Official Internal Document Di Ces112-2007 Fin Di En

The activities of the European Economic and Social Committee during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union______DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… EN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE – A BRIDGE BETWEEN EUROPE AND ORGANISED CIVIL SOCIETYThe European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. The EESC´s consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations they represent, to participate in the Community decision–making process. With views occasionally being diametrically opposed, the EESC's discussions often require real negotiations involving not only the usual social partners, i.e. employers (Group I) and employees (Group II), but also - and this is the distinguishing feature of the EESC - all the other socio-occupational interests represented (Group III). This expertise, these discussions and negotiations and the search for convergence may improve the quality and credibility of the Community decision-making process, inasmuch as they make it more comprehensible and acceptable for Europe's citizens and increase the transparency which is so vital for democracy. Within the European institutional set–up, the EESC fulfils a specific role; it is the prime forum in which the organisations of civil society in the European Union can have their views represented and discussed. As a debating and consultative chamber, the EESC helps to strengthen the democratic credentials of the process of building the European Union, including the promotion of relations between the EU and socio-economic groupings in third countries. In so doing it helps to promote a genuine identification with Europe.THE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONThe Council of the European Union brings together ministerial representatives of the governments of the EU Member States, meeting in various formations according to the policy area under discussion. The Council's legislative and political decisions are prepared by a large number of specialised working parties and are fed up through the Permanent Representatives Committee to the Council itself. Member State governments take it in turn to chair the Council's various meetings and to represent the Council vis-à-vis the EU's other institutions and the European Union vis-à-vis the larger world. These presidencies of the Council of the European Union traditionally establish a set of broad political priorities and a work programme. Slovenia holds the Presidency for the first half of 2008. Its priorities can be found at http://www.eu2008.si.This publication sets out some of the major activities of the European Economic and Social Committee during the period of the January-June 2008 Slovenian Presidency. CONTENTSIntroduction by President Dimitriadis 1Activities of the European Economic and Social Committee during 3 the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European UnionCommunicating Europe 3Organised civil society, the Reform Treaty and the future of Europe 4The renewed Lisbon Strategy 5Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion 6Single Market, Production and Consumption 10Single Market Observatory 11Employment and Social Policy 12Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment, Sustainable Development 14Sustainable Development Observatory 15Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society 15Industrial Change 17Europe in the World 19Priorities for the Slovenian Presidency of the Council, January-June 2008 23The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) 27The Economic and Social Council of Slovenia 29Some Basic Facts about Slovenia 33The Slovenian members of the European Economic and Social Committee 35Programme of Events in 2008 37DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 1 -INTRODUCTION BY PRESIDENT DIMITRIADISThe Slovenian Presidency of the Council, which will begin on 1 January 2008, can count, as all its predecessors, on the close cooperation of the European Economic and Social Committee and the knowledge that it gathers and shares through its members and the numerous organisations they represent. I warmly welcome this Presidency which is the first held by one of the 10 + 2 latest EU Member States, the only one so far that has achieved to become part of the Euro-zone. A special conference of the EESC in collaboration with the Commission will be dedicated to the "Success of the Euro". As my mandate as President of the EESC stands under the leitmotiv "Entrepreneurship with a human face", I am particularly interested in the Action Plan on sustainable industrial policy to be discussed at the Spring Summit. The EESC will fully support the efforts of the Presidency to bring to a positive result the ratification process of the Reform Treaty. It will continue to contribute to broad topical issues such as the renewed Lisbon Strategy and sustainable development, with a special attention to energy efficient andDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 2 - low greenhouse-gas emitting economy. I see this as a challenge and opportunities for the EU R&D industry policy and specifically for the creation and growth of SMEs. The EESC will organise a meeting of its Bureau in Slovenia during the Presidency. In addition to this, a joint conference with the Economic and Social Council of Slovenia – on a theme to be determined – is also scheduled.The EESC more than welcomes the fact that the Presidency has made intercultural dialogue a priority on its agenda as 2008 is dedicated to this subject. I believe that this is a subject that is of utmost importance and will require more and more attention in the future. I would be happy if an important conference addressing also the interreligious dialogue could be organised during the Slovenian Presidency.External relations will be another important field of action and policy making. The next EU-Balkan Civil Society Forum will be organised in Ljubljana in June 2008, for which the support of the Presidency is expected. Also, I intend to continue strengthening ties between the national Economic and Social Councils in Europe. I want to bring the EU closer to the citizens, who must realise that the EU is not only "Brussels". The citizens are important actors of the EU. More generally, the EESC will continue in fully taking part in implementing the "Communicating Europe" strategy. And last but not least, at the end of May 2008, the EESC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first Plenary Session.Contact: Mr Roberto Hayder, Head of President's Private Office (+32.2.546.97.41; [email protected])** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 3 -ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE DURING THE SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONCOMMUNICATING EUROPEAt President Dimitriadis' insistence, and under the scrutiny of the EESC's Communication Group, chaired by Vice-President Jillian van Turnhout, the European Economic and Social Committee will continue to pursue its role as a committed player in the EU communication context during the Slovenian Presidency. - The EESC will give special attention to facing globalisation, including the challenges of growth and jobs, climate change and energy.- It will focus on external relations and the intercultural dialogue. - It will work to help boost the communication partnership with the other European institutions, in line with the latest communication by the European Commission, in order to listen, and communicate Europe with one voice, and to respond better to the public's expectations on the information front.- In the same interinstitutional context, the EESC will actively participate in communication efforts for the intergovernmental conference and the new Reform Treaty (the Lisbon Treaty). - Lastly, the EESC will seek to implement in practice the addendum on communication appended to the November 2005 European Commission-EESC protocol of cooperation, signed in May 2007. That addendum puts the focus on decentralised cooperation and synergies with the European Commission in the area of communication.The EESC will continue to implement the operational recommendations contained in its opinions on "Plan D" and the White Paper. Everybody agrees that Europe/the European process should be closer to Europe's citizens. EESC members, through their privileged relationship with and knowledge of civil society organisations, can play an important role in this process at local, national and European level. The EESC will continue its ongoing search for solutions to bridge the gap between the EU and organised civil society, not least by using new information and communication technologies. The target groups are the other EU institutions, the national economic and social councils, national administrations and those organisations providing members to the EESC. The EESC will also continue with its traditional interinstitutional dialogue on communication matters, for example by taking part in the IGI meetings chaired jointly by the Commission and the European Parliament and the meetings of the Council Working Party on Information chaired by the EU CouncilDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 4 -Secretariat. The EESC will ensure an appropriate follow-up to the Commission's October 2007 paper on Communicating Europe in Partnership. The EESC will also be celebrating its own fiftieth anniversary in May 2008. A special commemorative plenary session will be organised in May 2008. Other activities will take place throughout the year using a special anniversary logo.Contact: Mr Peter Lindvald Nielsen (+32.2.546.98.88; [email protected])ORGANISED CIVIL SOCIETY, THE REFORM TREATY AND THE FUTURE OF EUROPEThe EESC endorsed the content of the Reform Treaty as it preserves the main achievements of the Constitutional Treaty, which it had strongly supported, and is a step forward in ensuring more effective and democratic institutions in an enlarged Union, and equipping the EU with the wherewithal to meet the challenges facing it, particularly in the areas of the social model, globalisation, climate change, energy supply, immigration issues and the fight against poverty and social exclusion. However, the Committee very much regrets that the IGC has not provided the opportunity for a broad and transparent debate or the degree of civil society involvement needed to re- launch the European integration process and to reduce the hazards of the ratification process.Doubts can be expressed also as to whether the new treaty reflects genuine agreement among the 27 on the fundamentals of a new raison d'être for the EU and on a common vision of its future mission and of the policies to be pursued. This is why the Committee believes that a new consensus still needs to be built regarding the EU´s future role, and policies need to be drawn up and implemented which will give the public tangible results and meet their expectations, bearing witness to the fact that European integration is still a project for the future which younger generations, in particular, who have not been directly confronted with the integration process of recent decades, will be able to support.In this perspective, the participation of civil society in EU policy-shaping and decision-making processes – participatory democracy – is a key instrument which not only reinforces the democratic legitimacy of the European institutions and the EU's work, but also has an equally essential role to play in facilitating the emergence of a new consensus on the goals of European integration.That is why the inclusion, in the new treaty, of provisions which will make participatory democracy a reality are key to ensuring that all players are involved in shaping EU policies, thus reinforcing the role of civil society, and of its representative organisations and institutions, in EU policies and processes.In that context and in line with its institutional role, the task of the EESC will be to provide support during the period of ratification of the Reform Treaty by contributing to the promotion of a transparent and unbiased debate with citizens in the Member States in cooperation with national and European civil society organisations and national Economic and Social Councils. The objectives of that debate would be not only to inform civil society about the content and advances of the new treaty, DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 5 - but also to foster greater involvement and participation by civil society in the European project at every level.The EESC is determined, therefore, to continue with its initiatives, in close cooperation with the EU institutions and all other civil society players, with a view to contributing, on the one hand, to creating a real European public space of dialogue and debate and, on the other, to instilling new impetus into the European project built on a forward-looking vision of the future of Europe for its citizens.Contact: Mr Patrick Fève (+32.2.546.96.16; [email protected])THE RENEWED LISBON STRATEGYSince the Lisbon Strategy was launched by the European heads of state and government in Lisbon in 2000, the EESC has always considered this to be one of the most important projects for Europe. The summary report on the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy in the Member States, which was drawn up by the EESC and the national ESCs and similar institutions for the Spring 2006 European Council, was a great success. It was followed by a new explicit request from the European Council of 23 and 24 March 2006, of which the presidency conclusions (point 12) state that:"12. Member States have made real efforts to involve national parliaments and representatives from regional and local authorities as well as social partners and other stakeholders of the civil society in the formulation of their NRPs (national reform programmes). [The European Council] also welcomes the initiatives taken up by the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee to increase the ownership on Community level. It encourages the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions to continue their work and asks for summary reports in support of the Partnership for growth and employment in early 2008."The EESC therefore decided in June 2006 to set up a "Lisbon Group on the Renewed Lisbon Strategy – Spring 2006-Spring 2008", with a view to drawing up a new summary report for Spring 2008 in close cooperation with representatives of national ESCs and similar organisations representing civil society.In order to provide a well-founded thematic basis for the summary report, the EESC adopted four own-initiative opinions on the priority areas set by the March 2006 European Council: Investment in knowledge and innovation  Business potential, especially of SMEs  Employment of priority categories  An Energy Policy for Europe.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 6 -These opinions feature contributions from the national level with respect to these priority areas that were drawn-up by national ESCs.The summary report for the Spring Summit 2008 will thematically be based on those four opinions. It will underline the need to strengthen involvement of organised civil society in the implementation process in the Member States. The aim will be to identify the key measures and best practice in implementing the renewed Lisbon Strategy ensuring that the momentum is maintained in all of the pillars of the partnership for growth and jobs. Following an introduction adopted by the EESC as an own-initiative opinion, the report will feature 27 national contributions prepared under the responsibility of the respective national ESC or other partner organisations. It will also contain a contribution from European civil society organised in the EESC-Liaison group.The summary report will be presented to policy makers and the wider public at a high-level conference on 7 and 8 February.Contact: Mr Gilbert Marchlewitz (+32.2.546.93.58; [email protected]) Mr Juri Soosaar (+32.2.546.96.28; [email protected])ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COHESIONECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNIONBroad Economic Policy Guidelines, European Monetary Union and the EuroIn 2008 the Economic and Monetary Union celebrates its 10th anniversary. Life with the Single Currency during the past decade has confirmed the manifest advantages that the Euro, as a symbol of a shared European identity, has brought about in the Euro area and the European Union. The EESC will highlight the advantages and benefits of the Euro in an own-initiative opinion that will be presented at a high-level conference taking place on 14 and 15 April 2008. The conference will involve the Slovenian Presidency as well as other EU institutions and organisations of civil society.2008 will also mark the year for the beginning of a new three-year cycle of implementing reform under the Lisbon Strategy objectives. The Broad Economy Policy Guidelines as part of the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs are the key instrument of economic policy coordination focussing on the contribution of economic policies to higher growth and more jobs. The EESC has expressed its views in several own-initiative opinions and will update its recommendations in an own-initiative opinion on economic policy coordination and the new Treaty of Lisbon.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 7 -Although the statistics relating to the harmonised consumer price index (HCPI) point to the fact that the level of inflation fell considerably during the third phase of the preparation of EMU and that it has since remained at a historically low level, a large majority of Europeans take the view that responsibility for the difficulties being experienced by their respective national economies lies with the Euro and they believe that the adoption of the Euro has led to inflationary pressures which have cut their purchasing power. The EESC will draw up an own-initiative opinion to provide a better explanation of the way in which inflation has developed and of the reasons for the persistent discrepancy between the level of inflation as perceived by the general public and actual inflation. Where appropriate, the opinion will put forward recommendations designed to bring about the level of transparency required in order to promote a better understanding of the influence which the single currency has on the everyday life of Europeans and to make it possible to fine-tune monetary policy, in particular.Contact: Mr Gilbert Marchlewitz (+32.2.546.93.58; [email protected])Own resourcesIn 2008 the Commission is to issue a proposal so that the Council can launch (in 2009) negotiations between the 27 Member States and between the Community institutions to evaluate the EU's own resources system and the financing arrangements for Community activities. As a starting point, the Commission has published a public consultation paper. The EESC is preparing an own-initiative opinion, EU budgetary reform and future financing, thus contributing to the debate on budget review. The EESC expects to deliver the opinion by April 2008.Contact: Mr Juri Soosaar (+32.2.546.96.28; [email protected])TaxationThe EESC expects to be consulted on several taxation issues during the fourth quarter of 2007, among others on a technical adaptation of the VAT directive; on the modernisation of VAT provisions relating to financial services including insurance; on the common system for excise duty, on the holding, movement and monitoring of excise goods; and on the application of anti-abuse measures in the area of direct taxation.The Commission is planning to consult the EESC on the progress report on anti-fraud measures in the field of VAT, on which subject the EESC delivered an opinion in an earlier phase.In its opinion on VAT rates other than standard rates the EESC will look at the communication of the Commission reassuming the study carried out by Copenhagen Economics on the impact of reduced rates and at the potential policy options. The contribution of the EESC is expected in the first quarter of 2008.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 8 -Contact: Mr Siegfried Jantscher (+32.2.546.82.87; siegfried.jantscher @eesc.europa.eu)ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COHESIONThe Fourth report on economic and social cohesion adopted by the Commission in May 2007, stands at the interface between two programming periods. In its opinion adopted during the second half of 2007, the EESC took the opportunity to ascertain how cohesion policy has helped to create prosperity and jobs in Europe and whether, in the 2007-2013 programming period, this policy will be able to equip the European regions to cope with future challenges. In the opinion, the Committee rapporteur, Mr Olivier Derruine (Group II - Belgium) discusses, on the basis of the information provided by the Commission, the main factors believed to contribute to reducing socio-economic and regional disparities, without overlooking the impact of cohesion policy on other Community and national policies and their interdependence. The EESC's opinion has thus been able to make a major contribution to the consultation process launched by the Commission with the fourth report and help shape the new overall approach to EU cohesion policy.The Committee opinion, which will be adopted at the December 2007 plenary session, towards the end of the Portuguese Presidency, will be distributed to the European institutions and other stakeholders during the Slovenian Presidency. Contact: Mr Marco Thyssen (+32.2.546.84.11; [email protected])Outermost regionsThe European Union's "outermost regions" are situated in France, Spain and Portugal. These regions dispose of a special status as laid down in the EC Treaty under Article 299(2), which was introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam.In 2004, the European Commission launched a specific and genuine European strategy to support its outermost regions (ORs) based on three pillars, namely: address & reduce the accessibility deficit of ORs; render them more competitive; and strengthen their regional integration.As a result, the general situation of ORs in the Union has greatly improved.In its communication, the Commission launches an open debate on the longer-term future of the Union's ORs strategy in view of a number of new challenges with which the EU will be faced, such as demographic evolution, or climate change. The EESC will contribute to this discussion through its opinion for this referral.Contact: Mr Marco Thyssen (+32.2.546..84.11; [email protected])DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 9 -Cohesion and growth for island regionsIn this own-initiative opinion, the section will look into the specific place of islands against the background of the recently launched discussion on the future of the internal market.Islands have always been looking at how to evolve within the internal market by anticipating future changes. Islands are vulnerable territories, because of their specific, insular nature, and because they cannot rely on their domestic markets which are too small to ensure a fully-fledged, sustainable economy. Island companies, which are predominantly SMEs, need to sell their products and services on the European mainland. However, accessibility and single-activity difficulties restrict their competitiveness. The Committee will explore a number of novel approaches and ideas, for instance the possibility:- to enhance cooperation between Member States having islands; and - to improve their specific situation in the context of the new future of the EU.Contact: Mr Marco Thyssen (+32.2.546..84.11; [email protected])Territorial cohesionThrough its opinions, the Committee had an input into the drafting of the Leipzig Charter on urban development and into the Territorial Agenda, and is now prepared to take part in the debate on how these are to be implemented. The Committee eagerly awaits the Commission's proposals on territorial cohesion which should be published during the first half of 2008.Contact: Mr Alberto Allende (+32.2.546.96.79; [email protected])Sub-committee on t he role of the EU in the Northern Ireland peace processThe ECO Section, together with the Unit for Relations with Civil Society/Future of Europe, acts as the sub-committee's secretariat. The sub-committee will meet three times during the first half of 2008. The aim of this initiative is two-fold. Firstly, to tell the relatively ‘unsung’ story of EU support for the Northern Ireland peace process and to see what lessons can be drawn from the work that has been done in this area. Secondly, to draw up a ‘tool-kit’ of the methods used by the EU to promote peace and reconciliation, for application in other areas of conflict, if appropriate. The work will also serve to increase awareness of the Northern Ireland experience at the level of European civil society. The sub-committee's second meeting, a hearing, will take place in Northern Ireland in April/May 2008.The opinion is scheduled to be adopted at the EESC plenary session in September 2008.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 10 -Contact: Mr Marco Thyssen (+32.2.546.84.11; [email protected] )SINGLE MARKET, PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTIONThe work of the Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption is, by the nature of its competences, very closely linked to the legislative programme of the European Commission and is therefore in turn closely linked to the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency, as evinced by the 18- month joint programme.Research, innovation, competitivenessConcerning the Lisbon agenda on research and innovation, development of a competitive business environment, and related matters, the Committee's Opinion already adopted on the European Research Area makes a detailed and thorough analysis and proposes concrete actions to be taken. The Committee will be looking to see what follow-up is given. The section approves of the creation of Joint Technology Initiatives within the 7th Framework Programme on RTD. The Section has insisted - for quite a long time now - on the absolute importance of a Community patent for the European research; without this tool, the USA and Japan (as well as the new emerging economies) will leave Europe behind in research.Contact: Mr Luis Lobo (+32.2.546.97.17; [email protected])ConsumersThe section will be working closely with the Slovenian Presidency and the European Commission (particularly with Commissioner Meglena Kuneva) in the organisation of the Tenth European Consumers' Day, which will this time be held in Brussels with, as its general theme, consumer rights to cross-border redress.Contact: Ms Filipa Pimental (+32.2.546.84.44; [email protected])SMEsThe section recognises the role of small businesses in the creation of a competitive, efficient, job- creating economy. The mid-term review of the European policy on SME has been transmitted to the section for an opinion which should be ready for the Slovenian Presidency. The section will also work on the need to modify the European attitude towards the business non- fraudulent failure, much more negative than in the USA, for instance. Everyone deserves a second, or third, chance!DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 11 -Contact: Mr João Pereira dos Santos (+32.2.546.92.45; [email protected])SINGLE MARKET OBSERVATORY (SMO)Simplification and improvement of the regulatory environment remain priority areas and the Observatory, which is part of the EESC's Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption, will continue its activities in this area. The SMO will closely follow the agenda of the Slovenian Presidency on such issues as the Single Market and Better Regulation so as to associate its members to relevant Presidency events. The Observatory will formally launch its database on self-regulation and co-regulation in early 2008 and an information campaign will be organised during the Slovenian Presidency and will be flanked by a public hearing on alternative instruments to legislation to be held at the EESC towards the end of February. This database will be the first interactive catalogue of European self-regulation initiatives. In establishing this, the Observatory aims to acquire specialist knowledge in the area of improving the regulatory environment while carrying out its horizontal consultative activities. Again, this is a declared priority of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU.The SMO will more generally be seeking to consolidate cooperation and synergies with the European Commission and the European Parliament. The Observatory could envisage publishing a brochure on the obstacles to the Single Market during the Slovenian Presidency in parallel to an information report on the impact of the new treaty on the functioning of the Single Market. It also intends to issue a revised version of its brochure dedicated to self- and co-regulation early 2008.Contact: Mr Jean-Pierre Faure (+32.2.546.96.15 or +32.2.546.92.30; [email protected] or [email protected])DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 12 -EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL POLICYEmployment, Labour Law and Working ConditionsAt the start of the Presidency, the Committee will adopt an exploratory opinion requested by the Slovenian Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs on Employing young people – the role of the social partners in improving the situation of young people on the labour market. An opinion on Young people's participation in education, employment and society will also be adopted at the start of the Presidency. The Committee, which has just drafted a compilation of proposals for the 2008-2010 Employment Guidelines, will follow up with the specific referral. Further opinions will be adopted on the Posting of workers, on Flexicurity and on Social protection and the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market. The new Labour Market Observatory will also conduct in-depth studies of labour market trends and challenges. Contacts: Mr Alan Hick (+32.2.546.93.02; [email protected]) Mr Torben Bach Nielsen (+ 32.2.546.96.19; [email protected]) Ms Ewa Kaniewska (+ 32.2.546.81.17; [email protected]) Ms Judite Berkemeier (+ 32.2.546.98.97; [email protected])Equal OpportunityThe Committee played a full part in the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, participating in various Presidency events, following up work on gender equality and the six priorities outlined in the Commission Roadmap, particularly the priority on enhancing reconciliation of work, private and family life. It is expected to adopt a major opinion on the Pay gap between women and men in April 2008. Contact: Mr Torben Bach Nielsen (+32.2.546.96.19; [email protected])European Year of Intercultural Dialogue The Committee will play an active role in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. In particular, during the Slovenian Presidency, the Committee will adopt a major exploratory opinion requested by the Commission on the Integration of minorities, with specific reference to Roma. Important consultations on this issue will be followed up by an anticipated inter-institutional initiative. Contact: Mr Alexandros Tsolakis (+ 32.2.546.88.66; [email protected])Social Policy, Social Realities and the European Social ModelThe Committee will complete work on intergenerational solidarity and prepare a major joint conference in Wroclaw on A Europe of Solidarity. It will draw up an important exploratory opinion requested by the Slovenian Presidency on Universal access to long-term care and the financialDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 13 - sustainability of long-term care for the elderly. It expects to play a full part in the European Meeting of People experiencing Poverty. The Committee will also continue to promote grassroots consultations and participate in events on stocktaking of social realities, the building of a new consensus and the development a European Social Model. It will adopt a new opinion on a New Social Action Programme towards the end of the Slovenian Presidency. Contacts: Mr Torben Bach Nielsen (+ 32.2.546.96.19; [email protected]) Mr Alan Hick (+ 32.2.546.93.02); [email protected])Education and training The Committee will adopt opinions on Improving the quality of teacher education, on Erasmus Mundus, on the European Training Foundation and on the White Paper on Sport at the start of the Slovenian Presidency. Contacts: Ms Judite Berkemeier (+ 32.2.546.98.97; [email protected]) Ms Ewa Kaniewska (+ 32.2.546.81.17; [email protected])Freedom, Security and JusticeThe Committee has a comprehensive portfolio of opinions and acknowledged expertise which it hopes will be put to good use during the Slovenian Presidency. New opinions will be adopted at the start of presidency on a Future common European asylum system and on Sanctions against employers of illegal third-country nationals. The Committee will also draw up two major opinions on the draft Directives on Conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals and on a Single application and permit procedure and common set of rights for third country nationals. Contact: Mr Pierluigi Brombo (+32.2.546.97.18; [email protected])Public HealthDuring the Slovenian Presidency, the Committee will maintain a pro-active promotion of its own- initiative opinions on Rights of Patients and on Obesity in Europe and will remain involved in the European strategy on nutrition and physical activity and the Strategy to combat alcohol-related harm. The Committee will also give a consolidated response to the 2007 Community Health Strategy White Paper and be actively involved in the upcoming programme of Community action on safe and efficient health services to facilitate patient mobility. It will also remain involved in the on-going debate on the future of social services, including health services.Contact: Ms Ewa Kaniewska (+32.2.546.81.17; [email protected])DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 14 -AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTDuring the Slovenian EU Presidency in 2008 the Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment will undertake activities in almost all domains linked to the presidency priorities. Compared to previous presidencies there will be relatively more focus on sustainable development and in particular climate change issues, but all core competences of the NAT Section will be activated.EnvironmentThe EESC is working on an opinion on water scarcity and droughts in the EU. This topic is highly relevant and urgent, considering that water scarcity and droughts have broad impacts on biodiversity, water quality, increased risks of forest fires and soil impoverishment. In this context, the Committee is also focusing on the topic of civil protection, which will have an increasing importance in the light of climate change. The Committee will respond to the Commission's Communication on how to help small and medium- sized enterprises comply with environmental legislation. This is in line with the Slovenian Presidency's focus on green industrial policy. Finally, the EESC will work on the issue of classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures¸ by drafting an opinion that should be finalised by March 2008.Contact: Mr Jakob Andersen (+32.2.546.92.58; [email protected]) or Ms Maarit Laurila, (+32.2.546.97.39; [email protected]) Agriculture and FisheryThe EESC has been the first EU body to input the Commission's evaluation process called the "CAP Health Check", with an exploratory opinion given in the Autumn of 2007. During the Slovenian Presidency, the EESC will continue following this key topic by submitting an opinion on the Commission's paper published at the end of 2007. The Committee will also continue to give its views on the reform of common market organisations (CMOs) in accordance with the last CAP Reform, notably, in the sector of cotton.. In addition, the EESC will finalise an own-initiative opinion on Geographical indications and designations, as well as one on Rights-based management tools in fisheries, which will benefit of the inputs gained during a public hearing that the EESC organised on this topic in Vigo (Spain). Contact: Mr Jakob Andersen (+32.2.546.92.58; [email protected]), Mr Arturo Iñiguez (+32.2.546.87.68; [email protected]) or Ms Yvette Azzopardi (32.2.546.98.18; [email protected]) Food Safety and Animal Health DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 15 -By the beginning of 2008 the Committee should also finalise its opinion on the new Animal Health Strategy for the European Union (2007-2013). Moreover, during the Slovenian Presidency the EESC will continue following the topical issue of animal welfare labelling. Contact: Mr Jakob Andersen (+32.2.546.92.58; [email protected])SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OBSERVATORYThe Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) is working on several areas of relevance to the Slovenian Presidency. It will closely monitor the implementation of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and focus its own-initiative opinions on topics relevant to the Strategy, such as indicators for sustainable development (SD), communicating SD policies to civil society, financial instruments for SD, etc. The SDO also has the coordinating role for the EESC's work on climate change, an important and contemporary issue, which the Slovenian Presidency has underlined as being of the utmost importance. The SDO will follow the post-Kyoto process, starting in Bali in December 2007, which hopefully will lead up to a new international agreement on reduction of CO2 emission levels to be decided at the UN Conference in Copenhagen in 2009. The SDO will also follow closely the "climate- energy package" which will be issued in January 2008. The package will deal with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the review of Emission Trading Schemes, and renewable energies.In April 2008, the SDO will hold a meeting in Maribor, Slovenia. In connection with that meeting, a Hearing on sustainable development will be held.Contact: Ms Annika Korzinek (+32.2.546.80.65, [email protected])TRANSPORT, ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETY EnergyThe "3rd legislative package on the internal market for electricity and gas" will be a significant dossier during the Slovenian Presidency. It will be at the top of the agenda in the Council as well as in the European Parliament in the first semester of 2008. The EESC TEN Section has already established a study group and started to elaborate a draft opinion. Another important topic of the TEN-Section follows from the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency in the area of industrial policy and its objective of transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient and low greenhouse-gas-emitting economy. In order to contribute to the debate on Sustainable Industrial Policy in the Council of Ministers of the European Union, the Slovenian Minister ofDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 16 -Economy, Mr Vizjak, requested the EESC to draw up an exploratory opinion on the possible positive or negative effect of increased environmental and energy policies on the competitiveness of the EU industry. The initiative opinion on "Towards a common energy policy" will enable the EESC usefully to contribute to the ongoing debate on the elements and features of an Energy Policy for Europe as well as on the upcoming "climate-energy package" which will deal among other issues with burden sharing regarding renewable energy targets.Finally, the Slovenian Presidency will put great emphasis on the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, which the European Commission will shortly be putting forward. Contact: Mr Siegfried Jantscher (+32.2.546.82.87; [email protected])TransportIn September 2007, the Federal Minister for Public Works, Transport and Communications, Mr Mário Lino, asked the EESC, on behalf of the Portuguese presidency, to draw up an exploratory opinion on the motorways of the Sea and Logistics. The TEN Section was responsible for preparing the work on the subject, which it presented at a Ministerial Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on 23 October 2007. In line with the conclusions of the conference, the Slovenian Minister of Transport, Mr Janez Božič, expressed the highest commitment in promoting Motorways of the Sea during the Slovenian presidency, in line with the recently adopted Blue Paper for a Future Maritime Policy and its related Action Plan. This Blue Paper is the result of a year-long debate on a Green Paper (on which the EESC adopted an opinion in April 2007). The EESC will be involved in conferences and events on these issues during the Slovenian Presidency. The development of the trans-European transport network (TEN) inside the EU is a high priority for the Slovenian Presidency. During the upcoming Presidency, the EESC will adopt an opinion on the EC Communication on "Trans-European networks: Towards an integrated approach". Contact: Maria José Lopez Grancha (+32.2.546.87.13; [email protected])Information SocietyThe Slovenian Presidency will put great emphasis on the "i2010 – A European Information Society for growth and employment" initiative. The EESC will continue to be active on this i2010 strategy that represents a framework for addressing the main challenges and developments in the information society and media sectors up to 2010. The Slovenian Presidency expressed its wish to cooperate with the EESC by asking the Committee to prepare an exploratory opinion on the i2010 strategy that the Slovenian Presidency could use for the preparation of the draft Council Conclusions in 2008. The Committee has to elaborate anyway an opinion on the i2010 mid-term review of the Commission, so it was made clear during the discussions with the representatives of the Permanent Representation of Slovenia and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Slovenia that the Committee would welcome addressing a complementary issue to the above review. This exploratoryDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 17 - opinion will be an important input into the preparation of a conference on the i2010 strategy that will be organised by the Slovenian Presidency, the European Commission and the EESC in May 2008 in Ljubljana.Contact: Agota Bazsik (+32.2.546.86.58; [email protected])Services of general interestThe permanent study group on services of general interest is currently drawing up an own-initiative opinion on the evaluation of services of general interest, an issue which is at the heart of the European debate.The Reform Treaty adopted by the European Council on 17 and 18 October 2007 represents significant progress on services of general interest, with the inclusion in the provisions on the functioning of the Union of a clause of general application on services of general economic interest (Article 14) which is to be applied to all EU policies, including on the internal market and competition, and a protocol appended to the two treaties on all services of general interest.During the Slovenian Presidency, the Committee will continue its work on an independent evaluation of services of general interest which is aimed at improving their effectiveness and efficiency, as well as their adaptability to the changing needs of the public and businesses. The Committee will also be closely following the implementation of the Reform Treaty.Contact: Agota Bazsik (+32.2.546.86.58; [email protected])INDUSTRIAL CHANGEDuring the Slovenian Presidency, the Committee will continue its work on industrial change along two broad lines: integrated sector-based approach to industrial change aimed at identifying the changes to general and cross-cutting industrial policy deemed necessary by the social-occupational players in the various sectors; promoting change in European industry in a bid to maintain and improve its competitiveness within a socially acceptable and sustainable framework.These avenues allow the Committee to draw out maximum added value from the unique nature of the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI), whose members and external delegates are in close touch with grassroots issues and are familiar with the day-to-day reality of the sectors they represent.The CCMI will draw up an own-initiative opinion on: DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 18 - developments in large-scale distribution networks and their impact on suppliers and consumers.The CCMI will be organising two seminars during the Slovenian Presidency: Industrial change in Slovenia, Romania and the Czech Republic: case study, seminar to be held in Slovenia.The main purpose of the hearing in Slovenia is to examine the development of Slovenian industry since the political changeover and the break-up of Yugoslavia. The aim is to identify key factors in the economic success of industry. Going beyond that the hearing will also look at industrial developments in the Czech Republic and in Romania during the same period, and draw a comparison with Slovenia. The purpose is to identify best practices in Slovenian industrial policy, and to draw up recommendations for the new countries based on the above comparison.To ensure an in-depth presentation of the issues involved, the CCMI will invite seven speakers - three from Slovenia, two from Romania, and two from the Czech Republic. One speaker from each country will represent the academic sphere, drawing attention to subjects such as the development of industry from an academic point of view, macroeconomic analyses of industry, environmental issues, as well as the lessons learnt from transformation and potential restructuring. The other speakers will present specific cases, i.e. developments in one particular sector. Industrial change in Hungary, Poland and Estonia: follow-up to the seminar in Slovenia.This seminar will adopt the same approach as the one in Slovenia. Drawing on the findings of the hearing in Slovenia, it will look closely at developments in Hungary, Poland and Estonia, thereby continuing the comparative approach.The CCMI will continue its analyses of various sectors:Textile and footwear sector: the Committee will draw up an information report mapping the main challenges and opportunities in this sector. The text will draw, among other things, on the findings of the two external studies and the seminar held in Portugal in November 2007.Aeronautical sector: The Committee will draw up an own-initiative opinion on this subject which might be followed by a public hearing in France.Contact: Mr Pol Liemans (+32.2.546.82.15; [email protected])EUROPE IN THE WORLDDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 19 -Western BalkansThe Committee will continue to pay special attention to relations with the countries of the Balkans through the activities of the contact group and the organisation of the second Western Balkans Civil Society Forum which will take place in June 2008. The Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council will be closely involved in the event which could take place in Slovenia.The third meeting of the EU-Croatia Joint Consultative Committee will take place in Brussels in March 2008. The Slovenian Presidency will be invited to take part in this event. Meanwhile preparations to set up a EU-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Joint Consultative Committee will continue.The Committee will also adopt an own-initiative opinion on Relations between the EU and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: the role of civil society, an exploratory opinion on The role of civil society in EU-Serbia relations, and will start work on an own-initiative opinion on The role of civil society in EU pre-accession aid programmes in the Republic of Albania.Contact: Mr Loïc Defaye (+32.2.546.83.57; [email protected])Eastern neighboursThe Committee will, at the Commission's request, draw up an exploratory opinion on Setting up civil society organisation networks in the Black Sea area. This opinion will serve as a basis for a joint conference of the EESC and the ILO on the role of economic and social councils and similar institutions as instruments for participation and democratic governance, which will be held in May 2008. The Slovenian Presidency will be invited to take part in the conference.The Committee will step up efforts to deepen relations with the Russian Federation and its civil society, especially the Civic Chamber. A seminar on the northern dimension and energy will be organised in conjunction with the Civic Chamber.During the first half of 2008 the Committee will also adopt an opinion on relations between the EU and the three countries of the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia).Contact: Mr Raffaele Del Fiore (+32.2.546.97.94; [email protected])Southern neighboursIn connection with the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, the Committee will adopt a report on The social dimension of relations between the European Union and its southern partner countries. This report will act as a thematic contribution to the Euromed Summit of ESCs and Similar Institutions in 2008.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 20 -The EESC will also adopt an opinion on freedom of association in the Euromed context, and will continue its activities aimed at supporting efforts to structure civil society in the southern partner countries.The Committee will continue to be involved in the enlargement process, especially within the purview of the EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee (JCC). The JCC will meet in Turkey during the first half of 2008.Contact: Ms Laila Wold (+32.2.546.9158; [email protected])African, Caribbean and Pacific countriesIn March 2008 the EESC will be holding the 25th meeting of ACP-EU Economic and Social Interest Groups in Brussels. The economic partnership agreements and the role of non-state actors in the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement will be discussed here. The Slovenian Presidency will be invited to take part in this important event.An EESC delegation will also be taking part in the meeting of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly to be held in Slovenia in March 2008.Contact: Ms Susanna Baizou (+32.2.546.98.45; [email protected])Latin AmericaThe Committee will be holding the 5th meeting of EU, Latin American and Caribbean civil society in Lima in April 2008. Discussions here will focus on monitoring negotiations between the European Union and the various regions of Latin America, and on the issue of migration and development. The Slovenian Presidency will be invited to take part in this event.Contact: Ms Beatriz Porres (+32.2.546.91.31; [email protected])AsiaThe EU-India and EU-China round tables are due to meet during the first half of 2008. The Slovenian Presidency will be invited to play an active role in these two events.Contact: Mr Jean-François Bence (+32.2.546.93.99; [email protected])International trade The Committee will continue to monitor multilateral trade negotiations. The relevant contacts with the Presidency and the European Commission will continue to be pursued. The EESC will adopt anDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 21 - opinion entitled The negotiation of new trade agreements: the position of the EESC during the first half of 2008.Contact: Ms Celia Fiñana (+32.2.546.80.99; [email protected])Head of Unit: Mr Jean-François Bence (+32.2.546.93.99; [email protected])** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/…- 23 -PRIORITIES1 FOR THE SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL, JANUARY-JUNE 20081) Future of Europe and EnlargementThe Reform Treaty Slovenia believes that the new Treaty will bring about further integration of the Union and enable more efficient and transparent functioning of the Union. The Slovenian Presidency will foster the ratification process in Member States and take up the necessary steps needed for the implementation of the Treaty.Enlargement Slovenian Presidency supports further EU enlargement in accordance with the EU Enlargement Strategy while emphasising the condition that the candidate countries consistently comply with the EU criteria, acquis and standards. Therefore, the Slovenian Presidency will continue the accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey.Western Balkans The development of the European perspective for the Western Balkans should remain a central feature of the EU agenda. Consequently, Slovenia will endeavour for its concretisation as well as for strengthening regional cooperation in several areas (energy, transport, research and development, fight against organised crime).2) Lisbon strategy in its economic, social and environmental dimensionsDuring Slovenian Presidency, the second three-year cycle of the renewed Lisbon Strategy will commence. The Presidency will strive for timely adoption of the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs (2008-2010) which will enable Member States to prepare their National Reform Programmes as soon as possible.In the Presidency's opinion the very key to success is consistent continuation of the process and implementation of National Reform Programmes.Therefore, the Slovenian Presidency will further promote the strategic priorities of Lisbon Strategy in the areas of research and innovation, development of competitive business environment, adaptation of labour market and demographic changes. The Presidency will also focus on topical energy issues and climate change. a) As regards investing in research and innovation, special emphasis will be given to the development of EU Research Area, continuation of setting up the European Institute of1 These are the provisional priorities of the Slovenian Presidency as they stood at the time of publication of this document. These priorities may well be subject to change. DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 24 -Technology and Joint Technology Initiatives. These are the tools best responding to the challenges such as: segmented research capacities, declining R&D investment and brain- drain. b) Europe should continue with the efforts aimed at further development of competitive business environment. Slovenia will thus give special emphasis to entrepreneurship: small and medium size enterprises, their growth and their ability to access financing. Another important issue will be the green industrial policy and innovation in the framework of clusters.Important fields of actions will be Internal Market, Better Regulation and Intellectual Property Rights. c) Slovenia will also place due attention to the issues of adaptation of the labour market (flexicurity) and demographic challenges.CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGYI. Integrated Climate and Energy PolicyThe European Council in March 2007 defined basic elements of the EU's new integrated climate and energy policy. Both renewable energy and emissions targets have been set for the EU as a whole. Now, the compromise on the contribution of each Member State needs to be reached. The negotiations leading up to the spring 2007 European Council's decisions have shown that this issue is charged with serious national concerns.The European Commission is to issue the "climate-energy package" in early December 2007. The package will deal with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the review of Emission Trading Schemes, and renewable energies. The negotiations connected to the "climate-energy package" will start during the Slovenian Presidency and it is hoped that all Member States will be ready for constructive cooperation.II. EnergySlovenian Presidency activities and priorities in energy have been defined mainly by the spring 2007 European Council. The Presidency will make every effort to further develop the Energy Policy for Europe, based on Action Plan 2007-2009 focusing on the three core objectives of the EU energy policy: sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply.The focus of attention will thus be put on the following dossiers: internal market for gas and electricity, renewable energies, energy technologies and external energy policies.III. International negotiations on climate changeDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 25 -As one of the great challenges for the future, climate change will remain a high profile priority for the Union also under Slovenian Presidency. The Presidency's principal priority will be to continue the promotion of the EU position for a balanced and fair post-2012 regime and to further strengthen the EU leading role in the international climate change process. But first the Presidency has to wait for the results of the December 2007 conference in Bali.IV. Climate change impact on international security issuesBased on the conclusions of the June 2007 European Council, Slovenia will also deliver to the spring European Council the proposals of conclusions concerning climate change impact on international security issues that will follow the joint report presented by the High Representative and the European Commission.3) Strengthening of the area of freedom, security and justiceFinalising the Schengen Area enlargement represents one of the key priorities of Slovenian Presidency. The Presidency will also actively monitor the development of the S'S-II project and aim at the timely preparation of the new evaluation mechanism of the implementation of the Schengen Border Code.During the Slovenian Presidency, the discussion on the management of the external border will be initiated, and the work on the legislative package concerning the legal and illegal migration will be proceeded.The Presidency will also strive for progress towards establishing Common European Asylum Policy, and for taking the next steps towards the technical implementation of the provisions of the Prum Treaty.The Presidency also believes that Europe should further pursue its efforts in fight against terrorism.Slovenia plans certain concrete activities related to the transfer of EU good practices to the region of South Eastern Europe, including the Western Balkans.4) Increasing the external role of the EU in the area of security, development and economic relationsEuropean neighbourhood policyThe EU should focus on further strengthening the ENP, while taking into consideration geographical balance and particularities of partner states. Related to that, the new Black Sea Synergy Initiative is an important element of strengthened ENP.DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 26 -Slovenia is planning to organise 5 Summits: with USA, Russian Federation, Canada, Japan and the 5th EU – Latin America and Caribbean countries summit in Peru.The year 2008 has been designated as the "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue". The Presidency will endeavour to contribute to intercultural dialogue within the EU in the sense of establishing civil-social dialogue in cooperation with NGOs and media, enabling mobility in the fields of art, science and education, encouraging intergenerational dialogue and stressing the importance of multi-lingualism. Moreover, the intercultural dialogue will be promoted in the Western Balkans and worldwide.** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 27 -THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE (EESC)The European Economic and Social Committee is a consultative body set up by the Rome Treaties in 1957. It consists of representatives of the various economic and social components of organised civil society. Its main task is to advise the three major institutions (European Parliament, Council of the European Union and European Commission).It is mandatory for the EESC to be consulted on those issues stipulated in the Treaties and in all cases where the institutions deem it appropriate. It can also be consulted on an exploratory basis by one of the other institutions, or can itself take the initiative to issue opinions (around 15% of its opinions are own-initiative opinions). The EESC adopts on average 150 opinions a year on a wide range of subjects concerning European integration. It therefore plays an active role in the Community decision- making process.The EESC also has two complementary tasks: first, involving civil society organisations more in the European venture, and, second, boosting the role of civil society organisations in non-member countries or groups of countries, such as the countries applying for EU membership, with which very active consultative committees have been set up; the Euromed countries bordering the Mediterranean; African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries; Mercosur countries (Latin America); and India, amongst others. The EESC holds structured dialogue with representatives of civil society organisations in these countries and regions, and promotes the creation of consultative structures based on its own model. Thanks to the EESC, building Europe is therefore the task not only of the European Union and politicians, but also of members of the public belonging to organisations involved in economic, social and cultural life.The EESC is made up of 344 members split into three groups: the "Employers" group, the "Employees" group and the "Various Interests" group, which brings together representatives of sectors of economic and social life that are not covered by the first two groups, that is, bodies representing craftsmen, farmers, SMEs, the professions, consumers in the social economy, family associations and associations promoting the rights of people with disabilities and combating exclusion, the general interest, etc. The EESC's membership is not static. It changes with each four- yearly renewal so as to reflect changes in civil society in the Member States as accurately as possible. The last EESC renewal – which covers the next four-year period – took place in October 2006. A total of 30% of members were newly appointed. Bulgarian and Romanian members joined the EESC at the beginning of 2007.Until September 2008, the EESC presidency will be held by Mr Dimitris Dimitriadis (Employers' group, Greece), assisted by two vice-presidents, Mr Alexander-Michael Graf von Schwerin (Employees' group, Germany) and Ms Jillian van Turnhout (Various Interests group, Ireland). The EESC Secretariat is headed by Mr Patrick Venturini, Secretary-General.Links between the European Economic and Social Committee and the national economic and social councils and other similar bodiesDI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 28 -The EESC and economic and social councils and similar institutions have in close cooperation built an important network at EU level. In the EU's Member States, this cooperation is based on regular meetings on specific subjects (in particular on the renewed Lisbon Strategy), the exchange of information and the development of a joint website (http://eesc.europa.eu/ceslink/08-en/presentation- ceslink-en.html).It also participates actively in the work of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (IAESCSI), the members of which span 50 countries.Lastly, the EESC maintains regular relations with civil society organisations in the countries applying for EU membership and in several countries or country groupings outside the European Union. These activities are carried out jointly with the economic and social councils of the relevant countries.** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin …/… - 29 -THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OF SLOVENIAThe Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Slovenia (ESC) was established in 1994 when the Wage Policy Agreement for the non-government sector was adopted. It was founded by the social partners – employers' organisations and trade unions – and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. It is the highest-level body representing the social partners in the country. Its working procedures are governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Economic and Social Council. MISSIONThe ESC was set up to deal with issues concerning above all the social agreement, wage and social policy, employment issues and working conditions, collective bargaining, prices and taxes, the economic system and economic policy, as well as other areas falling within the remit of the social partners. Besides dealing with areas requiring tripartite agreement, the ESC can also examine other matters of an economic and social nature.In addition to providing advice, the ESC also plays a key role in negotiation, with the social agreements – and until some years ago, wage policy agreements too – being adopted under its auspices. So far, the four social agreements have been adopted through the ESC, the latest in October 2007. This agreement, obtained after eighteen months of negotiations, will apply until 2009. Several laws relating to wage policy have been adopted on the basis of wage policy agreements reached by the ESC. The most recent agreement of this kind, covering the 2004-2006 period, was concluded in spring 2004.The ESC examines draft legislation covering the entire spectrum of economic and social relations between employers and employees. Here, the 1999 agreement reached between the social partners on the pension system reform as well as the 2002 law on employment relationships are considered major achievements. Both were later modified and, in 2006, further amendments to the Employment Relationships Act came under discussion between the social partners and the government. The ESC also deals with strategic development papers put forward by the government. Thus it recently discussed and adopted opinions on Slovenia's development strategy and the draft economic and social reform package to enhance the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy. It was also consulted on the reform programme for the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy. In addition it puts together position papers and opinions on the Budget Memorandum and State Budget and on documents dealing with employment, health and housing policy: it also discusses regulations concerning health and safety at work, as well as other matters of topical importance.DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 30 -MEMBERSHIPThe ESC is made up of 22 members and their alternates; each of the social partners may appoint up to eight members with alternates. The Government is represented by five ministers (of labour, family and social affairs; finance; economy; public administration; and development), the director of the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development and a representative from the prime minister's office. The employee associations group for the most part is made up of the presidents of the trade union confederations: Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (Zveza svobodnih sindikatov Slovenije), Confederation of Trade Unions Pergam of Slovenia (Konfederacija sindikatov Pergam Slovenije), Trade Union Confederation 90 of Slovenia (Konfederacija sindikatov 90 Slovenije), and Independendence, Confederation of New Trade Unions (KNSS – Neodvisnost), Alternativa, Slovenian Association of Trade Unions (SZS Alternativa), Trade Unions Solidarity (ZD Solidarnost) and Confederation of Public Service Trade Unions of Slovenia (Konfederacija sindikatov javnega sektorja Slovenije). The employers’ group is made up of the presidents and other members of the boards of various chambers and associations: Association of Employers of Slovenia (Združenje delodajalcev Slovenije), Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije), Chamber of Craft of Slovenia (Obrtna zbornica Slovenije), Association of Employers for Craft Activities of Slovenia (Združenje delodajalcev obrtnih dejavnosti Slovenije) and Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (Trgovinska zbornica Slovenije).Members of some other organizations, although not officially represented in the Council, also play a very active role in the work of the ESC when issues concerning their particular areas of interest are being discussed. Each of the categories of social partners holds the presidency and deputy presidency of the ESC for a term of office of one year. The members of a category can agree to subdivide this into shorter periods. The trade union confederations have so far made use of this option enabling each of the four confederations representing employees' interests in the ESC to hold the presidency for a three-month period. With a greater number of trade union confederations participating as members of the ESC from 2007 on, they will probably opt for a different approach. The members of the employers' group have taken it in turn to hold the presidency and they will almost certainly continue to do so in future. For the term of office of the ESC president, the deputy is also a member of the same group. The current ESC president is the Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Mrs Marjeta Cotman, who will hold the chair until April 2008. Then the employers group is expected to take over the presidency (name to be confirmed).ORGANISATIONThe ESC usually meets in plenary sessions held at the request of one of the social partners or at least once a month. The ESC president (or his/her deputy) convenes and chairs the sessions. As a rule, these take place regularly. Otherwise - in certain cases - the social partners can forward their opinions electronically, especially when formal consensus on a particular issue is being sought. DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 31 -The ESC can also set up standing and temporary working groups to deal with individual projects, or to carry out the technical groundwork leading up to decisions. These working groups are made up of representatives of the social partners and independent experts.The administration of the ESC is handled by the secretariat-general of the government, which also ensures that suitable working conditions and any necessary technical support are provided.The funds necessary for the operation of the ESC are provided by the government out of the budget.WORKING METHODSThe ESC produces opinions, position papers, proposals and recommendations on the various issues it deals with. These are submitted to the relevant ministry, the government, parliament and/or other institutions concerned. The decisions of the ESC are binding on the organisations and working bodies of all three social partners.Decisions in the ESC are taken unanimously, with each of the social partners carrying one vote. If consensus, in other words unanimity, is not achieved amongst the social partners even after negotiation, the ESC is unable to formally adopt a common position on an issue. If consensus is not reached amongst the members of one of the social partners' groups, that group will engage in separate negotiations to endeavour to reach a consensus. The Slovenian ESC's sessions are open to the public and always enjoy good media coverage. For more information regarding the Slovenian ESC, please refer to: http://www.gsv.gov.si/en/the_economic_and_social_council/** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../...- 33 -SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT SLOVENIAConventional long/short form: Republic of Slovenia, Slovenia Local long/short form: Republika Slovenija, Slovenija Area: 20 273 km2 Population: 2 008 516 (30.6.2006) Capital: Ljubljana (330 000) Other major cities: Maribor, Celje, Kranj, Velenje, Ptuj, Koper Language: Slovenian; also Italian and Hungarian in nationally mixed areas Currency: euro (since 1 January 2007) Important dates: - Independence - 25 June 1991 - Member of EU - 1 May 2004 - Introduction of the euro - 1 January 2007Constitutional system: parliamentary democracy Head of state: The President of the Republic (elected for a maximum of two, five-year terms by direct elections). The current President is Dr Janez Drnovšek, whose mandate will end on 22 December 2007. He will be succeeded by the newly elected President Dr Danilo Türk.). Prime Minister: Janez Janša Government: Prime Minister, 15 Ministers, 2 Ministers without Portfolio Legislative branch: 1. National Assembly: 90 deputies (88 elected representatives of the parliamentary parties and one representative each from the Italian and Hungarian national communities). The present Chairman is France Cukjati. 2. National Council: 40 elected representatives of employers, employees, farmers, tradesmen and the self-employed, as well as from the non-economic sector and local interest groups. Political parties represented in Parliament (National Assembly, elections of 3 October 2004): Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), Liberal Democracy of Slovenia (LDS), United List of Social Democrats (ZLSD), New Slovenia-Christian People's Party (NSi), Slovenian People's Party (SLS), Slovenian National Party (SNS), Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia (DESUS), 1 representative of the Hungarian minority, 1 representative of the Italian minority. The current government coalition consists of four parties: the Slovenian Democratic Party, New Slovenia-Christian People's Party, Slovenian People's Party and the Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia. Election results: percent of vote by party - SDS 29.1%, LDS 22.8%, ZLSD 10.2%, NSi 9%, SLS 6.8%, SNS 6.3%, DeSUS 4.1%, other 11.7%; seats by party - SDS 29, LDS 23, ZLSD 10, NSi 9, SLS 7, SNS 6, DeSUS 4, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1 Religion: The majority of Slovenians (almost 60%) are Roman Catholics, although there are around 38 other religious communities, spiritual groups, societies and associations registered in Slovenia. GDP per capita in 2006: EUR 14,811 Growth in GDP in 2006: 5.2%DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 34 -Inflation in 2005 (annual average): 2.5% Exports of goods and services in 2006: EUR 16.7 billion Imports of goods and services in 2006: EUR 18.3 billion Balance of trade in 2004: EUR -168 million Unemployment in 2006: 6.0% (surveyed unemployment level according to ILO standards) Slovenia’s membership of international organisations and regional initiatives: United Nations (UN), 1992 OSCE, 1992 World Health Organisation (WHO), 1992 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 1992 International Monetary Fund, 1993 World Trade Organisation (WTO), 1995 NATO, 2004Some useful websites: President of the Republic: http://www.up-rs.si/eng/ National Assembly: http://www.dz-rs.si/index.php?id=69 National Council: http://www.ds-rs.si/en/ Government: http://www.vlada.si/index.php?lng=eng Prime Minister: http://www.kpv.gov.si/index.php?id=225&L=1Source: http://www.ukom.gov.si/eng/slovenia/in-brief/** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 35 -THE SLOVENIAN MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEESecretary, Slovenian Pre-school, Education and Research Workers' Trade Union (VIR)Hribar, BojanEmployment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) Director of the Cooperative Union of Slovenia (ZZS), Member of the Board of the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (KGZS)Nose, Martin Consultative commission on industrial change (CCMI) Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) External Relations (REX) President of Pergam Trade Union Federation (KSS Pergam), Member of the Economic and Social Council of SloveniaSingle Market, Production and Consumption (INT) Rebolj, Dušan Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN) Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) Executive secretary to the presidency of the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (ZSSS)Roksandić, Metka Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) External Relations (REX)DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 36 -Director of the Legal-information centre for NGOs (PIC)Šporar, PrimožEmployment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) External Relations (REX) Entrepreneur, Adviser at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) and the Employers' Association of Slovenia (ZDS)Stantič, Cveto Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT) External Relations (REX) Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) Member of the Slovenian Association of Employers of Craft- based Professions (ZDODS)Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) Stojan, Darko Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN) Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) ** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 37 -APPENDIXPROGRAMME OF EVENTS IN 2008 Conferences, seminars, hearings and extraordinary meetings 1st half of the year1. EESC ACTIVITIESHORIZONTAL INITIATIVESHigh-level conference on the implementation of the renewed Brussels – EESC – 7-8 February Lisbon strategy 2008Committee Bureau meeting in Slovenia Ljubljana (tbc), 17 June 2008Celebration of the EESC's 50th anniversary EESC, 28 May 2008Joint conference of the EESC and the Slovenian ESC as part of To be confirmed the Slovenian Presidency of the European UnionGROUP ACTIVITIESGroup IIIExtraordinary meeting of the Group III Bureau Dolenjske Toplice, Slovenia, 11 April 2008 SECTION ACTIVITIESSINGLE MARKET, PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTIONEuropean Consumers Day (together with the Slovenian 14 March 2008 Presidency) Public hearing on alternative instruments to legislation (SMO) 25 February 2008 (to be confirmed)Public hearing on Single Market issues in Lithuania (SMO) May 2008 (to be confirmed)EXTERNAL RELATIONSJoint conference of the EESC, EFTA and the Civic Chamber of March 2008 the Russian Federation on the northern dimension policy and energy (to be confirmed)Bilateral meeting between the EESC and UCESA (Union of EESC, 3 March 2008 (to be Economic and Social Councils of Africa) confirmed)DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 38 -25th meeting of ACP-EU Economic and Social Interest Groups EESC, 4 to 6 March 2008EU-Turkey JCC March/April 20085th meeting of EU, Latin American and Caribbean civil society Lima, Peru, 16-18 April 2008Joint EESC–ILO conference on the role of ESCs and similar May 2008 bodies in Black Sea synergy, BrusselsEU-China Round Table June 2008EU-India Round TableWestern Balkans Civil Society Forum June 2008ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COHESIONEuro conference Brussels – EESC – 14-15 April 2008AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ENVIRONMENTPublic hearing on the Common Agricultural Policy Health EESC, June 2008 Check Public hearing on Protected Geographical Indications EESC, date to be confirmedConference on food prices EESC, date to be confirmedSDO: Conference on sustainable development EESC, 22 May 2008 (to be confirmed)EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND CITIZENSHIP Consultation on social realities and the European social model Budapest, 24 January 2008Joint Conference with European Commission on "Promotion of integration policies for third-country residents in the EU" Brussels, April 2008Joint Conference with city of Wroclaw: "Towards a Europe of Wroclaw, June 2008 Solidarity"DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 39 -CONSULTATIVE COMMISSION ON INDUSTRIAL CHANGEJoint seminars with local ESCs, aimed at a comparative study of Slovenia and Hungary, the process of industrial structural change in six new Member April 2008 States.Hearing on the European aeronautical sector France, 27/28 March 2008** *DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 40 -2. EESC PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL EVENTSHORIZONTAL INITIATIVESIAESCSI general assembly (International Association of Economic Rome, 12-13 June 2008 and Social Councils and similar institutions)SECTION ACTIVITIESTerritorial Dialogue Slovenia – 4 March 2008Interparlementary meeting on Lisbon Strategy Brussels – February 2008EXTERNAL RELATIONS15th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Slovenia, 15-20 March 2008Delegation of the Latin America Follow-up Committee to take part April 2008 in the 3rd Forum of EU-Mexico Civil SocietyEESC delegation to take part in the ACP-EC Council of Ministers May 2008Involvement in the EU-LAC Summit of Heads of State or 12 May 2008 GovernmentAGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ENVIRONMENTPublic hearing on agriculture and mountains Maribor, Slovenia, May 2008SDO: Hearing on Climate Change, in connection with SDO Maribor, Slovenia, meeting 15 April 2008 (to be confirmed)TRANSPORT, ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETYConference on the i2010 strategy to be organised by the Slovenian Ljubljana, May 2008 Presidency, the European Commission and the EESCEMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND CITIZENSHIPInformal Ministerial meeting of Employment and Social AffairsPresidency Conference on Youth Employment – presentation of March 2008 EESC OpinionDI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... - 41 -ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION , AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COHESIONBrussels Economic Forum Brussels – date not yet confirmedEurocities - Metropolitan governance 2008 – Venue and date not yet confirmedConference on the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation 2008 – Venue and date not yet (EGTC) confirmedPublic finances in the EU Brussels – 2008 – date not yet confirmedInternational workshop on Achieving and safeguarding sound Brussels – 17 January 2008 fiscal positions Role and added value of the community budget Brussels – end of May 2008CONSULTATIVE COMMISSION ON INDUSTRIAL CHANGESupport in the organisation of the final conference of the ESF's EESC, 15 February 2008 Article 6 project entitled Anticipating for Innovative Management of Restructuring in EuropeFor more information on EESC section work, please visit our Internet site: www.eesc.europa.eu. DI CESE 112/2007 fin .../... Would you like to know more?This brochure is one of a series of information documents published by the European Economic and Social Committee. Other titles in the series include: The EESC in Ten Questions; The EESC: A Bridge between Europe and Organised Civil Society; and The EESC's Priorities. These, and a number of more specialised publications, can be consulted and downloaded free of charge at (www.eesc.europa.eu). Printed versions of all EESC publications are available free of charge upon request from ([email protected]) or you can write to the Publications and Visits Unit, 99 rue Belliard, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium.The Slovenian Presidency website, which can be found at http://www.eu2008.si provides up-to-date information on the presidency as it unfolds.The website of the Council of the European Union (http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/index.htm) provides a great deal of information about the Council and its ongoing activities.The website of the European Parliament (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/) similarly provides a large amount of information about the Parliament and its ongoing activities.The Europa website of the European Union (http://europa.eu/), which is managed by the European Commission, provides a vast amount of information about the European Union's activities. It contains a number of interactive pages specifically designed to provide a more interactive service for the European Union citizen.If you have any questions about the European Union or its activities, please send an email to the Europe Direct service on (http://www.europa.eu/europedirect/) or call the following free number: 00 800 67 89 10 11.______

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