European social agenda approved by the Nice European Council meeting on 7, 8 and 9 December 2000
Date: 2001-05-30
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: European Council, European social policy, social policy

C 157/4

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Official Journal of the European Communities

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EUROPEAN SOCIAL AGENDA

approved by the Nice European Council meeting on 7, 8 and 9 December 2000

(2001/C 157/02)

1. Policy guidelines laid down by the European Council

series of points and stressed the need for an annual
follow-up to the social agenda on the basis of a scoreboard
drawn up by the Commission.

1. The Lisbon European Council set a strategic goal for the
European Union, namely (cid:145)to become the most competitive
and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world,
capable of sustained economic growth with more and
better jobs and greater social cohesion(cid:146).

2.

3.

4.

It also set a goal of full employment in Europe in a society
more adapted to the personal choices of women and men.
The ultimate goal is, on the basis of the statistics available,
to bring the employment rate (which currently stands at an
average of 61 %) up to a level which is as near as possible
to 70 % by 2010 and to increase the proportion of
working women (currently an average of 51 %) to over
60 % by 2010. The Heads of State or Government said
that an average economic growth rate of around 3 %
should be a realistic prospect for the coming years, if the
measures they had adopted in Lisbon were implemented
against a sound macroeconomic background.

In this context, the European Council instructed the French
Presidency to initiate proceedings
(cid:145)on the basis of a
Commission communication, with a view to reaching
the Nice
agreement on a European social agenda at
European Council in December, including the initiatives of
the different partners involved(cid:146).

on

in the

submitted

framework of

communication

In accordance with these guidelines, on 28 June 2000, the
Commission
the
its
European social agenda. The Commission announced this
five-year
communication,
programme, as one of the key elements of its economic
and social agenda. The Member States unanimously
stressed the high quality of that contribution. They saw it
as a relevant basis in view of the guidelines laid down by
the European Council in Lisbon and Feira. It may also be
noted that the communication clarifies the way in which
the Commission intends to use its right of initiative in the
field of social policy.

its

6. The discussion has also been enriched by the opinions
issued by the Economic and Social Committee and the
Committee of
the Regions. The contributions from the
social partners and the non-governmental organisations
have made it possible to incorporate the views of these key
social policy. The relevant
in the sphere of
players
the Council or the
committees and working parties of
Commission,
Employment
particular
and
the High-level Working Party on Social
Committee,
Protection and
the Advisory Committee on Equal
Opportunities for Women and Men, have also played their
part in this work.

the

in

2. Modernising and improving the European social model

7. At Lisbon the Member States recalled that: (cid:145)The European
social model, with its developed systems of
social
protection, must underpin the transformation to the
(cid:145)People are
knowledge economy(cid:146). They emphasised that:
Europe’s main asset and should be the focal point of the
Union’s policies.
Investing in people and developing an
active and dynamic welfare state will be crucial both to
Europe’s place in the knowledge economy and for ensuring
that
this new economy does not
compound the existing social problems of unemployment,
social exclusion and poverty(cid:146).

the emergence of

8. At the heart of its communication the Commission placed
the need to ensure a positive and dynamic interaction of
economic, employment and social policies and to mobilise
all players to attain that strategic objective.

9.

5. On this basis the European Parliament resolution adopted
on 26 October 2000 provided substantial elements of
deepening and enhancement. It particularly emphasised the
following points: the importance of
interaction between
economic, social and employment policies, the role of the
various instruments and especially the open method of
coordination and legislation,
the mobilisation of all the
players involved. It sought to reinforce the agenda on a

In this perspective, the dual objective of social policy needs
to be emphasised: the agenda must strengthen the role of
social policy as a productive factor; it must enable it to be
at
its
the same time more effective in the pursuit of
specific aims concerning the protection of individuals, the
cohesion. The
reduction of
European Parliament and the social partners have laid
particular stress on this dual objective. Economic growth
and social cohesion are mutually reinforcing. A society
with more social cohesion and less exclusion betokens a
more successful economy.

inequalities,

and social

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C 157/5

10. An approach of this kind presupposes in the first instance
an increase in the level of participation in the employment
market, especially by groups that are under-represented or
disadvantaged in it. More and better jobs are the key to
social inclusion. More accessible labour markets should be
promoted, and diversity in employment as a productive
integration should be
factor and a factor
encouraged. The strategy of mutual
reinforcement of
economic and social policies, as defined at Lisbon and
consisting in mobilising the full potential of
the jobs
available, is thus decisive in ensuring the sustainability of
retirement pension systems.

social

for

11. To prepare for the future, the Union must rely on its
achievements.
It must continue to promote its inherent
values of solidarity and justice as enshrined in the Charter
of Fundamental Rights. The European social model,
characterised in particular by systems that offer a high
level of social protection, by the importance of the social
dialogue and by services of general
interest covering
activities vital for social cohesion, is today based, beyond
the diversity of the Member States’ social systems, on a
common core of values.

texts

in numerous areas:

12. The European social model has developed over the last 40
years through a substantial Community acquis which the
Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam made it possible to
It now includes
strengthen to a considerable extent.
essential
free movement of
workers, gender equality at work, health and safety of
workers, working and employment conditions and, more
recently, the fight against all forms of discrimination. The
social chapter of the Treaty established the fundamental
role of agreements between the social partners in the
law-making process. The Extraordinary European Council
in Luxembourg constituted a major step in mobilising the
European Union to act on employment. The Amsterdam
Treaty, with the European employment strategy, and the
European Council meeting in Lisbon and Feira, with the
open method of coordination on the subject of social
exclusion and greater cooperation in the field of social
protection, have contributed new and relevant methods for
expanding the new areas of Community action.

13. The objective set at Lisbon presupposes that the European
Union identifies the new challenges that call for a response
over the next five years.

3. The common challenges

Achieve full employment and mobilise the full potential of
available

jobs

14. The pace of Europe’s growth, supported by continued
structural reforms, should make it possible to attain the

objective of a return to full employment. That prospect
increasing
involves
employment
reducing
rates,
inequality and improving job quality.

ambitious policies
reducing

in terms of
regional

gaps,

15. It

is crucial

to improve qualifications and increase the
opportunities for lifelong education and training, giving an
essential role to the social partners. It is essential for skills
to develop and evolve in order to improve adaptability and
competitiveness and combat social exclusion. Changes in
the organisation of work will be necessary in order to take
full advantage of
the information and
communication technologies. Flexibility and security must
be combined in the context of a changing economy.

the potential of

Benefit from technical progress

16. The

in

rapid

changes

information

technology,
communication and life sciences make it necessary for
each Member State, in line with the objective set by the
Lisbon European Council, to be at the cutting edge of the
knowledge-based and innovatory economy and society, the
wellspring today of growth and development.

17. Technological changes also have to bring about an
improvement in the standard of living to the benefit of
society at large. The emergence of new information and
communications technologies is therefore an exceptional
opportunity which must be put to the best use, taking care
not to widen the gap between those with access to new
knowledge and those excluded from it.

Develop mobility

18. Economic integration and the setting up of bi-national or
multinational companies mean increased mobility for men
and women throughout the European Union. This trend,
which is already quite clear among young graduates and
senior management, must be encouraged and facilitated,
particularly for teachers,
researchers and trainees. This
demand must be duly taken into account in the context of
national education and training systems. Moreover,
it is
necessary to modernise and improve the Community rules
for the protection of
the social rights of workers who
exercise their right to mobility.

Take advantage of economic and monetary integration

19. The realisation of economic and monetary union and the
existence of a large single market are bringing about
greater transparency in the comparison of costs and prices.
increased
This process of
competitiveness, will result
the
apparatus of production, and sectoral changes that must be

token of
in the restructuring of

integration,

a

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managed and backed up by a greater effort
to train
workers and help them acquire skills. A positive approach
to these
changes must be developed by involving
undertakings and workers.

20. If, within economic and monetary union, growth is to be
sustained and non-inflationary, pay rises in each Member
State must in particular reflect increased productivity and
must comply with the provisions
in the Treaties on
maintaining price stability.

support the efforts already made by the applicant countries
to adjust and transform their social security systems and to
encourage the establishment of a process of convergence
in making progress. Not only do they face the major
challenge of adjusting and changing their systems but they
are also confronted with most of the problems that beset
the existing Member States of the European Union. The
prospect of enlargement therefore needs to be taken into
account in all areas of social policy.

Deal with population ageing

Affirm the social dimension of globalisation

21. Every Member State is faced with the challenge of an
ageing population. Pursuing appropriate policies on the
family and children is one matter, but new responses have
to be found, whether in terms of increasing the level of
facilitating and supporting older
female
workers to remain in employment or in terms of
the
sustainability of retirement systems and measures to take
care of those who are dependent.

employment,

22. Achieving a high level of employment and increasing
female employment will, by reducing the burden of
pensions per employed person, reinforce the capacity to
deal with the issue of ageing. It is therefore necessary to
facilitate access to the labour market by measures to
combat discrimination and by the adjustment of social
protection systems to promote employment and reinforce
the relationship between working life and family life.

Strengthen social cohesion

is

23. Social cohesion, the rejection of any form of exclusion or
discrimination and gender equality are all essential values
of the European social model and were reaffirmed at the
Lisbon European Council. Employment
the best
protection against social exclusion. Growth should benefit
all, but for this to be so, proactive measures, especially in
problem districts, should be continued and stepped up to
deal with the complex nature and multiple facets of
exclusion and inequality. Alongside employment policy,
social protection has a fundamental role to play, but it is
also necessary to recognise the importance of other factors
such as housing,
information and
education, health,
communication, mobility, security and justice, leisure and
culture. Non-member country nationals legally resident in
the Union should also be integrated
the territory of
satisfactorily.

25. By expanding competition, the globalisation of trade and
finance increases the demand for competitiveness, which
has implications for social policies (e.g.
the impact of
social-security contributions on wage costs). Multilateral
negotiations on economic issues increasingly have a social
dimension (for example, discussions on fundamental social
the
rights, health-care problems).
European Union should organise itself in such a way as to
ensure that
in
international negotiations.

issues are taken into account

important

social

that

is

It

4.

Implementation arrangements

26. To meet these new challenges, the agenda must ensure the
modernisation and deepening of
the European social
model and place the emphasis on the promotion of quality
in all areas of social policy. Quality of training, quality in
work, quality of industrial relations and quality of social
policy as a whole are essential
factors if the European
Union is to achieve the goals it has set itself regarding
competitiveness and full employment. The implementation
of
this approach and action taken at Community level
must be aimed more particularly, subject to the principle
of subsidiarity and giving all due importance to the social
dialogue,
common
objectives.

achievement of

ensuring

the

at

27. All those involved, the institutions of the European Union
(European Parliament, Council, Commission), the Member
local and regional authorities, the social partners,
States,
civil society and businesses have a role to play.

Make a success of enlargement in the social field

24. Enlargement

is a challenge facing the European Union,
especially in the social field. The Union should resolutely

28. In the implementation of the social agenda all existing
Community instruments bar none must be used: the open
method of coordination, legislation, the social dialogue, the
Structural Funds, the support programmes, the integrated
policy approach, analysis and research.

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29. The agenda recognises the need to take full account of the
subsidiarity and the differences between
and
and labour

in social

traditions

principle of
Member States
situations.

30. The agenda will have to remain progressive in character so

as to take account of economic and social changes.

31. Strengthening and modernising the European social model
so that it can face up to new challenges means realising
the implications of
the interaction between economic
growth, employment and social cohesion when defining
the
It
the policies of
strategic options for these policies must be defined.

is on this basis that

the Union.

32. Taking account of the future direction laid down by the
European Council in Lisbon and Feira, and on the basis of
the Employment and
the Commission communication,
Social Policy Council proposes
to the Nice European
Council that it agree on:

(cid:151) the following future orientations for social policy:

I. more and better jobs

II. anticipating and capitalising on change in the
working environment by creating a new balance
between flexibility and security

III. fighting poverty and all

discrimination
integration

in

forms of exclusion and
social
promote

to

order

IV. modernising social protection

V. promoting gender equality

VI. strengthening

of
social
enlargement and the European Union’s external
relations,

aspects

policy

the

(cid:151) the following arrangements for implementing these

orientations:

the Commission is requested:

to make appropriate proposals and to exercise its
powers with regard to implementing and monitoring
the application of Community law in accordance with
the role conferred on it by the Treaty,

to support

in accordance with the conclusions of
the Lisbon
European Council concerning the open method of
coordination,
the latter by means of
appropriate initiatives, with particular reference to the
development of
in conjunction with the
Employment Committee and the Social Protection
Committee,

indicators,

the Council:

is instructed,
formation, with the
formations of
agenda,

in its employment and social policy
the other
the social

to implement

the Council,

involvement

of

the

examines, with a view to their adoption,
for
the
duration of
social
appropriate
agenda,
submitted by the Commission, with the
proposals
participation of the European Parliament in accordance
with the arrangements laid down by the Treaty,

the

the Lisbon
in accordance with the conclusions of
European Council concerning the open method of
coordination, formulates and updates the orientations
and the appropriate or common objectives; establishes,
where necessary, quantitative and qualitative indicators
and benchmarks. Instructs the Employment Committee
and the Social Protection Committee to support the
Council’s work, favouring contributions from the social
partners
from
non-governmental organisations. Welcomes the desire
expressed by the European Parliament
to be fully
involved in this
implementation and to establish
appropriate contacts,

exclusion,

regards

social

and,

as

the social partners are requested:

to make full use of the scope offered by the Treaty for
relations based on agreements and joint actions and to
make known, before each spring European Council,
the joint actions undertaken or planned,

connection,

in this
contribution for the Stockholm European Council
March 2001,

to submit

an initial

joint
in

the Member States:

ensure the implementation at national level of the acts
adopted by the Council,

on

the

Council

the Lisbon
in accordance with the conclusions of
of
European
translate these orientations and these
coordination,
appropriate or
into national,
common objectives
regional or local policies by setting specific targets and
adopting measures which take into account national,
regional and local differences,

open method

(cid:151) the following monitoring and updating procedures:

the Commission is requested:

in its annual summary report to the European Council,
to present the initiatives it has taken and to emphasise
the contributions of all the other actors in modernising
and improving the European social model in order to
attain the strategic objective adopted in Lisbon,

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framework

and check

to monitor

in this
the
implementation of the social agenda, as requested by
the Lisbon European Council, in the context both of
the Commission communication of 28 June 2000, and
of the orientations set out below and their mid-term
in
review in 2003,
preparation for the spring European Council, an annual
scoreboard
implementing
measures,

progress made

this purpose,

to submit,

for

of

in

the Council:

in its employment and social policy formation:

(cid:151) examines the Commission reports and scoreboard

and

(cid:151) contributes, in coordination with the other Council
formations concerned,
to the spring European
Council, to achieve the strategic goal set in Lisbon.
An initial
the
contribution is
Stockholm European Council.

expected

for

I. MORE AND BETTER JOBS

(c) Focus more, in this context, on attaining quality in work
and its importance for growth as a significant attractive
factor and as an incentive to work. A Commission
communication will refer in 2001 to the contribution of
employment policy to quality in work (in particular as
safety,
regards
remuneration, gender equality, balance between flexibility
and job security,
the
Employment Committee will submit a report at the end of
2001 on how to define the indicators to enable these to be
monitored.

relations). On that basis,

conditions,

working

health

social

and

(d) Combat

long-term unemployment by developing active
preventive and reintegration strategies based on early
identification
improving
employability.

individual

needs

and

of

(e) Support, in this context, the local and regional dimensions
of the employment strategy. The regional dimension will
require a strategic approach at all
including at
European level, and may require varied and targeted
the
policies
for different
objectives agreed at Lisbon,
regional
cohesion.

including greater

in order

to meet

regions,

levels,

full

achieving

The prospect of
employment must be
underpinned by resolute efforts to open up access to the
labour market to as many people as possible; this in particular
means firming up policies on the promotion of gender equality
at work, on reconciling professional and family life, on helping
older workers to keep their jobs, on combating long-term
unemployment and (by mobilising all of the actors concerned,
especially those working in the social economy) on providing
the most vulnerable categories of people with the prospect of
integration. Opting for a knowledge-based society requires
to
investment
acquire skills and accept mobility. At
is
important to promote quality in employment and to develop
effective lifelong learning and training strategies to benefit as
many people as possible.

to encourage workers
the same time it

in human resources

(f)

Improve effective access to lifelong education and training,
in particular in new technologies in order to avoid skills
shortages. Strategies in this area should coordinate the
shared responsibility of public authorities, social partners
and individuals, with a suitable contribution being made
society. The social partners are requested to
by civil
negotiate measures
to improve further education and
training to increase adaptability. They are also requested, as
are governments, to inform the Employment and Social
Policy Council by the end of 2001 of any provisions
adopted at European or national
in the context of
national employment action plans. A conference will be
held on this question for all parties concerned in 2002. A
European award will be created for pioneering companies.

level

(a)

Increase active employment by improving policies
for
reconciling family and professional life for both men and
women, and by encouraging specific categories to have
access to jobs or to stay in existing jobs (particularly the
long-term unemployed, disabled workers, older workers
and minorities): a comparative analysis by the Commission
before 2002 on the structural factors likely to encourage
participation in the labour market and adjustments to the
employment guidelines,
in particular when it comes to
setting a benchmark on child care provisions.

(b) Strengthen and continue the coordinated strategy for
employment under
the Employment
the auspices of
Committee. Complete the review and impact assessment of
the strategy in 2002 with a view to contributing to the
further development of the strategy.

(g) Promote both the identification and dissemination of good
practice in employment and the social dimension of the
information society,
in close conjunction with the High
Level Working Party on this question and develop further
the (cid:145)human resources(cid:146) aspect of the (cid:145)e-Europe(cid:146) plan.

(h) Facilitate mobility for European citizens:

(cid:151) by developing a knowledge-based Europe through
eliminating the barriers
teachers,
research workers, students, training professionals and

to mobility for

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people undergoing training,
the mobility
context
recommendation adopted by the Council,

specifically within the
the
action plan and

of

(cid:151) by promoting at European level

the recognition of
qualifications and skills gained in the Member States in
keeping with the Treaty,

(cid:151) by encouraging the free movement of persons: amend,
by 2003, the Drectives on the right of residence and
encourage improvement of
the rules on the free
movement of workers,

(cid:151) by modernising the rules, while the social policy
agenda is being implemented, ensuring that migrant
workers
security; by
rights
improving the application of legislation on this matter,
in particular by promoting the use of new information
and communication technologies,

retain their

to social

(cid:151) by strengthening the arrangements for safeguarding
additional pension rights before the end of 2002 for
workers moving with the European Union.

(i) While the social policy agenda is being implemented,
commence a study of the links between migratory flows
and employment policies.

(j) Ask the Commission to continue its examination, with due
regard for the responsibilities in the matter conferred on it
by the Treaty, of the relationship between social policy and
competition policy, while maintaining appropriate contacts
with the Member States and the social partners.

II. ANTICIPATING AND CAPITALISING ON CHANGE IN THE
BY CREATING A NEW

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
BALANCE BETWEEN FLEXIBILITY AND SECURITY

create

emergence of

resulting specifically from the

The far-reaching changes in the economy and the labour
market,
a
knowledge-based economy and from globalisation, are gaining
momentum in all Member States. These changes call for fresh
collective responses that take account of workers’ expectations.
Social dialogue
right
and consultation must
conditions for workers to participate in change, by anticipating
new developments in enterprises,
industry and
countries. The search is on for new kinds of collective
framework more suited to the new forms of employment and
these must allow for mobility and individual
investment in
increasingly diversified forms of work by making it easy to go
from one situation or one job to another. The measures
adopted to accompany these changes must strike a balance
between the various existing Community instruments,
in
particular the open method of coordination and leave the
social partners considerable scope for initiative.

sectors of

the

(a)

Involve workers more in managing change by improving
the Community framework, by the year 2002, of rules on
workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and involved
(review the Directive on the European Works Council,
continue to examine the Directives on information and
consultation and on the social aspects of the European
company).

(b) Develop,

in particular on the basis of a Commission
the Community strategy on

communication in 2002,
health and safety at work:

(cid:151) to consolidate, adapt and, where appropriate, simplify

existing standards,

(cid:151) to respond to new risks such as work-related stress, by
and exchanges of good

initiatives on standards
practice,

(cid:151) to promote the application of

legislation in SMEs,
taking into account the special constraints to which
they are exposed, to apply them by means of a specific
programme,

(cid:151) to develop, from 2001 onwards, exchanges of good
practice and collaboration between labour inspection
institutions in order to satisfy the common essential
requirements more effectively.

(c) Take

account,

growing
interdependence of European economies, of changes in the
working environment and in work relations:

context

the

the

of

in

the

organise

exchange

(cid:151) while the European social policy agenda is being
applied,
innovatory
experiences at Community level on labour relations
combining worker
for
undertakings, while involving the social partners in all
relevant aspects of modernising and improving work
relations,

security with

flexibility

of

(cid:151) as of 2001, in line with the proposals from the social
partners, set up a (cid:145)European Monitoring Centre on
Change(cid:146) within the Dublin Foundation,

is

(cid:151) before 2003, examine, with a view to its adjustment,
the
the Directive on the protection of workers if
employer
the
as
Commission has announced, existing Directives on the
guarantees afforded to workers in the event of mass
redundancy, on the protection of labour relations if the
employer changes and, where appropriate, adapt them,

bankrupt;

declared

review,

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(cid:151) invite the social partners:

(cid:151) to continue the social dialogue, on problems
related to the organisation of work and new forms
of employment,

(cid:151) to launch debates which might lead to negotiations
on shared responsibility between undertakings and
employability
workers
and
in particular from
adaptability of the workforce,
the perspective of mobility,

regards

the

as

(cid:151) to examine data-protection questions.

(d) Support

initiatives linked to the social responsibility of
undertakings and to managing change, by means of a
Commission communication.

(e)

Improve the functioning of the macroeconomic dialogue
provided for at the European Council in Cologne so that it
fully contributes to the positive and dynamic interaction of
social and employment policies. Encourage
economic,
exchanges
information between the Community
of
institutions and the social partners, on ongoing changes in
the make-up and content of wages and salaries.

(f) By the year 2004, organise an exchange of views on
social-security

individual dismissals,
benefits and national labour market characteristics.

taking account of

(g)

In 2001, supplement Community legislation on working
time by finalising the provisions for the road-transport
sector. Make progress on the texts on harmonising the
social aspects of maritime and air transport.

III. FIGHTING POVERTY AND ALL FORMS OF EXCLUSION
AND DISCRIMINATION IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SOCIAL
INTEGRATION

The return to sustained economic growth and the prospect of
full employment in the near future do not mean that poverty
and exclusion in the European Union will automatically
decrease. These factors do, however, make the continued
existence of poverty and exclusion even less acceptable. The
Lisbon European Council underlined the need to take steps to
make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty. That
political will has been affirmed at the highest level in each of
the Member States and must be transmitted to the grass roots
by mobilising all the local actors, in particular NGOs and the
social services.
It must be accompanied too, by action to
ensure equal treatment for all non-member country nationals
residing lawfully on Union territory.

objectives. This plan states the progress aimed for by
national policies and lists the indicators used to assess the
results of the action undertaken; progress, as from 2001,
on the basis of the indicators adopted by the States in their
national action plans, towards achieving compatibility as
regards those indicators and the defining of commonly
agreed indicators.

(b) Exploit the possibilities offered by new information and
communication technologies to reduce social exclusion by
encouraging access for all to the knowledge society, and to
that end, implement the Commission action plan (cid:145)e-Europe
2002 (cid:151) An information society for all(cid:146), approved by the
Feira European Council.

(c) Ensure a follow-up, when the first national action plans are
completed,
to the 1992 recommendation on minimum
guaranteed resources to be provided by social protection
systems and examine possible
to monitor
progress in the area.

initiatives

(d) Use exchanges of experience to support

the efforts of
Member States in urban policy so as to combat social and
spatial segregation.

(e) Evaluate the impact of the ESF, including the Community
initiative EQUAL, on the promotion of social inclusion.

(f) Ensure effective implementation of Community legislation
on combating all types of discrimination on grounds of
gender, race or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability,
age or sexual orientation. Develop exchanges of experience
and of good practice to strengthen these policies.

(g) Conduct,

in accordance with the conclusions of

the
Tampere European Council, a more vigorous integration
policy for non-member country nationals legally resident
on Union territory which should aim at granting them
rights and obligations comparable to those of European
Union citizens. Develop exchanges of experience on
national integration policies.

(h) Develop,

in particular during the European Year of
Disabled Citizens (2003), all action intended to bring about
the fuller integration of disabled people in all areas of life.

(a)

Implement by June 2001, pursuant to the open method of
coordination defined by the Lisbon European Council, a
national two-year action plan for combating poverty and
the jointly adopted
social exclusion on the basis of

(i) Establish conditions for an efficient partnership with the
social partners, non-governmental organisations,
local
authorities and bodies that manage social services. Involve
undertakings in this partnership to strengthen their social
responsibility.

30.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 157/11

IV. MODERNISING SOCIAL PROTECTION

Social protection systems are an essential component of the
and although they remain the
European social model,
they face common
responsibility of each Member State,
challenges. To confront
them more effectively, cooperation
between Member States must be strengthened, particularly
through the Social Protection Committee. The modernisation
of social protection systems must meet the requirements of
solidarity: that is what is at stake in the action we have to take
on retirement and health and to achieve an active welfare state
that
strongly encourages participation in the employment
market.

(a)

Integrate the concept of gender equality into all relevant
areas, particularly those covered by the social policy
agenda,
in the design, monitoring and assessment of
policies by establishing appropriate mechanisms and tools,
such as, where appropriate, gender impact assessments,
monitoring tools and performance assessment criteria.

(b)

Increase women’s access to decision-making by setting
appropriate goals or time-bound targets for the public
sphere and the economic and social sectors in every
Member State.

(a) Continue cooperation and exchanges between States on
strategies designed to guarantee secure and viable pensions
in future: national contributions forwarded with a view to
the Stockholm European Council meeting (March 2001),
study on this subject to be sent by the Employment and
in
Social Policy Council
to the European Council
Gothenburg (June 2001), which will determine
the
subsequent stages.

(b) Analyse, on the basis of each of

the Member States’
policies, the adjustments made to social protection systems
and the progress still to be made in order to make work
pay and promote secure incomes (2002) and to encourage
reconciliation between work and family life.

(c)

(d)

communication

the Commission

Implement
entitled
(cid:145)Towards a Community framework strategy on gender
equality (2001 to 2005)(cid:146), examine, with a view to their
adoption, the proposed amendments to the 1976 Directive
on equal treatment and reinforce equality-related rights by
adopting before 2003 a Directive, based on Article 13 of
the EC Treaty, on promoting gender equality in areas other
than employment and professional life.

experience,

the pooling of

resources and the
Increase awareness,
exchange of
through the
establishment of a European institute for gender issues and
the setting up of an experts’ network. The feasibility study
should be completed in 2001.

in particular

(c) Before 2003, conduct a study on how, with due regard for
the requirements of solidarity, a high and sustainable level
of health protection can be guaranteed, taking into account
the impact of ageing (long-term care):
to the
Employment and Social Policy Council in conjunction with
the Health Council.

report

(e) Extend and reinforce initiatives and action designed to
promote equality between men and women at work,
particularly as regards pay. Develop the existing initiative
for female entrepreneurs.

(d) Examine, on the basis of

studies undertaken by the
Commission, the evolution of the situation with regard to
cross-border access
to quality health care and health
products.

(f) Better

reconcile work and family life, particularly by
encouraging quality care for children and dependent
persons.

(e) Ensure monitoring and evaluation, throughout the period
the agenda, of close cooperation in social policy;

of
envisage and develop appropriate indicators in this field.

VI. STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL POLICY ASPECTS OF
ENLARGEMENT AND THE EUROPEAN UNION’S EXTERNAL
RELATIONS

V. PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY

Equality between the sexes must be established across the
board throughout
the whole social policy agenda and be
supplemented by a number of specific measures concerning
women’s access to decision-making and the reinforcement of
equality-related rights and those reconciling family life and
working life.

Enlargement and external relations are, in several respects, a
challenge and an opportunity for Community action in the
social field. It is necessary to develop the sharing of experience
and strategy with applicant States, particularly so as better to
face together the challenges of full employment and the fight
against exclusion; and to promote an integrated economic and
social agenda consistent with the European approach in
international bodies.

C 157/12

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

30.5.2001

(a) Prepare for enlargement with the aim of promoting

(cid:151) contribute to the development of the NGOs concerned

economic and social progress in the enlarged Union:

in the applicant countries.

(cid:151) organise regular exchanges of views on all aspects of
in conjunction

social policy linked to enlargement,
with the social partners,

(cid:151) help the applicant countries to take on board the
European employment strategy, implementation of the
objectives of combating poverty and social exclusion,
and strengthened cooperation on social protection,

(cid:151) support the role of the social dialogue in that context.

(b) Develop a concerted approach to international

social
policy issues within the multilateral
institutions (United
Nations, World Health Organisation, Council of Europe,
International Labour Organisation and, where appropriate,
WTO and OECD).

(c) Strengthen the social dimension of cooperation policy,
particularly the fight against poverty, the development of
health and education as well as the taking into account of
gender
the
(especially
Euro-Mediterranean process).

context of

equality

in the