Social partners adopt resolutions on the EEA Review and the Enterprise Dimension of the Single Market

The EEA CC adopted two resolutions namely: the EEA Review and Enterprise Dimension of the Single Market.

In the former, the Committee emphasises the importance of improving knowledge about the EEA both in the EEA EFTA and EU Member States and calls on the relevant authorities to establish a more ambitious information strategy. The social partners also underline that as core stakeholders in the Single Market, their contribution is vital both in shaping EEA-relevant legislation and policies and in raising awareness about the Single Market.

In the resolution on the Enterprise Dimension of the Single Market the Committee stresses that a more efficient and stronger Single Market is needed where enterprises can develop and continue to create jobs and growth. Enterprises are key players in the Single Market, and stronger efforts are needed to safeguard favourable conditions for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Icelandic Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, briefed the Committee on the ongoing accession negotiations, while ESA President Oda H. Sletnes, Mr Gianluca Grippa, EEAS, and Mr Nikulás Hannigan, representing the Icelandic Presidency of the EEA Joint Committee, informed the Committee about recent developments in the EEA Agreement.

The Committee also discussed wealth inequalities and social justice in light of the present economic crisis receiving presentations from Ms Judy McKnight, EESC, Mr Jon Erik Dølvik, FAFO Institute for Labour and Social Research, and Mr Stefán Ólafsson, University of Iceland.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Meelis Joost (EESC, Group III, Estonian Chamber of Disabled People) and Mr Halldór Grönvold (EFTA Consultative Committee, Icelandic Confederation of Labour).

Representatives of the Swiss social partners attended the meeting as observers.

Click on the photo below to see more pictures from the meeting.