EESC Section for External Relations

The role of Economic and Social Councils on its agenda

The EESC Section for External Relations (REX) held a meeting on 4 February 2011. The guest speaker was Karel de Gucht, Commissioner for Trade, who informed about the basic objectives of a new EU trade policy. Commissioner de Gucht stressed that „trade policy generally contributes to growth and job creation. It is necessary to consider trade policy as an instrument of the integration and inclusion, it is not only about opening of the new markets.”

The section discussed an Information report REX/307 The role of the Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions in the new economic, social and environmental world governance:

Economic and Social Councils (ESCs) are an institutional form of representation for civil society. They are consultative bodies which provide support to global institutions, particularly when it comes to bridging the void where civil society dialogue is essential. A number of ESCs are engaged in exchanges of global issues through various forms of dialogue.

However, decision-makers, political or institutional, who profess to partake in "participatory governance" fail to appreciate the value, credibility or impact of ESCs. They have a legitimate and important role to play, one which complements the election process.

The role of ESCs in the "new economic, social and environmental world governance" must be seen in the context of the unprecedented challenges facing the civil societies that ESCs were set up to represent. These challenges include:
-         economic regulation,
-         financial stability,
-         solving of political crises, and
-         climate change.

The question arises as to what constitutes this "new" era of governance? How does the new model differ from the old? "New" governance requires a new approach, one that embraces equality, transparency, and accountability, and which works in support of the voice of social players at grass roots globally. Global governance is about regulating globalisation through standards common to everyone, for the benefit of all, in a multi-polar world.

Therefore, ESCs must set an overall objective which drives their activities to make clear what they do and why, and how they wish to be consulted in the decision-making process. They should aim to fulfil the following roles in participatory governance:

• A Conduit to set the Relevant Agendas - using the network of ESCs, identify national or global issues which are ineffectively dealt with by current governance tools. This includes regular briefings and consultations on the new international strategy envisaged by international organisations (G20, IMF, World Bank, UN and its organisations: ILO, WHO, FAO, UNESCO, etc.) and on sustainable trade agreements which promote human rights, sustainability and the involvement of civil society. These briefings and consultations should include an examination of the issues that de-stabilise economic, social and environmental models.
• Focus on Neglected Issues – and ensure important policy debates remain on the agenda without becoming stagnant.
• Listen to the Needs and Expectations of Citizens – through their many channels to civil society, ESCs can engage citizens in major policy debates that are of direct relevance to them. Young people and children’s voices are not given sufficient weight: the decisions of today affect their future. Here, the European example is the Citizens’ Initiative introduced under the Lisbon Treaty which enables citizens to influence policy.
• Forward-looking Strategy – the ESCs could gather analysis and advice in advance of political debates in order to provide key input at the outset of discussions, including on issues relating to trade policies, agricultural policies and the balancing of internal and international solidarity.
• Improving Policy-making Mechanisms – The aim of ESCs could be to improve mechanisms day-to-day, for example through Better Regulation. This could be developed and put into operation at all levels, i.e.: in the context of Union for the Mediterranean, ASEAN, EU enlargement and in follow-up to bilateral negotiations with regional groupings, e.g. the EPA with the ACP.
• An Expert View – As representatives of employers' organisations, trade unions and various interest groups, the constituent members of ESCs have specific expertise in areas such as social policy (free movement of workers/financial crisis), sustainable development (Europe 2020), cooperation, and external policies supporting democratisation and human rights. Additionally, ESCs can develop globally recognised centres of excellence in certain policy fields. The European ESC has developed such expertise with its standing committees: Labour Market Observatory, Sustainable Development Observatory and European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights Follow-up Committee.

New solutions are required which add value, transparency and accountability to the existing mechanisms rather than create new structures. Communication strategies should be decentralised, and should inform and involve citizens. It is essential that where international political strategies are established behind closed doors, ESCs are invited to contribute to the debate, thus bringing the economic, social and environmental views of civil society to the table.

ESCs must be exemplary by upholding transparency, accountability, and equality, and by being representative, independent and dynamic consultative bodies. If the desire of ESCs is to take on the role of guardian of the voice of civil society, it is essential that they are credible and here a key challenge for ESCs will be gender parity. This issue must be addressed to remove barriers that prevent the female voice being given equal weight as fully engaged players in civil society. "Women's Empowerment", which includes strengthening the role of women in society, has been referred to in detail by most ESCs. The EU itself has action plans to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment within Europe and through its development policies. However, political parity, true democracy and equality will not be established without legal mandates demanding equal representation. The Commission on the Status of Women notes that one of the anticipated effects of more women in public office is a decrease in corruption.

Vladimíra Drbalová
International Organisations and EU Affairs
Member of the EESC