The EESC discussed the social dimension of the crisis and called for a necessary complement to macro-economic policies aimed at getting Europe out of the predicament in the framework of the debates of the Biennial Conference

The main message of the the Biennial Conference staged by the EESC in cooperation with the Tuscany region and held in Florence from 20 to 22 May was the demand for the launch of a broad consultation on education as a tool for combating poverty and exclusion. Investment in education and innovative educational approaches were singled out as crucial in overcoming poverty.

Concerning concrete measures, EESC Members insisted on fostering corporate social responsibility and bridging the gap between the educational system and the labour market by improving the quality of education in Member States.

With reference to the "Europe 2020 Strategy" for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, the importance of inscribing quantitative targets for education (lowering the number of school drop-outs) and poverty (reducing a proportion of people living in poverty) was underlined. Society would regard this as a strong signal of political commitment.

In a similar vein, the need to increase the number of quantitative binding targets was also voiced in the EESC's opinion on employment guidelines, adopted at its May plenary session.

The EESC fretted that the key objectives of the EU - such as a 75% employment rate, a maximum rate of school drop-outs of 10% and a reduction in Europeans living in poverty by 20 millions – are not sufficient in guiding national policies. Additional targets should be introduced as a means of measuring progress.

What is the EESC?

Founded in 1957 under the Treaty of Rome, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an advisory body representing employers, trade unions, farmers, consumers and the other interest groups that collectively make up ‘organised civil society’. It presents their views and defends their interests in policy discussions with the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament.