WRITTEN QUESTION E-0990/02

by Paul Rübig (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(15 April 2002)

Subject: ILO World Commission

At the end of February 2002 Commissioner Pascal Lamy expressed his support for the creation of a World Commission by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The establishment of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation was decided at the ILO meeting in November 2001. It has the task of analysing the social dimension of globalisation. The World Commission comprises 18 internationally eminent persons

and is to forward its findings and conclusions to the ILO in March 2003. Commissioner Lamy stressed the need to involve all the relevant stakeholders, governments, international organisations, trade unions, employers and civil society in the work of the ILO World Commission.

In what way was consideration given to the possibility of European Parliament representatives participating in the work of the ILO World Commission?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(23 May 2002)

The Commission supports the establishment by the ILO of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation and has also expressed its willingness to contribute to its work.

The World Commission can help the international Community to better understand the complex interface between globalisation, trade liberalisation, poverty reduction, social development and decent work, including core labour standards. The World Commission could also propose innovative and effective approaches and initiatives in order to strengthen the social dimension of globalisation. The Commission hopes that the international Community will then be better equipped to harness globalisation and maximise the economic and social benefits of globalisation and trade. The World Commission should seek the contribution of other international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc. in order to develop an integral and comprehensive approach. The World Commission will probably also seek contributions of the Community.

The World Commission will address its report to the ILO in 2003. Decisions on new initiatives and actions remain with the ILO Governing Body and the International Labour Conference which are composed of Member States on a tripartite basis.

The Commission contributes actively to the social dimension of globalisation. It adopted, on 18 July 2001, a Communication on promoting core labour standards and strengthening social governance in the context of globalisation(1) and a Green Paper on corporate social responsibility(2) which are in discussion at the Parliament. The establishment of the World Commission could also be an element for consideration in the opinion of the Parliament on the Commission Communication of 18 July 2001. The Parliament could put this to the attention of the World Commission.

The cooperation with the ILO has been intensified and a new exchange of letters between the Commission and the ILO was signed on 14 May 2001 in order to strengthen cooperation. A high level meeting between the Commission and the ILO on 14 February 2002 launched a new cooperation including technical and development cooperation on core labour standards, capacity building, poverty reduction, social dialogue, social protection and decent work.

(1) Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee Promoting core labour standards and Improving Social Governance in the context of globalisation COM(2001) 416 final.

(2) COM(2001) 366 final.