We All are Europe - AESAEC

cused of unlawful discrimination. Older citizens, preparing a European project proposal, could gain
inspiration by studying the different cases brought to court on the grounds of age discrimination.
The Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
The Economic and Social Committee (EESC) takes into account
the interests of various economic and social groups. Its members
are proposed by the member states’ governments and are appointed
for a term of four years by the Council .They divide into
the Employers’ Group (employers, bankers, federations etc.) the
Workers’ Group (trade unions etc.) and Various Interest Groups
(representatives of agriculture, small and medium sized enterprises,
the professions, consumer organisations, families, older
people etc.). The Committee must be consulted by the Council
and the Commission in certain areas.
The Committee of the Regions
The Importance of the regions and the role they play in the Governance
of the EU was recognised in the treaty establishing the European Community.
This Committee consists of representatives from regional and
local bodies. It must be consulted by the Council or the Commission on
matters like employment guidelines, legislation on social matters, the
environment, education, vocational training, culture, public health and
all other important matters such as cross-border cooperation.
Reflection / Discuss
You may have thought that what you already knew about Europe was quite enough. You may have
had some idea about how Europe has become integrated. Probably you had heard about some of the
treaties and strategies, but now you know to what extent and why they have become important
milestones in European Union history and also how they ultimately relate to older citizens.
Although based on the principles of the French Revolution – liberty, equality, fraternity – the European
Union is not a revolutionary enterprise but it is an intellectual enterprise as much as it is a
practical reality. Knowing a little bit more about the European Union, its principles, history, current
structural developments and mission, it is as important as understanding the identity and the
aims of your own country.
The European Union and your country are closely related and you are European citizens as much as
you are citizens of your own country. Within this framework it is barely conceivable to think that
European institutions are of no concern to European citizens, because they simply are! More than
70% of your national legislation comes from Europe, whether it concerns maximum working hours,
the food you eat, the air you breathe or the age when you can retire.
And do you know who decides all these issues It is not the anonymous bureaucrats in Brussels, but
increasingly it is the European Parliament that makes decisions, the men and women who you elect.
Together with your ministers, heads of state or government they take decisions affecting your everyday
life, whether you are young or old, producer or consumer, or living in the North, South, East
or West of the Community. Often we complain that Europe is distant from its citizens - but is it
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