The 10-11 September plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will address strategic challenges in the Mediterranean region with Maltese Minister Helena Dalli. The debates with two representatives of the Italian government, State Secretary Teresa Bellanova and State Secretary Domenico Manzione will focus on the highly controversial topics of immigration and undeclared work in the EU. The EESC will also take a stance on social dialogue in the Economic and Monetary Union.

Undeclared work: Prevent and Deter – Palmieri and Bontea Rapporteurs

Undeclared work undermines the ideals of legality, security, solidarity and is a threat to social and fiscal justice, free market competition and the free movement of workers in the EU. The EESC welcomes the establishment of a European platform to help EU countries prevent and deter this phenomenon and calls on the new Commission to facilitate the adoption of a common strategy to this end. More

– Vote preceded by a debate on 10 September at 14:40 with Italian State Secretary for Labor and Social Policy Teresa Bellanova

EU Immigration policies – Reporter Iuliano

At the request of the Italian Presidency of the EU, the EESC has prepared an opinion on this much-debated topic. The time for only half-hearted solutions is over and the EESC calls for a truly common policy on immigration, asylum and external borders with a medium and long-term timeframe. Priority should be given to removing labor market barriers and discrimination, taking account of the demographic situation and aging population in the EU Member States. The EESC encourages a Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM) and the conclusion of balanced and legally binding mobility partnerships. More

– Vote preceded by a debate on 10 September at 4.45 pm with Italian State Secretary for the Interior Domenico Manzione

Social dialogue in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) – Rapporteur Dassis

The European Parliament has requested the EESC’s opinion on the structure and organization of the social dialogue in the EMU. Social dialogue is and must remain an inherent part of the EU’s growth and employment policies, notably in measures to overcome the crisis. Economic governance and social integration are both integral parts of creating growth and jobs. Social dialogue can play a decisive role in guaranteeing sustainable economic and social recovery in all EU countries, helping to generate high-quality jobs and succeeding with economic and social reforms. More

On September 11 at 9:30 am EESC President Malosse will host a debate with Maltese Minister in charge of Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli on strategic challenges in the Mediterranean region.

EESC Plenary Session – 10 and 11 September 2014
Charlemagne building (European Commission), room S3, Brussels

Watch the plenary session here. The full agenda is available here.

Other opinions to be discussed and put to the vote during the plenary session:

• Green Paper on mobile Health – Caño Aguilar
• EU Maritime Security Strategy – Bredima
• EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region –Palmieri
• Social Investment – Rodert
• Response to the European Citizen’s Initiative ‘Water and sanitation are a human right! Water is a public good, not a commodity “‘- The Nouail Marlière