European Economic and Social Committee Employers’ Group Challenges for Employers and Employees to Compete and Innovate – Role of the Social Dialogue The EESC Employers’ Group Perspective Dr. Milena Angelova 20th September 2013

European Economic and Social Committee The 344 members of the EESC are drawn from economic and social interest groups in Europe. They are nominated by national governments and appointed by the Council of the European Union for a renewable 5-year term of office. They belong to one of three groups: Employers; Workers; Employees. The task of members is to issue opinions on matters of European interest to the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament.

EESC Employers’ Group The Employers' Group (Group I) - 117 members, entrepreneurs and representatives of entrepreneur associations working in industry, commerce, services and agriculture in the 28 Member States of the European Union; The Group I members are: Involved in the business world and in touch with the realities of everyday life; Willing to put their experience to use to further the European venture; Representing national social partners, who are part also of the European social partners’ network; Our goal is to promote European integration by supporting the development of our businesses, which play a key role in fostering the prosperity of our societies and in creating jobs, especially in an economically difficult climate.

Europe Faces Major Challenges Society and employers faced with prolonged economic and financial crisis: How to deal with financial turmoil; dealing with (sovereign) debt crisis; Business looking for a climate to return to growth and jobs; Unprecedented levels of unemployment/youth unemployment; EU economic governance – impact of the EU budget (MFF); 2014 a transitional year: an opportunity to voice our policy ideas.

Areas of Importance for the Employers’ Group Maintain a stable financial operating environment; Fighting unemployment and promoting free movement; Boosting companies’ productivity and competitiveness: Internal Market - implementation and simplification, energy; Business opportunities outside the EU; Favourable business climate: Predictable taxation and economic policy; Red tape cutting; Legislation not to harm the competitiveness – e.g. unequal environmental requirements; Joint Actions of Social Partners; Corporate Social Responsibility.

Assert Business Values – Respond to the Crisis Develop a stronger sense for entrepreneurship; Fiscal consolidation vs. growth: two sides of the same coin; Competitiveness and growth measures: a fair market; Strongly support the EU’s new drive to industrialisation; Europe 2020: the underlying strategy and red thread. A visible Group I, projecting a positive image of Employers