WRITTEN QUESTION E-3576/02

by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission

(13 December 2002)

Subject: Fostering the cross-border mobility of workers EURES

The draft Commission decision implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68(1) in connection with vacancy clearance contains the following recital: In the light of the experience gained and the most recent developments in the environment in which EURES operates, the network should be integrated more effectively into the work of the Member States' employment services and the current division of responsibilities and decision-making procedures should be redrawn.

As a result of this change, all EURES funding will be allocated to national employment services. No funding will be set aside specifically for projects in border areas, even though, following the enlargement in 2004, efforts should focus on such border areas in particular.

How much importance does the European Commission attach to funding for border areas under EURES? Will the above-mentioned Commission decision contain a specific article acknowledging the existence of the EURES for border areas (EURES-T) and its objectives? If not, why not?

The EU enlargement in 2004 will increase the significance of border areas. How does the Commission intend to ensure that border areas continue to receive the same volume of funding following the EURES reform?

Interaction between employment services and the two sides of industry held the key to the successful implementation of many innovative EURES projects. Can the Commission guarantee that the two sides of industry will continue to be involved in EURES in the future?

What other forms of aid does the European Commission provide to foster the mobility of workers in border areas?

(1) OJ L 257, 19.10.1968, p. 2.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2003)

Furthering the cross-border mobility of workers in the border regions is an essential component of EURES. The objectives of EURES, as defined by the new Commission Decision(1), are to promote the development of European labour markets open and accessible for all, the transnational, interregional and crossborder exchange of vacancies and job applications, transparency and information exchange on the European labour markets, including on living conditions and on the opportunities for acquisition of skills, and the development of methodologies and indicators for this purpose. In line with Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community the activities developed within the framework of EURES comprise transnational, cross-border and sectoral activities. The Commission Decision refers to cross-border activities including the employment services responsible for border regions and the social partners at various instances. The composition and the main principles for the future organisation of the EURES cross-border partnerships will be established in the EURES Charter, that the Commission will adopt in Spring 2003.

The objectives of EURES including the cross-border activities in the border regions will be valid also after enlargement, in accordance with the accession treaties and taking into consideration the transitional arrangements for the free movement of persons. Preparation for enlargement is one of the key points in the EURES workprogramme for 2003. The volume of the budgetary means available for EURES will be subject to the decision of the budgetary authority also in the future.

The Commission believes that an active participation of the social partners is crucial for the success of EURES. According to the new Commission Decision on EURES the social partners will be represented at European level both in the High Level Strategy Group and the Working Party. As it has already been mentioned above, the main principles for the future organisation of the EURES cross-border partnerships will be established in the EURES Charter. The Commission proposal foresees that a crossborder partnership comprises the Public Employment Services together with trades union and employer organisations of all the regions involved.

Besides EURES, especially Interreg funding is being used for the promotion of worker mobility in the border regions.

(1) C(2002)5236final.