BACK TO HOME PAGE

EUROPEAN REVIEW

ISSUE 17 - Page 11

We have another stab at explaining things European in

Plain English

• 1. social partnership
• 2. Objectives
• 3. Ombudsman
• 4. Single Currency
• 5. Commission
• 6. Agenda 2000
• 7. Council of Ministers
• 8. EUROSTAT
• 9. European Parliament
• 10. Euro-words
• 11. OSCE
• 12. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• 13. Court of Auditors
• 14. S.M.E.s
• 15. Leonardo and Socrates

16. Economic and Social Committee

What is it ?

The Economic and Social Committee is a body set up by the treaty of Rome in 1957 to provide a voice for 'civil society organisations' in the workings of the EU.

What are they ?

Traditionally there are three groups, representing employers, workers and 'various interests'.

Who are the 'various interests' ?

Craftspeople, farmers, small businesses and the professions are represented in the third group, sometimes joined by consumer bodies, associations promoting the rights of disabled people, family associations and environmental protection bodies .

Are they elected ?

No, they are appointed by the Council of Ministers.

What are the duties of the Committee ?

It must be consulted by the Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on all relevant issues.

What issues are considered relevant ?

At the moment the top priorities for the Commission are the knowledge-based economy, the introduction of the Euro and equality of treatment and opportunity.

Does it cost a lot ?

As members are not paid and most of their work is conducted in their home countries it should be cheaper to run than other European institutions.

Back to	Up to
FRONT PAGE	TOP OF THIS PAGE