During the last SEDEC commission meeting on 29-30 April 2015 in Santander, Spain the COR members discussed 3 opinions: Employment Guidelines, Standards of remuneration in employment in the EU (A Living Wage), Review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and The role of Social Economy in combating unemployment and restoring growth.
The cultural heritage and sustainable tourism for local and regional development was also on the top of the agenda. During the debate Mr Povilas Žagunis, Mayor of Panevėžys, EA coordinator for SEDEC commission underlined that tourism is a global phenomenon that is shaped locally but must distinguish itself in the face of diverse competition. "For these reasons, I believe that the development of coherent sustainable tourism policy will lead to tangible benefits to both the local economy and indeed the local environment. Tourism contributes substantially to local, regional, national and EU GDP and employment. I recognise tourism's key role in promoting regional development and territorial cohesion but also their identities" –he added..
During the seminar organised by SEDEC commission in Santander, Spain on 30 April, Mr Kieran McCarthy participated in the debate on cultural heritage. He underlined that culture and cultural heritage should not be seen only by the economic prism. "I consider culture and cultural heritage firstly as a human value, supporting national, regional and local identity, protecting cultural and linguistic diversity. Promoting culture and cultural heritage is essential in order to strengthen democratic values in Europe and to contribute to social and economic cohesion"- he said.
