European Year of Citizens 2013. The European Commission has suggested designating 2013 as the "European Year of Citizens" setting out a proposal with the priorities and the content of the year. The European Economic and Social Committee is drawing up an opinion the proposal and it would like to give every European citizen, NGO, enterprise, trade union an opportunity to contribute to this opinion, which will be sent to the European Parliament, Commission and Council once it has been adopted.
Which are the elements in the proposal that you would like to change, add or keep as they are? How do you feel about the proposal's strong focus on mobility? Which are the issues you would give priority to? You can send your views on the Commission's proposal through an on-line form. Deadline: 18/01/2012 Read more.
How to shape a stronger EU anti-drugs policy.This consultation aims at gathering the opinion of individuals and stakeholders that have an interest in and would like to shape the EU anti-drugs policy. The consultation is designed to help the European Commission identify what are the EU-level actions on which it should focus in order to bring added value in the field of anti-drugs policy. Deadline 20/01/2012. Read more.
Protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.The European Commission is civil society organisations to contribute to the preparation of the first quadriennial report of the European Union on the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. The European Union must submit the report in line with its obligations as a Party to the Convention.Civil society organisations (e.g. networks, foundations, professional organisations, non-governmental organisations) with a European-wide (transnational) dimension may participate filling an on-line questionnaire. The received contributions of civil society organisations will be annexed to the EU report. Deadline: 10/02/2012 Read more.
State aid rules for research, development and innovation .The Commission invites Member States and interested parties to submit their input and views on the review of the EU state aid rules for supporting research, development and innovation (R&D&I) ahead of the expiry of the R&D&I Framework (end of 2013). The Commission is in particular interested in contributions from the national authorities dealing with state aid for R&D&I and from research organisations and on statistical information and qualitative comments on national R&D&I policies at large and on national state aid support measures for R&D&I. On the basis of the replies received to the published questionnaire, the Commission will prepare a first draft of a revised R&D&I Framework which it expects to publish in the second half of 2012 for consultation. Deadline: 24/02/2012 Read more.
Social Protection in EU Development Cooperation.As a follow up to the "Agenda for change", aiming at re- prioritise its delivery of aid to developing countries, the European Commission is drafting a Communication on 'Social Protection in EU Development Cooperation' to be adopted in 2012. This consultation seeks to collect opinions on EU strategy and options for supporting social protection in its development cooperation with partner countries.The European Commission is looking for contributions from citizens, public authorities and stakeholders in Europe and third countries: Member States, EU institutions, national, regional and local authorities, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, international financing institutions, academia, social partners and civil society organisations. Deadline: 24/02/2012 Read more.
Breaking down barriers to Europeans with disabilities. The European Commission launched a public consultation on its future plans for breaking down barriers to Europeans with disabilities. The consultation will help the Commission to prepare its proposals for a European Accessibility Act, planned for autumn 2012. The initiative aims to ensure that people with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transport and to information and communication services. It will also benefit people with limited mobility, such as the elderly. The consultation is aimed at gathering views from businesses, people with disabilities and the general public. Deadline 29/02/2011 Read more
Family life as a right for migrants too. Is there a need to change the EU rules on family reunification of migrants? On 15 November the Commission launched a public debate on the right to family reunification of third-country nationals living in the EU. Depending on the outcome of the consultation, the Commission will decide whether any policy follow-up is necessary – such as setting up clear guidelines, modifying the current rules or leaving the legislation as it is. Deadline 01/03/2012. Read more.
Return of cultural objects removed from EU countries Europe's cultural heritage is protected by national law in EU countries – and by European law, such as Directive 93/7/EEC of 15 March 1993 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from EU member countries.Reports evaluating the effectiveness of Directive 93/7/EEC have demonstrated that the system does not work as well as it should.The consultation will enable the national authorities responsible for protecting cultural goods and other interested parties to share their views on what they think is the most effective way of ensuring the return of national treasures removed from an EU member country and now located in another EU country. Deadline: 05/03/2012 Read more