the scope does Fishing Vessel Personnel into the acquis not lead to a situation that would put at communautaire in order to guarantee har- risk the ability of the EU Solidarity Fund monised training and certification stand- (EUSF) to respond to unforeseen events ards and enhanced maritime safety in the connected with natural disasters fishing sector. • proposes that the Commission considers © Shutterstock DIVERSITY EUROPE

http://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions 15 OUR GROUP’S STRENGTH

FARMERS’ CATEGORY CONSUMERS AND ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY On 2 October the Farmers’ Category held its third meeting of the year, welcoming On 15 October, the Consumers and MEP Norbert Lins, Chairman of the Environment Category organised a Panel 1 – Expectations and positions of civil European Parliament’s AGRI Committee. Public event entitled ‘New EU goals and society Mr Lins informed Members on the first policies for sustainable development Bernardo HERNÁNDEZ BATALLER, Secretary-general, Parliamentary hearing of the candidate - Joint perspective of consumers Association of Communication Users (AUC); member of the Spanish Consumers’ and Users’ Council (CCU), for Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Janusz and environmentalists’, with some Co-spokesperson of the Consumers & Environment Wojciechowski and outlined the AGRI 50 participants. The half-day event Category Committee’s priorities over the next firstly addressed the‘Expectations and Toni VIDAN, Head of the energy programme, five years. Namely the completion positions of civil society and the public’, Green Action/Friends of the Earth - civil society organisation for environmental protection. of the reform of the CAP and Brexit. toward the implementation of sustainable Co-spokesperson of the Consumers & Environment Subsequently, Mr Schilthuis (Unit ‘Policy development, with key speakers including Category Perspectives’, DG Agriculture and Rural Jeremy Wates, Secretary General Jeremy WATES (Secretary General, European Development, European Commission) of European Environment Bureau Environmental Bureau) Dimitri VERGNE (BEUC, Senior Sustainable Transport gave an update on progress on CAP, (EEB). Almost all speakers stressed Officer) particularly implementation, strategic the importance of rapidly adopting Mladen DOMAZET (Institute for Political Ecology, plans and transitional measures. more sustainable products, responsible Croatian national representative) consumption and circular economy Alejandro SALCEDO AZNAL (Coordinator for Consumer Affairs, Regional Council of Castille-La-Mancha) SOCIAL ECONOMY CATEGORY patterns. Reactions to these proposals Niko HUMALISTO (University of Eastern Finland, Felm were expressed by representatives of (member NGO of Fingo) On 14 October the Social Economy the European Commission, including Ms Category held its third and final meeting Marie-Paule Benassi, acting Director at for the year. Two principal topics DG Justice and Consumers. The ensuing were discussed. Firstly, the ongoing lively debate concluded with words of our campaign to relaunch the Social Member, Arnaud Schwartz: “Less talk Economy Intergroup of the European more rock: it’s high time for action”. Parliament, with an update by Mr Pereau, Member of the board of directors https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/ of Social Economy Europe and Secretary agenda/our-events/events/new- Panel 2 – Representatives of the EU institutions General of ConcertES. Secondly, European eu-goals-and-policies-sustainable- Marie-Paule BENASSI (Acting Director – European Commission – JUST.DDF.E) financing to the social economy at the development-joint-perspective- Claudia HAHN (Policy Officer responsible for SDGs - national level. consumers-and-environmentalists European Commission – ENV.F.1)

Meeting with the Latvian and Lithuanian delegations On 26 September Mr Metzler met with the Latvian and Lithuanian delegations. They discussed topics such as gender-balance, energy poverty, economic and social well-being of the EU citizens and upcoming projects of the group. They also shared their vision on the future of the EU. 26 September – Mindaugas MACIULEVIČIUS, Indrė VAREIKYTĖ, Arno METZLER, Baiba MILTOVIČA, Vitas MAČIULIS

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Editors of this edition: Susanna Baizou, Isabelle Henin, Fausta Secretariat of the Diversity Europe Group, Print Palombelli, Enrica Nardello, Irina Jancova, Brigitte Carmosin, European Economic and Social Committee, QE-AG-19-008-EN-C Lukas Jovanovic 99 Rue Belliard, 1040 Brussels ISSN 2467-4451 Editor in Chief: Marc Beffort Tel. +32 (0)2 546 8893 Web QE-AG-19-008-EN-N THE EESC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL WEBSITES ISSN 2467-446X © European Union, 2019 • Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. For any use or reproduction of the ”photos” and “illustrations”, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holder(s). EESC-2019-75-EN