This book is neither the first nor last word on the role of organised civil society in democratic life inthe European Union. However, it does present a number of fascinating illustrations about the way civilsociety organisations provide avenues of expression for the European citizen.Above all,...

The challenge now facing Europe is to develop an industrial policy combining technological and organisational innovation, capable of supporting a new model of growth based upon production using little energy and few resources and satisfying new societal needs.

This text discusses trends on the Estonian labour market during the years of rapid economic development and the subsequent economic crisis. The aim of the text is to describe changes in the field of employment and unemployment, as well as the problems facing vulnerable groups (young people,...

The present issue contains 14 papers produced during my term in office as EESC Vice President responsible for Communication. It forms an attempt to make EESC’s opinions on current policy issues more clear and more easy to grasp.It has always been my conviction that players in the European...

The European Year 2012 was, to a certain extent, a framework for raising awareness of the contribution that older people make to society and mobilising stakeholders and policymakers at all levels to promote active ageing and solidarity between generations.To coordinate its activities during the...

With a critical juncture already fast approaching,the Greek Presidency of the EU represents an opportunity that Europe cannot afford to miss, a chance to influence the direction of change and build a Europe that feels more tangible and familiar to its citizens. At the elections next May,the...

If the various data are combined, the only conclusion to be drawn is that the effects of the crisis and the social consequences of the economic downturn are largely related to the economic and social policies of a country's government. A review of the basic socioeconomic indicators for the...

The SOC Section deals with a broad range of policy areas including employment and working conditions, social policy and integration, gender equality, disability issues, public health, justice and home affairs (including immigration), and education and training. The section’s activities cover...