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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 14.02.1997 
COM(96) 724 final 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
THE EUROPEAN UNION'S FOLLOW-UP TO 
THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Summary 
At the Copenhagen World Summit for Social Development in March 1995, Heads of 
State and Government adopted a declaration and a three-pronged action programme 
aimed at eradicating poverty, increasing productive employment along with a cut in 
unemployment, and fostering social integration. 
The policies being implemented both at Member State and Community level already go a 
long way towards meeting the commitments made in Copenhagen. In line with the 
priorities singled out by the European Union before and during the Summit, the purpose 
of this communication is to outline a limited number of areas on which the EU could now 
focus its action. This in no way reduces the need for the EU to continue its efforts to table 
common positions on the range of issues arising from the Summit which are to be 
followed up by the United Nations. 
The communication also puts forward the idea of expert meetings to gauge the extent to 
which the EU is fulfilling the undertakings it made in Copenhagen. 
THE EUROPEAN UNION'S FOLLOW-UP TO 
THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 
Introduction 3 
1. FIVE AREAS FOR ACTION 4 
1.1 Incorporating social aspects into the international institutional 
framework 4 
1.2 Incorporating respect for basic social rights and promoting social and 
human development in bilateral agreements 5 
1.3 Incorporating the fight against poverty in*development action and 
continuing efforts to combat marginalization within the Community 6 
1.4 Keeping employment as the top priority for economic and social 
policy 7 
1.5 Respect and protection for immigrants and the fight against racism 
and xenophobia 8 
2. TAKING A CUE FROM THE SUMMIT TO EXPAND AND 
STIMULATE DEBATE 9 
2.1 Fostering the involvement of civil society 9 
2.2 A plan for expert meetings to monitor implementation of the 
Copenhagen action programme.... 9 
THE EUROPEAN UNION'S FOLLOW-UP TO 
THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 
Introduction 
The Copenhagen World Summit on Social Development, the first of its kind, provided an 
opportunity for the international community to spell out the principles underpinning an 
integrated people-centred approach to development. Such an approach is founded on 
common values and highlights the close links that exist between certain development 
goals, prominent among which are upholding human rights and the equality of the sexes, 
reducing poverty and inequality, boosting employment, respecting workers' basic rights 
and integrating disadvantaged groups. In this way, the Summit dovetailed with a series of 
recent conferences on human development (Rio, Vienna, Cairo and Beijing). 
In the run-up to the Summit, the Commission presented a communication (COM(94)669) 
setting out the European Union's priorities for Copenhagen. These priorities covered 
multilateral commitments (aimed at encouraging all countries to set explicit social 
development goals, improving social rights in keeping with the ILO Conventions, and 
reducing inequalities) and the incorporation of certain aspects in the Community's bilateral 
relations with countries benefiting from financial aid or trade preferences. 
The purpose of this communication is to look at ways in which the European Union could 
act upon the commitments made in Copenhagen. While the Commission takes the view 
that the full range of commitments and action set out in the declaration and action 
programme should be put into practice (as indeed Member State and Community policies 
are already starting to do), it also feels that the Union in line with the priorities it 
pinpointed prior to and at the Summit could formulate proposals in five of the areas 
mentioned in the Summit texts. These are: 
the international institutional environment, 
the inclusion of basic social rights in bilateral agreements, 
the fight against poverty, 
the priority to be given to employment in economic and social policies, 
respect and protection for immigrants, and measures to combat xenophobia. 
The choice of these five themes in no way reduces the need for the EU to continue its 
efforts to table common positions on the range of issues arising from the Summit to be 
followed up in the UN. 
The Community also subscribes to the notion that civil society should play a part in social 
development and intends to take practical initiatives to achieve this. 
Similarly, in a bid to promote the principles of the integrated approach advanced in 
Copenhagen and ensure that the Community subsequently does what it undertook to do, 
the Commission also proposes that expert meetings be held to examine the extent to 
which the undertakings made at the Summit are coming to fruition. 
1. FIVE AREAS FOR ACTION 
1.1 DEVELOPING SOCIAL ASPECTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL 
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK 
While stressing that social development was primarily a domestic policy matter, the 
Summit highlighted the growing importance of the international institutional environment. 
With the emergence of a global economy, burgeoning trade and growing 
internationalisation, the loss of national autonomy over policies calls for greater 
cooperation world-wide. * 
The overhaul of the system of international institutions has also been a topic of G7 
discussion: in Halifax and Lyon the main industrialised nations focused on the 
consequences of globalization and the increased interdependence both of national policies 
and of the various policies affecting sustainable development. At Lyon they also called for 
a new Partnership for Development covering, among others, the social aspects of 
development and involving both the developing countries themselves and bilateral and 
multilateral donors. 
The decisions of the recent European Councils are evidence of the EU's move towards an 
integrated approach, making a necessary link between the fight against unemployment and 
the curbing of public deficits. Closer interaction between Council meetings on social 
affairs and those on economics and finance should open the way for a more consistent 
approach to such matters. 
Internationally, there is a clear need to create conditions for growth, stability and new jobs 
which abide by multilaterally-agreed labour standards. 
Employment has certainly moved up the international agenda in recent years, particularly 
in meetings of the G7 including the Detroit and Lille Conferences, and in the work 
programmes of international organisations such as the EC and the OECD. Still, co­
operation between international institutions in the field of employment has so far netted 
only modest results. Some encouraging signs are initial contacts between the IMF and 
ILO and the creation of a task force on sustainable jobs and living conditions as part of 
the UN's Administrative Committee on Co-ordination (CAC). 
Proposed guidelines 
In view of the special role which the action programme accords the ILO in influencing the 
quantity and quality of employment, the Commission sees a vital need for closer 
cooperation between this organisation and those bodies working in three other key areas, 
i.e. macroeconomic policies (IMF), development issues, particularly structural and 
sectoral policies (World Bank) and trade policies (WTO). This would build on the 
guidelines agreed in Halifax, and followed-up in Lyon, enabling the international 
community to make international policies dovetail better. 
Chapter V of the action programme deals with the follow-up to the Summit. The thinking 
behind the programme highlights the need to give more weight to economic and social 
aspects when drawing up and implementing policies. In practical terms, one suggestion is 
to have joint high-level gatherings, possibly on the sidelines of World Bank and IMF 
Development Committee meetings, which would bring together the UN 
Secretary-General, the IMF, the Bank, the ILO, UN funds and programmes and other 
relevant bodies to examine how the declaration and action programme are being 
implemented. 
The Commission believes the Union should support the holding of such meetings 
(mentioned in paragraph 95g) and recommend that the General Assembly call on the 
Secretary-General to start convening them from 1996 on a regular basis under the 
umbrella of the Administrative Co-ordination Committee. 
The Commission should also back this idea in G7 discussion of international institutions, 
especially in the light of the objective of greater consistency set out in Lyon. 
ECOSOC has a central role to play in ensuring that the main economic, social and other 
relevant conferences lead on from each other so as to avoid overlapping and encourage an 
integrated approach. A revitalised Social Development Committee should assist ECOSOC 
with a multiannual thematic work programme centred on the three main topics of the 
Summit. 
1.2 INCORPORATING RESPECT FOR BASIC SOCIAL RIGHTS AND 
PROMOTING SOCIAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN BILATERAL 
AGREEMENTS 
In its relations with other countries, the European Union has developed a policy for 
human rights and basic freedoms, covering a wide range of activities. In November 1995, 
the Commission published a communication entitled "The European Union and the 
external dimension of human rights policy: from Rome to Maastricht and beyond". 
More specifically, agreements with non-member countries have since 1992 had to include 
a human rights clause as part and parcel of the whole accord. Not only does this cover 
civil and political rights but also the right to development as well as economic, cultural 
and social rights. The clause was fleshed out by the Commission in its communication of 
May 1995 on "the inclusion of respect for democratic principles and human rights in 
agreements between the Community and third countries". 
On the social front, the Community makes sure that due account is taken of such matters. 
In this regard the Development Council of November 1996 adopted a resolution on 
'Human and Social Development and European Union Development policy'. In addition 
the White Paper, which should help guide the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in 
their preparations to join the single market, also covers social aspects and the Euro-
Mediterranean partnership adopted by the Cannes European Council includes a major 
component on social and human issues. 
In that part of the action programme dealing with improvements in the quality of work 
and employment all governments represented in Copenhagen undertook to promote 
respect for basic workers' rights and to implement the ILO Conventions (where they were 
signatory to them) or abide by their principles (where they were not). 
In its bilateral relations and in granting aid and trade preferences, the Community should 
give priority to those countries taking concrete steps to comply with this undertaking. 
Proposed initiative 
(a) In relations with other countries, the European Union has developed a policy for 
human rights and basic freedoms covering a range of activities. In November 
1995, the Commission adopted a Communication entitled "The European Union 
and the external dimension of human rights policy: from Rome to Maastricht and 
beyond". 
More specifically, agreements with third countries have, since 1992 had to 
include a human rights clause as part and parcel of the whole accord. Not only 
does this cover civil and political rights but also the right to development as well 
as economic, social and cultural rights. The clause was fleshed out by the 
Commission in its Communication of May 1995 on "the inclusion of respect for 
democratic principles and human rights in agreements between the Community and 
third countries. 
Dialogue between the Union and developing countries therefore naturally covers 
these matters. 
(b) The Union ensures that the development of human resources, through education, 
vocational training and the improvement of living conditions of disadvantaged 
sections of the population, is an integral part of economic and social development. 
In the human rights context it recognises the need to protect workers fundamental 
rights on the basis set out in the relevant instruments of the International Labour 
Organisation, including those on the prohibition of forced and child labour, the 
freedom of association, the right to organise and to bargain collectively and the 
principle of non-discrimination. 
In its cooperation with other countries, the Community may take up matters relating 
to employment and respect for basic social rights and try to find ways of 
working together on social aspects. 
(c) the aim would be to 
promote analysis, the development of national policies and the formulation of 
goals for social progress in the fields of employment, health, education/training 
and combating poverty; 
foster dialogue between governments, the social partners and civil society on 
issues relating to employment, health and education; 
implement schemes and programmes which contribute to the goals of social 
development and ensure compliance with the ILO Conventions. 
In order to do all this, the Community would have to seek closer cooperation or even 
mount joint cooperation programmes with specialised bodies such as UNDP, the ILO and 
European social partners. 
In the Commission's view, a good way to strengthen the social dimension in the 
Community's development aid, particularly for the poorest countries, is by making good 
the undertaking mooted in the Summit's action programme whereby basic social 
programmes would, by joint agreement, receive one fifth of the Community's public 
development aid and one fifth of developing countries' own public spending. 
1.3 INCORPORATING THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY IN 
DEVELOPMENT ACTION AND CONTINUING EFFORTS TO COMBAT 
MARGINALISATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY 
1.3.1 The Copenhagen action programme contains recommendations for the 
implementation of national strategies which explicitly seek to reduce relative poverty, and 
eradicate absolute poverty and which include such goals in local, national and regional 
economic and social policies. The programme also calls for closer international co­
operation, support for international institutions, and mobilisation of the public and private 
sectors alike to help achieve national poverty-reduction goals. 
As part of the EU's development co-operation, the fight against poverty is one of the main 
areas in which the Member States and Community intend to step up co-ordination of 
policies and on-the-spot action. In December 1993, the Council adopted general joint 
guidelines stressing the inherently political dimension of a task which can only succeed 
with the sustained political will to ensure a more equitable distribution of the fruits of 
growth and fairer access to productive resources and social services. For this to happen, 
priority must be giving to narrowing inequalities between men and women. The approach 
chosen by the Council is an integrated, long-term one, covering all development 
mechanisms and emphasising policy dialogue between donors and the recipient countries' 
authorities, as well as grassroots involvement. 
In order to boost its role in supporting domestic policies to alleviate poverty and 
inequality and fine-tune its priorities in managing development schemes, the Community 
could give more backing to the development of analysis and information instruments, 
incorporating them into the various areas of co-operation. 
Proposed initiative 
In the policy dialogue between the Community and developing countries, poverty would 
be routinely taken into account, using progress indicators and an assessment of national 
policy action for reducing poverty and inequality. Other indicators would be examined, 
such as the share of public spending on basic social services compared to other non­
productive expenditure or the barriers that prevent access for all, particularly women, to 
productive resources and activities. 
Alongside this, the Community would improve its own system for analysing and 
evaluating its programmes so that their impact on poverty could be gauged more clearly. 
The Community could also step up its development education activities to make citizens 
more aware of the problems of poverty in the world. 
1.3.2 Efforts should also be made to ensure that the economic progress made by 
Community countries benefit everyone. 
The picture painted at the Summit of the situation in industrialised economies shows that 
social marginalization is growing in the face of structural changes. 
As indicated in its medium-term social action programme, the Commission will continue 
to monitor this issue carefully. 1996 has seen an EU-wide debate on social exclusion and a 
report on all Community action in this field. 
The fight against exclusion has been a priority for the European Social Fund since 1989. 
Among its main goals have been measures to combat long-term unemployment and to 
facilitate the social integration of young people and those belonging more generally to 
vulnerable groups (drug addicts, immigrants, ex-prisoners, etc.). 
As regards sex equality, the principle is included in all Community policies and activities. 
Currently, ECU 5.6 billion is being earmarked for the fight against marginalization. 
The Community "Employment" initiative allows a more flexible approach, taking into 
account all aspects of exclusion and dealing with them as a whole. ECU 730 million under 
the "Horizon" section of this initiative has gone on the fight against exclusion. 
1.4 KEEPING EMPLOYMENT AS THE TOP PRIORITY FOR ECONOMIC 
AND SOCIAL POLICY 
The Copenhagen declaration and action programme place job creation, reducing 
unemployment and promoting decently paid work at the centre of economic and social 
policies and strategies for sustainable development. Governments undertook to conduct 
active employment policies and give priority to national and international policies 
conducive to employment. 
The action programme stresses the vital role of employment in reducing poverty and 
fostering social integration. Emphasis is placed on the cooperation required at all levels 
between the state, social partners and civil society, and on the need to invest in people. 
Investment in education and training is essential for economic growth and hence jobs, and 
instrumental in enabling men and women to adapt more easily to global change. 
Employment policies must also ensure equality between men and women and 
non-discrimination on racial/ethnic, religious or other grounds. 
The EU has made the battle for employment one of its central tasks. The chosen strategy, 
consistent with macro economic policies aimed at monetary stability and the reduction of 
excessive public deficits identifies five key areas vital for job creation: 
better job prospects through investment in vocational training; 
harnessing growth for greater job creation; 
lower indirect labour costs to help create jobs; 
more effective labour market policies; 
measures to help those worst affected by unemployment. 
The Essen European Council asked the Member States to incorporate these 
recommendations into multiannual policy programmes tailored to the particular economic 
and social situations prevailing in each country. In December 1995, the Madrid European 
Council reaffirmed that job creation was the main social, economic and political goal of 
the EU and its Member States. For the first time, a joint report by the Council (Ecofin and 
Labour and Social Affairs ministers) and the Commission concurred on how best to 
ensure that economic recovery was accompanied by a clearer improvement in the job 
situation. 
In June 1996 President Santer proposed a confidence pact for employment in order to 
mobilise all those concerned, make full use of the European multiplier effect, and give a 
medium- and long term dimension to efforts to combat unemployment. This policy, which 
sets out a comprehensive framework, was welcomed by the Florence European Council, 
which stressed the need to give new impetus to the job creation strategy. 
The joint report and the confidence pact proposal were followed-up at the Dublin 
European Council with a Declaration on Employment, which outlines a concrete set of 
desirable measures to (1) improye labour market efficiency and investment in human 
resources, (2) provide support for the most vulnerable groups in society, (3) render tax 
and benefit systems more employment friendly, (4) modernise markets for goods and 
services, (5) enhance competitiveness, and (6) promote local development. 
Proposed guideline 
The decisive steps taken by the European Union in close collaboration with the social 
partners could, as part of an analysis of best practice, be usefully passed on and compared 
with other initiatives in a wider international framework. Given the special employment 
role accorded by the action programme to the ILO, the Commission proposes to hold 
regular meetings with the organisation. Discussion on employment should also continue 
within the OECD and G7. 
1.5 RESPECT AND PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANTS AND THE FIGHT 
AGAINST RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA 
The Copenhagen declaration commits governments to affording migrant workers 
protection as laid down in national and international laws and agreements, to combating 
acts of racism and xenophobia, and to fostering social tolerance. Respect for human 
rights, fundamental freedoms of all, cultural and religious diversity, social justice and 
equal opportunities are vital for more humane, tolerant and just societies. 
Planned initiatives 
In its medium-term social action programme, the Commission plans in the near 
future to present a recommendation encouraging Member States to ratify the 1990 
UN Convention on improving the lot of migrant workers and their families. 
The same programme also makes provision for a recommendation calling on 
Member States to make it easier for residents of non-member countries 
permanently and legally domiciled in another Member State to find employment in 
instances where the relevant post cannot be filled by EU nationals or by national of 
other countries legally resident in that Member State. As things stand, nationals of 
non-member countries legally and permanently residing in one Member State are 
not entitled to go and work in another. 
In December 1995, the Commission adopted a communication on racism, 
xenophobia and antisemitism in a bid to co-ordinate its own activities in these 
10 
areas and as a way of mapping out avenues for future action. The communication 
was accompanied by a proposal to the Council to have 1997 designated as the 
"European Year Against Racism". 
2. TAKING A CUE FROM THE SUMMIT TO EXPAND AND STIMULATE 
DEBATE 
2.1 FOSTERING THE INVOLVEMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY 
The declaration and action programme enshrine the idea of a society for all, in which each 
individual has rights and responsibilities and an active part to play. Governments are urged 
to encourage the involvement of everyone in society. 
Planned initiatives 
The Commission has decided to hold a European forum every eighteen months to discuss 
social policy. The forum will bring together as many relevant bodies as possible. While 
fully acknowledging the role played by the social partners, the Commission believes that 
NGOs and other representative organisations should be consulted on a whole range of 
social issues. The first forum was held in March 1996. 
2.2 A PLAN FOR EXPERT MEETINGS TO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION 
OF THE COPENHAGEN ACTION PROGRAMME 
Expert meetings are due to be held in 1997 and 1999 to examine how the main issues 
raised at Copenhagen have been handled and how both the internal and external aspects of 
EU policies have progressed. This is with a view to the special session of the General 
Assembly planned for 2000, when implementation of the action programme will be 
examined. 
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ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 724 final 
DOCUMENTS 
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