The EU hopes, that the preparations for the European meeting, at the same time, will contribute to a closer and better cooperation between the intergovernmental organisations that are active in the field of social development in Europe. Mr. President, Since the Summit, changing trends in trade, new technologies and the process of globalization have offered new opportunities , but also created new challenges for the implementation of the Summit goals. Eradication of poverty remains an unmet goal. However, the challenge of eradicating poverty can be met on the basis of a broad agreement reached among all actors since Copenhagen on appropriate strategies to reduce poverty. The ongoing discrimination against women in all societies concerning access to education and gainful employment must be given special attention.
Productive employment is a key element in eradicating poverty and in enhancing social integration.
The overall issue of social integration, particularly universal access to social services, deserves more attention. In this context of social integration the importance of families must be recognised. Therefore, policies in both developed and developing countries need to be developed which on one hand generally ensure that livelihoods are sustained and vulnerability reduced. On the other hand, these policies should give specific attention to groups with special needs, such as long-term unemployed and youth. Also fundamental rights at work as contained in the ILO Declaration adopted in June 1988 must be respected.