Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Scoreboard on implementing the social policy agenda
Date: 2002-02-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European social policy, enlargement of the Union, foreign policy, gender equality, job creation, social change, social security

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 19.2.2002
COM(2002) 89 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

SCOREBOARD ON IMPLEMENTING THE SOCIAL POLICY AGENDA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

2.

3.

3.1.

3.2.

3.3.

3.4.

3.5.

3.6.

Introduction.............................................................................................................. 3

The employment and social situation ........................................................................ 3

The implementation of the Social Policy Agenda...................................................... 5

MORE AND BETTER JOBS ................................................................................... 6

ANTICIPATING AND MANAGING CHANGE ................................................... 11

PROMOTING SOCIAL INTEGRATION .............................................................. 16

MODERNISING SOCIAL PROTECTION ............................................................ 20

PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY ................................................................... 21

STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL POLICY ASPECTS OF ENLARGEMENT
AND THE EUROPEAN UNION'S EXTERNAL RELATIONS............................. 23

4.

Conclusion and future outlook................................................................................ 25

2

1.

INTRODUCTION

The social policy agenda is the EU's roadmap for modernising and improving the European
social model by investing in people and building an active welfare state. It should contribute
to achieving the strategic objective defined at the Lisbon European Council in March 2000.

Its purpose is to respond to the common challenges the EU is facing and to ensure at the same
time that full advantage can be taken of the new opportunities. Transposing the Lisbon
objective - refined at subsequent European Council meetings - by establishing a dynamic and
mutually reinforcing interaction between economic, employment and social policy is at the
heart of this agenda.

The agenda should strengthen social policy as a productive factor as well as solidarity and
social fairness. The promotion of 'quality' is a major driving force behind this agenda.

Both the European Parliament and the European Council underlined the importance of an
annual scoreboard to keep track of the achievements and to verify the commitment and
contributions from the different actors in executing this agenda.

The point of reference against which to measure progress is the Commission Communication1
in
of June 2000 and the political orientations endorsed at
December 2000. This is the second scoreboard outlining progress made so far.

the Nice European Council

This scoreboard complements the annual synthesis report to the Spring European Council in
Barcelona with regard to the actions which are part of the Social Policy Agenda2 .

2.

THE EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SITUATION

The employment growth in 2000 was the strongest one in the past decade. Nearly three
million new jobs were created. It brought the employment rate up to 63.2% – 1% more than in
1999 – but still nearly 4% below the Stockholm intermediate target and 7% below the Lisbon
objective for 2010. According to current estimates, employment should grow by 1.1% and the
employment rate should reach 64% in 2001.

In the period 1998-2000, more full time jobs than part-time jobs were created. Full time jobs
accounted for almost 70% of the net jobs created in 2000, up from 60% in 1999 and 54% in
1998.

The unemployment rate came down from 9.1% to 8.2% in 2000 and the number of
unemployed people fell by 1.5 million - the largest decrease for a decade. It brought down the
total number of unemployed people to a still very high level of 14.5 million. Long-term
unemployment decreased faster than overall unemployment, reaching 3.6%. For 2001, the

1

2

COM(2000)379 of 28/06/2000
'Social Policy Agenda'
EP resolution on 25/10/2000; Council agreement on 28/11/2000
COM(2002)14 of 15/01/02
'Communication from the Commission to the Spring European Council in Barcelona: The Lisbon
Strategy — Making change happen'

3

average unemployment rate is estimated at 7.7% for the EU-15, which corresponds to a
decrease in the number of unemployed by almost one million, and to 8.4% for the euro area.

The results of structural reforms of European labour markets are becoming apparent
in
particular with respect to the increasing employment intensity of growth, stronger job creation
in high-tech and knowledge intensive sectors - reflecting the move to a knowledge-based
economy - and a strong inflow of women into the labour market. High-tech and knowledge-
intensive sectors drove the recent job creation, contributing to more than 60% of total creation
of 10 million jobs between 1995 and 2000. This benefited not only highly skilled workers, but
also low and medium-skilled people employed in these sectors. More than 1.6 million of the
new jobs were taken by women, whose employment rate grew from 52.8% in 1999 to 54% in
2000 and is estimated to have reached 54.7% in 2001.

However, there remain structural weaknesses in employment which call for continued and re-
inforced attention:

• Low employment rate of older workers: an estimated 38.3 % in 2001 compared to

the Stockholm target of 50% in 2010.

• Significant gender gaps: 18 % in terms of the employment rate, and 14 % in terms

of pay.

• High levels of unemployment: some 8% of the labour force, of which 3.6% long

term and over 16 % for young people

• Regional differences in employment and unemployment remain very high

For the short–term future, taking account of the weaker economic forecast for 2001 and
20023, the EU economy would not offer the same supportive environment for improvements
on the employment front. The depth and duration of the economic slowdown is yet uncertain,
as is its precise impact on employment.

in October 2001,

In its contribution4 to the informal European Council of Gent
the
Commission presented an analysis of the economic slowdown, highlighting that all major
regions in the world were already experiencing a slowdown before the dramatic events of 11
September in the USA. Despite strong fundamentals, the EU did not escape the slowdown and
the impact on employment was already felt in the second half of 2000 in some Member States
and to a varying extent in different sectors of the economy. The analysis was deepened in the
Annual Synthesis report5 to the Barcelona Spring European Council, highlighting the very
different economic and political conditions that prevailed in March 2000 or even at the time
of last year's Spring European Council. Nevertheless, evidence was provided showing that
there are reasons for cautious optimism that the current downturn will be short-lived

3

4

5

e.g. Commission Economic Forecasts 2001-2003 – European economy; economic trends no 10/11 –
2001)
COM(2001)611 of 17/10/2001
'Overview of EU action in response of the events of 11 September and assessment of their likely
economic impact'
COM(2002)14 of 15/01/02
'Communication from the Commission to the Spring European Council in Barcelona: The Lisbon
Strategy — Making change happen'

4

Nevertheless, towards the end of 2001, the economic slowdown had already brought to a halt
the monthly fall in unemployment rates. These trends represent a challenge for active labour
market policies to help the unemployed reintegrate to work and combat
long-term
unemployment. They also require commitment to the Lisbon strategy aimed at increased
labour market participation, in particular of women and older workers.

In contrast with the generalised acceptance that the economic and employment situation has
overall improved prior to 2001, the perception of trends in poverty and social exclusion is
quite uneven across Member States.

Poverty and social exclusion continue to be widespread in the European Union but the extent
and nature of the problem varies significantly between Member States. However, as there
continues to be a problem of a lack of timely and comparable statistics, it is not possible to
capture a full picture of recent trends. This also implies that it is difficult to assess the impact
of the period of economic growth, decreasing unemployment and increasing employment in
the second half of the past decade.

As far as income distribution is concerned,
the data from the European Community
Household Panel, presented as a structural indicator supporting the annual synthesis report,
highlights significant inequalities in the distribution of income per person. The ratio for the
highest-earning 20% of the income distribution to the lowest-earning 20% is 5.7 for the EU
overall, a figure disguising big differences between Member States6.

Of particular concern is the still high proportion of people living on low incomes. About 18%
of the population, or more than 60 million people, are at risk of poverty, living as they do
below a threshold defined as 60% of the median equivalised income. Here again there is a
considerable variation between Member States with the share of the population below the
threshold ranging from 8% to 23%7.

If it were not for social transfers – excluding pensions – 26% of the EU population would be
living in poverty, as compared to the current 18%. This is one specific example illustrating
the impact that the absence of social policy would have on European society8. Furthermore,
when considering poverty and social exclusion, a particular concern must be the situation of
people living on a low income over an extended period of time. 9% or about 30 million
people were at a persistent risk of poverty, with a variation between Member States ranging
from 3% to 15%9.

3.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SOCIAL POLICY AGENDA

The Commission Communication of June 2000 outlined in annex 1 the Commission proposals
and initiatives to be launched and a timetable. All initiatives announced for 2000 and 2001
have been presented and the preparations for major issues – such as the in-depth review of the
European employment strategy and the new strategy on health and safety are well on track.

6

7

8

9

indicator

See structural
IV.1 – distribution of income. Source: SEC(2002)29, annex 2 to the
Commission staff working paper in support of the Report from the Commission to the Spring European
Council in Barcelona.
See structural indicator IV.2.2 – risk of poverty rate after social transfers. Source: see previous footnote.
See structural indicator IV.2.1 – risk of poverty rate before social transfers. Source: see previous
footnote.
See structural indicator IV.3 – persistent risk of poverty. Source: same as previous footnote.

5

The necessary initial steps have therefore been taken. Some initiatives have led to decisions,
others are being negotiated.

Rather than presenting a detailed description of measures initiated by the Commission, the
following survey presents a comprehensive overview of measures and achievements pointing
out, where appropriate, the role of different actors. However, given that the Social Policy
Agenda is still in a rather early stage of implementation, in which new initiatives have just
been tabled and transmitted to other institutions and actors, these new measures make up a
significant part of the scoreboard

The structure of this overview follows the political orientations on the social policy agenda
endorsed at the Nice European Council.

3.1.

MORE AND BETTER JOBS

Increasing active employment and combating long-term unemployment

The Lisbon European Council made of working towards full employment a key priority for
the European Union10. The momentum of the Lisbon agenda, based on more and better jobs,
was supported by the Stockholm European Council, when Heads of State and Government
complemented the Lisbon targets with intermediate quantitative goals for 2005 as well as a
specific target for older workers11. Member States were asked to define common approaches
and indicators on quality in work. Several initiatives in favour of skills and mobility were
called for. The Council and the Commission were invited to submit a Joint Report on how to
increase labour force participation and promote active ageing.

Quality in work

Quantity of work should not be opposed to quality of work. Concretely, the option chosen for
the EU is to strengthen the quality of work as a contribution to increasing employment. This
was evident in the Lisbon – 'more and better jobs' - and Stockholm political orientations and
was also explicit in the Social Policy Agenda endorsed at Nice. A concrete proposal to take
this forward was made in the Commission Communication of June on investing in quality and
is incorporated into the guidelines for employment for the year 2002.

Following the report drawn up by the Employment Committee, the Council agreed on all key
constituent parts of quality and the accompanying headline indicators as well as contextual
indicators to allow monitoring change and measuring progress. However, more work is
necessary. The socio-economic research programme, which encourages and supports research
on the further development of indicators with a view to measure the quality of work, could
play an important role here.

10

11

Targets agreed in Lisbon: raising the employment rate to as close as possible to 70% by 2010 and
increasing the number of women in work to 60% in 2010, whilst taking into account the different
starting points of the Member States.
It specified the Community objective of reaching 67% for the overall employment rate and 57% for the
employment rate for women by 2005. It also introduced the target of 50% as the employment rate for
older persons (55-64) to be reached in 2010.

6

• Communication on investing in quality12

• Quality objectives incorporated into the Employment guidelines for 2002

• Quality indicators endorsed at the Laeken European Council

Strengthen and continue the co-ordinated strategy for employment

new employment package has been proposed by the Commission on 12 September 2001 and -
after consultation of the European Parliament,
the Committee of the Regions and the
Economic and Social Committee – adopted by the Council on 3 December and presented to
the Laeken Summit.

It emerged from the analysis of Member States employment policies in the Joint Employment
Report 2001 that overall substantial progress has been achieved while some structural
challenges still persist. The assessment of employment performances and of progress
achieved in combination with a less favourable economic outlook, shows that structural
labour market reforms should be pursued without complacency.

With respect to the four pillars of the Employment Strategy, the policy mix13 remains tilted in
favour of actions under the Employability Pillar, followed by the Entrepreneurship Pillar.
Actions under the Adaptability and Equal Opportunity Pillars remain relatively weak.
Although the partnerships between public authorities and social partners have developed, the
specific contributions by the social partners are not always easy to identify. This is
particularly the case for the adaptability pillar.

Clear progress has been achieved in terms of developing lifelong learning, which is now an
established policy priority throughout the European Union. Comprehensive lifelong learning
strategies are now in place in about half of the Member States, but such strategies remain at
an early stage of implementation. A weakness to be addressed is that few Member States set
targets for increases in human resource investment or participation in further learning.

Progress in reforming benefit systems and incentives structures appears often insufficient to
promote participation and the interaction between tax and benefit systems requires more
attention.

A comprehensive approach on gender mainstreaming is lacking in most Member States.
Measures to reduce the persistently high gender pay gaps are limited and there are hardly any
new initiatives to promote women in decision making. Childcare services remain insufficient
in many Member States and there is no clear approach yet to the issue of care for the elderly
or other dependants.

As regards the Employment Guidelines for 2002, the Commission, supported by the other EU
institutions, opted for ensuring continuity for the year 2002, in view of the substantial changes
made in 2001 and the in-depth review planned in 2002. However, the Guidelines incorporate

12

13

COM(2001)313 of 20/06/2001
'Employment and social policies: a framework for investing in quality'
EP resolution on 29/11/2001; Council agreement on 03/12/2001
In the context of the implementation of the Employment Guidelines, the term "policy mix" refers to the
balance between the four pillars of the Guidelines.

7

the new employment
objective on quality in work.

targets agreed at Stockholm as well as a new distinct horizontal

Furthermore, a set of Employment Recommendations have been addressed to Member States.

Substantial work was initiated in 2001, in close co-operation with national authorities, on an
evaluation of the Employment Strategy, in order to prepare for the 5 year review of 2002.

Progress has also been reached in adopting a decision on Community incentive measures in
the field of employment. A common position was adopted by Council in June 2001, taking
into account the opinion of the European Parliament. The action programme is expected to be
agreed shortly between the European Parliament and the Council.

The employment strategy is developed in relation to the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines.
This underlines that economic and employment policy are mutually reinforcing.

Key measures

• Adoption of the Joint Employment Report 2001, the employment guidelines for 2002 and

recommendations on employment policy.14

• Action programme on employment incentive measures (common position in June – EP

second reading)15

The role of the European Social Fund

the European Social Fund supports and
As recalled in the Employment Guidelines,
complements the activities of Member States that underpin the development of their labour
markets and their human resources, particularly in the context of the European Employment
Strategy and the national action plans for employment. An overview of the programmes
adopted during the year 2000 shows that more than half of the support during the
programming period 2000-06 will be allocated towards employability, particularly with
regard to promoting active labour market policies and preventing unemployment. A
is directed towards the adaptability of the labour force and the
considerable amount
development of life-long learning concepts. The European Social Fund also promotes SME-
oriented activities and provides leverage for business start-ups and job creation in the service
sector. Finally, and in addition to the gender mainstreaming across all funded activities,

14

15

COM (2001)438 of 12/09/2001
'Draft Joint Employment Report 2001'
EP resolution on 24/10/2001; Council formal adoption on 03/12/2001;
COM (2001)511 of 12/09/2001
'Proposal for a Council Decision on Guidelines for Member States' employment policies for the year
2002'
EP resolution on 29/11/2001; Council agreement on 03/12/2001; and
COM (2001)512 of 12/09/2001
'Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the implementation of Member States'
Employment Policies'
Council agreement on 03/12/2001
COM(2000)459 of 20/07/2000
'Community incentive measures in the field of employment'
Council: adoption of common position on 25/06/2001; OJ C/2001/301/14 (26/10/2001)
EP 2nd reading on 23/10/2001

8

specific actions are planned with regard to improving women's access and participation in the
labour market.

The implementation of the programmes needs to be undertaken flexibly by the Member
States, taking into account the changing circumstances under which the Employment Strategy
is being pursued. One country has established continuous monitoring of the coherence
between the national action plans and the European Social Fund programmes. This approach
might be taken forward by other Member States in the context of their monitoring processes
as foreseen in the new Structural Funds Regulation16.

Key measures

• Agreement with Member States on Community Support Frameworks and other

programming documents for European Social Fund

• Adoption of 17 Operational Programmes for EQUAL

The local and regional dimensions of the employment strategy

Within the context of new and improved governance, specific attention has been given to
boost the regional and local dimension of employment policy. Although the overall definition
of the employment strategy is decided at European level, its formulation and successful
implementation depends extensively on local actors. This requires the mobilisation of all
resources available and needs the active support of regional and local authorities.

The reason this dimension is addressed is to ensure that the richness of experience and
expertise at these levels can be widely shared. That is the reason why the Commission
proposed the dissemination of best practices within and between Member States. It also
proposed the development of local employment strategies, coherent with the National Action
Plans and reflecting the priorities at local level.

Key measures

• Communication on Acting Locally for Employment – A Local Dimension for the

European Employment Strategy17

• Communication on strengthening the local dimension of the employment strategy18

• Call for proposals under Art. 6 ESF to support projects on the development of local

employment strategies19

16

17

18

19

Regulation 1260/1999, article 36.
COM(2000)196 of 07/04/2000
'Acting locally for employment. A local dimension for the European Employment Strategy'
EP resolution on 30/11/2000; OJ C/2001/228/128 (13/08/2001)
COM(2001)629 of 07/11/2001
'Strengthening the local dimension of the European Employment Strategy'
OJ C 306 of 31.10.2001

9

Employment and social dimension of the information society

Making a swift transition to the knowledge-based economy is an element central to the Lisbon
strategy. The employment and social dimension has been addressed in a Benchmarking
Report, which underlines the rapidly increasing impact of information and communication
technologies (ICT) on jobs, training and work organisation. Furthermore, an elearning action
plan, designing tomorrow's education, has been put forward.

IT accreditation, a component of the overall e-Europe initiative, has been addressed by the
High Level Group on the employment and social dimension of the information society; it
identified the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as one possible accreditation
scheme and asked that the future direction of a European basic IT skills diploma should be
further elaborated under the 'eLearning Action Plan' as envisaged there.

Key measures

• Communication on eEurope 2002 – Impact and Priorities20

• Benchmarking report following the Strategies for jobs in the information society21

• Communication on the elearning action plan22

Mobility

Moreover, a knowledge-based Europe requires new initiatives to facilitate mobility,
in
particular for teachers, researchers, training professionals and people undergoing training.
These target groups have been addressed in a Recommendation of the European Parliament
and of the Council on 10 July 200123. The Commission adopted also a Communication on a
mobility strategy for the European Research Area24. At the end of February 2001 the
Commission adopted a Communication on the New European Labour Markets, open to all,
with access for all25. This initiative aims to remove barriers to mobility and to raise the skill

20

21

22

23

24

25

COM(2001)140 of 13/03/2001
'eEurope 2000 – Impact and priorities - a communication to the Spring European Council in Stockholm,
23-24 March 2001'
Council resolution on 08/10/2001; OJ C/2001/292/6 (18/10/2001)
Council resolution on 06/12/2001
SEC(2001)222 of 07/02/2001
'Benchmarking report following-up the "Strategies for Jobs in the Information Society" '
COM(2001)172 of 28/03/2001
'The elearning action plan - designing tomorrow's education'
Council resolution on 13/07/2001; OJ C/2001/204/3 (20/07/2001)
COM(1999)708 of 21/01/2000
'Mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, young volunteers, teachers
and trainers'
EP and Council signature on 10/07/2001;
OJ L/2001/215/30 (09/08/2001)
COM(2001)331 of 20/06/2001
'A mobility strategy for the European Research Area
Council resolution on 10/12/2001
COM(2001)116 of 28/02/2001
'New European labour markets, open to all, with access for all
Council resolution on 13/07/2001
OJ C/2001/204/1 (20/07/2001)

10

levels of the European workforce at all levels. It led to the establishment of a Task Force on
Skills and Mobility, the report of which will contribute to the development of an action plan
on mobility to be put forward early 2002. With regard to skill development, also a work
programme on the concrete objectives of education and training systems was presented26.

These measures in the employment domain should be complemented by concrete progress
with regards to the co-ordination of social security schemes. Council has made progress on
the co-ordination of social security systems by adopting parameters for the modernisation of
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71. In terms of safeguarding additional pension rights for workers
moving within the European Union, a committee has been established in July 2001 that is
looking into supplementary pensions27.

Key measures

• Creation of a Task Force on Skills and Mobility – its report of December 2001 will
contribute to the development of an action plan on mobility to be put forward early 200228

• Communication on lifelong learning29

• Adoption of parameters for the modernisation of Regulation 1408/71 on the co-ordination

of social security systems30

3.2.

ANTICIPATING AND MANAGING CHANGE

Involving workers more in managing change

The final agreement by the Council on a Regulation establishing the European Company
Statute and the Directive on the involvement of employees in such companies is a major
achievement in 2001. It will be a crucial aspect in facilitating businesses to take better
advantage of the internal market as it will improve organisational and management issues. In
this sense, an important hurdle with regards to different sets of rules and procedures for
businesses operating in the European Union has been taken. Specific rules have been agreed
to lay down the involvement of workers in this new type of companies.

Furthermore, both Council and the European Parliament have adopted a Directive on
establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European
Community. Also, the Transfer Directive of 1977 and 1988 has been codified in 200131

26

27

28

29

30

COM(2001)501 of 07/09/2001
Communication from the Commission - Draft detailed work programme for the follow-up of the Report
on the concrete objectives of education and training systems'
C(2001)1775 of 02/07/2001
'Commission Decision of 09/07/2001 on the setting-up of a committee in the area of supplementary
pensions'
OJ L/2001/196/26 (20/07/2001)
Creation of a Task Force on Skills and Mobility, following the Stockholm European Council and the
Commission Communication
COM(2001)678 of 21/11/2001
' Making a European area of Lifelong Learning a reality'
COM(1998)779 of 21/12/1998
'Proposal for a Regulation on the co-ordination of social security systems: Parameters for the
modernisation of Regulation (EEC)No 1408/71.
Conclusions of the Council (Employment and Social Policy) of 03/12/2001

11

Key measures

• European Company statute and directive on the involvement of employees (agreed)32

• Information and consultation directive (agreed)33

• Support under Art. 6 ESF for 35 Innovative Measures concerning the adaptation to the new

economy within the framework of the Social Dialogue34

Health and safety at work

Occupational health and safety is a major part constituting quality in work and contributes to
establishing a level playing field for businesses across the EU by complying with a uniform
core set of minimum standards. These standards provide security for workers while helping
businesses to reduce costs resulting from work related accidents and diseases through
prevention.

The establishment of minimum standards guaranteeing a high level of protection and creating
a level playing field implies a range of legislative measures.

Legislative work has been focused on four issues: scaffolding, asbestos, vibrations and noise.
Furthermore, social partners have been consulted on health and safety for the self-employed.

Progress has been attained in reducing accidents at work over recent years and the overall
number of serious accidents has fallen since the mid nineties, although not everywhere in the
European Union. The overall decrease of accidents by almost 10%, for the period 1994-1998,
shows the benefits of preventive measures and health and safety standards.

However, high incidence rates of accidents at work still remain very costly for Europe's
competitiveness: almost 148 million working days were lost in 1998 and in 1999 each due to
such accidents. In 1998, the incidence of serious accidents at work fell to 4.089 per 100.000
employees – still some 4,7 million accidents in total. There were also, in 1998, 5476 fatal

31

32

33

34

COM(2000)259
'Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees' rights in
the event of transfers of undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses'
EP opinion 1st reading on 15/10/2000; Council agreement: Directive 2001L0023 of 12/03/2001
OJ L/2001/82/16 (22/03/2001)
COM(1989)268 of 24/08/1989
'Regulation on the statute for a European company (268-1)' and
'Directive complementing the statute for European company with regard to the involvement of
employees in the European company (268-2)'
EP opinion single reading on 04/09/2001; Council formal adoption on 08/10/2001
OJ L/2001/294/1 (Regulation) and /22 (Directive) (10/11/2001)
COM(1998)612 of 11/11/1998
'Proposal for a Council Directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting
employees in the European Community'
Council adoption of common position on 23/07/2001; EP 2nd reading on 23/10/2001
Agreement on 03/12/2001; formal adoption in January 2002
The list of those initiatives can be found at the following address :
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/employment_social/tender_en.htm (reference VP/2001/005)

12

accidents at work35. This figure shows the insufficiency of current occupational health and
safety practices and hence the cost of non-social policy to businesses and workers.

Different patterns of sectoral composition of the economy and of occupational categories
matter. Incidence of accidents at work is higher than the average in the fishing industry (2.4),
agriculture (1.3), construction (1.4) and transports (1.1) and hits, in particular, men with less
than secondary education, who concentrate in those sectors36.

Moreover, the rapidly changing world of work imposing new forms of work organisation
together with increased rhythms and pace of work creates new problems and calls for new
solutions. New types of risks emerge giving rise to new health problems involving
musculosqueletal disorders and the so called psychosocial diseases like stress, depression and
anxiety which represent 26% of the cases involving absence from work of more than two
weeks37.

With a view to prepare the new health and safety strategy to be put forward in early 2002, the
Economic and Social Committee adopted an exploratory opinion. This report – drafted jointly
by representatives from employers, employees and other interests – provides an important
basis for the new strategy highlighting how the European Union can respond to old and new
risks at the workplace and explores how the different instruments available at European level
can be combined to improve standards and practices throughout the European Union.

Key measures

• Scaffolding directive (adopted in June 2001)38

• Health and safety for self employed – second stage consultation of social partners (June

2001)39

• Vibrations directive (common position in June 2001 // EP second reading in October)40

• Noise directive (common position in October 2001)41

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

Accidents at work in the EU 1998-1999. Source: statistics in focus. Population and social conditions
(16-2001)
Source: same as previous footnote.
Work related health problems in the EU 1998-1999. Source: EUROSTAT statistics in focus. Population
and social conditions (17-2001)
COM(1998)678 of 27/11/1998
'Minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work'
EP and Council signature on 27/06/2001
OJ L/2001/195/46 (19/07/2001)
C(2001)1535 of 07/06/2001
'La protection de la santé et
transmission aux partenaires sociaux au niveau communautaire en vue de demander leur avis'
COM(1992)560 of 23/12/1992
'Minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from
physical agents (vibrations)'
Council adoption of common position on 25/06/2001
OJ C/2001/301/1 (26/10/2001)
EP opinion second reading on 23/10/2001
COM(1992)560
'Minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from
physical agents (noise)'

la sécurité au travail des travailleurs indépendants; approuver sa

13

• Asbestos directive (Commission proposal – July 2001)42

• Own initiative report by ESC on Health and Safety at the workplace43

Working environment and work relations

The European Monitoring Centre on Change has been established in 2001. Its task will be to
gather and disseminate information on aspects of economic and social change resulting from
shifts in technologies, work organisation, production and business models, and working
practices.

Also a High-Level Group on industrial relations has been established. It focuses on the key
challenges for industrial relations in a changing environment and devotes specific attention to
future enlargement. This group will submit a report to the Barcelona Spring European Council
outlining a set of proposals to help policy makers in Europe, in particular social partners, to
effectively contribute to improve the process of change management. The social partners have
treated, both in first and second stage consultation, the modernisation and improvement of
employment relations and have consequently opened negotiations on telework, with a view to
reach an agreement to be implemented through their national members, in accordance with
Article 139 (2) of the EC Treaty. Guidelines on this issue have already been agreed in the
telecommunications sector (February 2001) and in commerce (April 2001).

With regard to temporary agency work, the negotiations by the social partners did not lead to
an agreement. The Commission will present a proposal for a Directive of the Council and
European Parliament in the beginning of 2002, taking into account the outcome of the
discussions by the social partners and in particular the aspects on which a consensus had
emerged. It will also take account of the joint declaration of October 2001 made by the
sectoral social partners for temporary agency work

In August 2001, the Commission launched the first stage consultation with the social partners
on protection of employees data

Furthermore, the social partners are invited to contribute to the implementation of the
European employment strategy, in particular the adaptability pillar.

Vocational training is a crucial element here. The social partners at interprofessional level are
currently preparing a joint Report for the Barcelona European Council that zooms in on a set
of key-actions including identifying and anticipating competencies needs; recognising and
validating competencies; informing , supporting and providing guidance; and mobilising
resources. The intention is to open subsequently negotiations on this issue.

Also at sectoral level the social partners are addressing vocational training, in particular
through concrete joint projects.

42

43

Council adoption of common position on 29/10/2001
COM(2001)417 of 20/07/2001
'Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work'
CES(2001)937 of 11/07/2001
'Demande de la Commission européenne sollicitant l'élaboration par le Comité d'un avis exploratoire en
anticipation de la communication de la Commission sur la santé et la sécurité au travail.

14

In the legislative field, progress was made on the Commission's proposal for a Directive
amending Council Directive 80/987/CEE on the protection of employees in the event of
insolvency of the employer. The opinion of the European Parliament in first reading has been
adopted on 29 November 2001 and the Council reached a political agreement on a common
position on 3 December 2001. In order to prepare the Communication and the action plan on
the financial participation of employees and in order to facilitate a wide-spread consultation
on this issue, the Commission published a working paper in July44.

Also a Communication on the social aspects of public procurement was adopted by the
Commission.

• Creation of the European monitoring centre on change

• Contribution by the social partners to the implementation of the employment strategy

• Adaptability and modernisation of industrial relations in connection with the Employment
Strategy –second stage consultation of social partners leading to negotiations on telework –
started in October 2001

• Insolvency – common position in December 200145

• Communication interpreting social aspects of public procurement46

Corporate social responsibility

A Europe wide debate and exchange of good practice has been boosted as a result of the
Green Paper on promoting a European framework for corporate social responsibility.
Although it is entirely based on voluntary action, businesses have shown a great interest in
taking forward and strengthening their own social responsibility – to their workers and to the
environment in which they are located. It is a crucial aspect for implementing sustainable
development and better articulating economic, social and environmental
in
particular in light of the requirements made by consumers.

imperatives,

• Green Paper on corporate social responsibility47

44

45

46

47

SEC 2001 (1308) of 26/07/2001
'Financial participation of employees in the European Union'
COM(2000)832 of 15/01/2001
'Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of employees in the event of
the insolvency of their employer'
EP opinion 1st reading on 29/11/2001; EP and Council agreement on common position on 03/12/2001
COM 2001 (566) of 15/10/2001
'Community law applicable to public procurement and the possibilities for
considerations into public procurement'
COM(2001)366 of 18/07/2001
'Green paper: Promoting a European framework for Corporate Social Responsibility'
Council resolution on 03/12/2001

integrating social

15

3.3.

PROMOTING SOCIAL INTEGRATION

The Lisbon European Council Conclusions stated explicitly that 'the number of people living
below the poverty line and in social exclusion in the Union is unacceptable'. It called
explicitly for steps to be taken to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by
2010. Although, it fell short of putting forward commonly agreed targets, Lisbon set out the
first measures which should guide the efforts to step up EU co-operation on policies for
combating poverty and social exclusion. It also stated explicitly that the 'open method of co-
ordination' should be the appropriate basis for such policy co-operation.

Social inclusion strategy –the open method of co-ordination

This politically major breakthrough was further developed within the Social Policy Agenda,
in particular the commitment to present by June 2001 a national action plan for the following
two years. The objectives of the strategy to which these plans respond have been endorsed by
the Nice European Council48. They address the complex and multi-dimensional nature of
poverty and social exclusion and mobilise a wide range of policies. Four key objectives have
been identified;

• to facilitate participation in employment and access by all to the resources, rights, goods

and services

• to prevent the risks of exclusion

• to help the most vulnerable

• to mobilise all relevant bodies.

The joint report on social inclusion provides an in-depth analysis of the situation in all
Member States, an assessment of the key challenges for the future and an identification of the
good practice and innovative approaches of common interest. Based on the national action
plans against poverty and social exclusion that were submitted by all Member States in June
2001, and in the light of the four common objectives, the report is the first policy document
by the Commission and the Council to tackle poverty and social exclusion at the scale of the
EU, and is therefore a landmark in strengthening the European social model. It also provides a
demonstration of the feasibility of the open method of co-ordination in the social area and of
the potential of the peer group review method, crucial to the full implementation of this
strategy.

Significant progress has also been made with regard to developing and refining commonly
defined and agreed indicators in the field of social inclusion. Moreover, a five year action
programme (2002-2006), will promote the improvement of understanding and measurement
of poverty and social exclusion, the exchange of information and good practice and the
networking between relevant organisations through a range of actions for which 75 million
euro will be available. Moreover, such actions will facilitate the active involvement of non-
governmental organisations and other stakeholders that can play a crucial
role in
implementing this strategy. The action programme provides a policy-focused initiative which
complements the scientific research on social exclusion and social integration which the
European Community's socio-economic research programme is supporting.

48

Political agreement by the Council on 17 October 2000.

16

Key measures

• The open method of co-ordination has been successfully launched in the field of social

inclusion.

• the agreement on common objectives reached in the European Council of Nice,

• the development of commonly agreed and defined indicators under the aegis of the Social

Protection Committee,

• the preparation and submission by all Member States of two year National Action Plans

against poverty and social exclusion

• the Joint Report on Social Inclusion by the Commission and the Member States identifying

good practice and innovative approaches of a common interest49

• the decision of the Council and the Parliament establishing a five year Community action

programme to combat social exclusion.50

These are important starting points but actions will need to be intensified and further policy
efforts will be required over the next few years if a decisive impact is to be made on poverty
and social exclusion.

The digital divide

Prevention of social exclusion and poverty calls for measures to ensure access to new
technologies. A digital divide would create new obstacles and barriers to full participation in
information technologies provide
the labour market and society. On the other hand,
opportunities to dismantle certain existing barriers. In addition to the ongoing work within the
context of both the European employment strategy and the open method of co-ordination on
social inclusion, the Council adopted a Resolution on e-inclusion, hereby stepping up political
efforts and addressing the challenges identified in a Commission document on the potential of
the information society for social inclusion.

Key measures

• Communication on eEurope 2002 - Impact and Priorities51

• eInclusion – The Information society's potential for social inclusion in Europe52

49

50

51

52

COM(2001)565 of 10/10/2001
'Draft Joint Report on Social Inclusion'
Council adoption on 03/12/2001
COM(2000)368 of 16/06/2000
'Decision to establish a Programme of Community action to encourage cooperation between Member
States to combat social exclusion'
EP decision at 3rd reading on 15/11/2001; Council decision at 3rd reading on 21/11/2001
COM(2001)140 of 13/03/2001
'eEurope 2000 – Impact and priorities - a communication to the Spring European Council in Stockholm,
23-24 March 2001'
Council resolution on 08/10/2001; OJ C/2001/292/6 (18/10/2001)
Council resolution on 06/12/2001
SEC(2001)1428 of 28/09/2001

17

• Council Resolution of 8 October 2001 on "e-Inclusion" – Exploiting the opportunities of

the Information Society for social inclusion53

Combating all types of discrimination

Social fairness requires respect for fundamental rights and combating discrimination. These
are essential components of an equitable society and respect for human dignity. The Social
Policy Agenda emphasised this strongly, in particular with regards to setting legislatively
binding common standards.

This is clearly visible in the two directives based on Article 13 of the EC Treaty –anti-
discrimination article and which must be transposed by 2003. Promoting awareness and
undertaking concrete action to further non-discrimination is supported through the action
programme the Council and the European Parliament agreed, making nearly 100 million Euro
available for a six year period. This programme also contributes to ensuring the active
involvement of civil society.

Key measures

• Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of

racial or ethnic origin54

• Directive establishing a general framework for equal

occupation55

treatment

in employment and

• Decision establishing a Community action programme to combat discrimination56

Integration policy for third country nationals

In addition to the European employment strategy, and its focus on equal access to the labour
market, and the social
inclusion strategy, an important breakthrough was reached on
extending the co-ordination of social security schemes to third-country nationals by the
Council conclusions on the legal basis for the extension of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 to

53

54

55

56

'e-Inclusion – The Information Society's potential for social inclusion in Europe'
'e-inclusion' – Exploiting the opportunities of the Information Society for social inclusion'
Council resolution of 08/10/2001
OJ C/2001/292/02 (18/10/2001)
COM(1999)566 of 24/11/1999
'Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic
origin
EP opinion on 18/5/2000; Council formal adoption on 29/6/2000
OJ L/2000/180/22 (19/07/2000)
COM(1999)565 of 25/11/1999
'Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation'
EP opinion on 05/10/2000; Council formal adoption on 27/11/2000
OJ L/2000/303/16 (02/12/2000)
COM(1999)567 of 25/11/1999
'Decision establishing a Community Action Programme to combat discrimination 2001- 2006
EP opinion on 05/10/2000; OJ C/2001/178/253 (22/06/2001)
Council formal adoption on 27/11/2000; OJ L/2000/303/23 (02/12/2000)

18

this category of persons. The Laeken European Council called on the Council to adopt the
necessary provisions as soon as possible57.

The Commission proposed also a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-
country nationals for the purpose of paid employment and self-employed economic activities.

Key measure

• Agreement on legal basis for the extension of Regulation 1408/71 on the co-ordination of

social security schemes to third country nationals58.

• Proposal for a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals
for the purpose of paid employment and self-employed and self-employed economic
activities.59

Integration of disabled people

In order to increase awareness about disability and further the integration of disabled people
in the economy and reinforce their opportunities to fully participate in society, the Year 2003
is declared the European Year of people with disabilities. Drawing attention to disability and
exchanging experience and good practice should be instrumental in taking forward the policy
measures in the context of the European employment strategy and the social inclusion open
method of co-ordination.

Key measure

• Decision on the European Year of People with Disabilities60

Efficient partnership

it

Fighting poverty, exclusion and discrimination are by definition policy domains where a wide
range of actors should be fully involved in the design and implementation of measures. In this
is a domain in which the notion of better governance, driven by an active
sense,
participation of a wide range of actors at all levels and a shared responsibility should fully
apply. It requires openness, transparency; effectiveness, coherence and accountability. It will
also show the commitment to respect different cultures and traditions.

57

58

59

60

See point 29 of the Presidency conclusions of the Laeken European Council
COM(1998)779 of 21/12/1998
''Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the coordination of social
security systems. Extension of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 to third-country nationals = Council
conclusions on the legal basis'
Conclusion of the Council (Employment and Social Policy) of 03/12/2001
COM(2001)386 of 11/7/2001
'Conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of paid employment and
self-employed economic activities'
COM(2001)271 of 29/05/2001
'The European year of people with disabilities 2003'
EP opinion on 15/11/2001; Council formal adoption on 03/12/2001

19

The involvement of civil society is based on a broad definition and encompasses a broad
range of actors, in particular NGOs, regional and local authorities, trade unions and employers
organisations.

3.4.

MODERNISING SOCIAL PROTECTION

Also on the modernisation of social protection, the Lisbon European Council made an
important political breakthrough by outlining that the common challenges can be better
addressed as part of a co-operative effort. The political orientations of Nice emphasise that the
modernisation of social protection systems must meet the requirements of solidarity, notably
with regards to retirement and health care, while contributing to an active welfare state that
encourages employment participation.

Co-operation for secure and viable pension

The first issue concerns pension systems. This is the domain where a modernisation of
systems is made urgent by demographic ageing and its impact on the old-age dependency
ratio. Without measures – notably aimed at raising employment participation, consolidating
public finances and adapting social protection systems - pensions may become financially
unsustainable in the future and hence unable to meet their social objectives.

Although the reform of pension systems remains the responsibility of the Member States, co-
operation at European Union level has intensified – in particular though the Social Protection
Committee and has benefited from the work undertaken by the Economic Policy Committee
and its analysis of the projected budgetary impact of ageing. At the Gothenburg European
Council, the potential of the open method of co-ordination was emphasised and the Laeken
European Council agreed the objectives to which national reports are to respond.

These common objectives for sustainable pension systems stress the need to maintain
adequate pension provision and solidarity in pension systems,
to secure financial
sustainability through a high level of employment, sound management of public finances and
appropriate pension reforms, and to modernise pension systems to reflect changing needs of
society and individuals.

Key measures

• Communication on the future evolution of social protection from a long-term point of

view61

• Communication on supporting national strategies for safe and sustainable pensions62

• Contributions by the Social Protection Committee and the Economic Policy Committee
examining the social and financial impact of demographic ageing - including through a
joint report - and taking forward co-operation for secure and viable pensions.

61

62

COM(2000)622 of 11/10/2000
'The future evolution of social protection from a long-term point of view: safe and sustainable pensions'
EP resolution on 17/05/2001
COM(2001)362 of 03/07/2001
'Supporting national strategies for safe and sustainable pensions through an integrated approach'

20

• Objectives for an open method of co-ordination on pensions endorsed at the Laeken

European Council

Health

The timing in the Social Policy Agenda for concrete action on health care is 200363.The
Commission has prepared the ground for this work by presenting a Communication on the
future of health care and care for the elderly, particularly in the context of demographic
ageing64.

It explores the foundation for co-operation in the Treaty and other EC acquis and highlights
that national systems face common challenges, i.e. ageing, technical innovations and new
demands from citizens fostered by raising living standards and better information. It identifies
three long-term objectives which should be achieved at the same time:

• Ensuring that everyone has access to health care

• Improving the quality of health care systems

• Maintaining the financial stability of care systems

This Communication will support the drafting of the joint progress report on orientations in
the field of health and care for the elderly which the Social Protection Committee and the
Economic Policy Committee will submit to the Barcelona European Council.

Work in this area should be seen in relation to the Community's Health Strategy.

3.5.

PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY

Mainstreaming

Promoting gender equality across the European Union rests on two pillars: mainstreaming and
specific measures. Mainstreaming implies that gender equality should become a focus of
attention - and policy adjustment where appropriate – in all policy areas. The promotion of
gender equality is not only based on rights, but is a major component for promoting economic
and social progress. That is the reason why it features so strongly in the employment strategy
and is covered in the inclusion strategy. The overall objective is to promote the full
participation of women in economic, scientific, social, political and civic life.

A comprehensive overview of progress towards gender equality has been made in the annual
report which set the background for the first ever annual work programme for each service of

63

64

COM(2000)285 of 16/05/2000
'Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the health strategy of the European
Community' (285-1)
'Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of adopting a programme of
Community action in the field of public health (2001-2006)' (285-2)
COM(2001)723 of 05/12/2001
'The future of health care and care for the elderly: guaranteeing accessibility, quality and financial
viability'

21

the Commission for the implementation of the framework strategy on gender equality65 . A
Communication on mainstreaming gender equality in Community development co-operation
illustrated how mainstreaming operates in other policy areas66.

Binding non-discrimination measures

The European Parliament and the Council are negotiating the review of Directive 76/207 on
the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access
to employment, vocational training and promotion and working conditions. A common
position was agreed by Council in July 2001 and the EP has delivered its opinion in second
reading in October which will then be followed by a conciliation procedure between these two
institutions with a view to have a decision taken in the first half of 2002.

Awareness raising

At the centre of awareness raising and exchange of good practice is the action programme
which is part of the framework strategy on gender equality. For the year 2001, the focus was
on the gender pay gap and how this gap can be reduced and completely bridged67.

A feasibility study has been launched on the establishment of a European gender institute.

Equal pay

Equal pay for equal work is a fundamental principle of the Treaty. It is also still the most
visible aspect of gender discrimination in Europe today. This it was chosen as the priority
theme for 2001 in the equality programme. The European Council raised the issue of the
gender pay gap in March 2001 and identified the need for indicators for monitoring progress.
Through both the appraisal of quality in work and the expertise of the employment process,
the 'unadjusted' gender pay gap was included as a structural indicator measuring progress on
the Lisbon strategy. This work was supported by the European Parliament's own initiative
report on the 'equal pay for work of equal value', adopted in September 2001 and by the
adoption of 9 pay gap indicators by Council as a follow-up to the Beijing platform.

Reconciliation between working life and family life

This is a policy area which is extensively addressed in the context of the European
employment strategy,
the pillar on equal opportunities. However,
reconciliation is also facilitated by the existing legislation on parental leave on which the
Commission is preparing a report.

in particular under

65

66

67

SEC(2001)382 of 02/03/2001
'Work programme for 2001 of each Commission service for the implementation of the Framework
Strategy on Gender Equality'
EP resolution on 03/07/2001
COM(2001)295 of 21/06/2001
'Programme of Action for the mainstreaming of gender equality in Community Development Co-
operation'
Council conclusions on 08/11/2001
COM(2001)119 of 02/03/2001
'Framework Strategy on Gender Equality Work Programme for 2001
EP resolution on 03/07/2001

22

Key measures

• Mainstreaming gender equality in all relevant policy areas

• Annual report on Equal opportunities for Women and Men in the European Union 200068

• Addressing the gender pay gap: EP own initiative report69, the gender equality action

programme, structural indicators accompanying the Lisbon strategy

• Strengthening the equal opportunities pillar of the employment strategy

• Progress by the European Parliament and the Council on reviewing the directive on access

to employment, vocational training, promotion, and working conditions

3.6.

STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL POLICY ASPECTS OF ENLARGEMENT
AND THE EUROPEAN UNION'S EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Enlargement

The Social Policy Agenda outlined a number of measures which should contribute to
preparing enlargement of the Union under conditions of balanced economic and social
development. Monitoring compliance with the acquis communautaire in the employment and
social field is one important aspect of the preparation for enlargement. Within the pre-
accession strategy, an equally important issue is helping to prepare the candidate countries to
ensure that, once an EU Member, they can be immediately and fully involved in the existing
policy processes. This does not only apply to the employment and social inclusion policy
processes, but also implies that the social partners and NGO's can fully participate in policy
through bilateral
development and implementation. This work is essentially carried out
contacts, joint events and the drafting of joint papers.

Shadowing the employment strategy is reflected in the Joint Assessment of Employment
Policy Priorities signed by the Commission and the candidate country concerned. At the end
of 2001, joint papers were signed for the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Estonia, Malta,
Hungary, Slovakia and Cyprus. The Commission is also preparing proposals for developing
co-operation with candidate countries on social inclusion. In order to help social partners of
candidate countries prepare for accession and to strengthen the social partners structures the
Commission has been supporting suitable social partners initiatives.

Measures are being undertaken to prepare candidate countries to participate in the European
Social Fund. The Commission presented a Communication on the impact of enlargement on
regions bordering candidate countries.

Key measures

• Monitoring of compliance with the acquis communautaire is ongoing

• Joint Assessment Papers on Employment Policy Priorities

68

69

COM(2001)179 of 02/04/2001
'Annual Report on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in the European Union 2000'
EP own initiative report A5/2001/275 of 11/07/2001
'Equal pay for work of equal value'

23

• Bilateral contact and joint events to support the role of social partners

• Support for civil society

• Preparation for participation in the ESF

• Communication on Community action for border regions70

International co-operation

The Commission provided an input into the Durban world conference against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It also presented a Communication on
core labour standards and improving social governance in the context of globalisation. The
exchange of letters between the Commission and the ILO in May 2001 is important in this
the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference in November 2001, WTO members
context. At
confirmed their commitment to core labour standards, and co-operation between ILO and
WTO secretariats. To this end, the Community will encourage the WTO Secretariat to have
an active role, and the Commission's own co-operation with ILO will be strengthened further
to the Doha conclusions.

With regards to women in the Mediterranean countries, the European Parliament adopted a
resolution on the consequences of globalisation.

To give more visibility to the external dimension of its social policy, the Commission
organised in November 2001 a conference "The European Social Agenda and the EU's
International Partners".

Key measures

• Communication for Durban anti-racism conference71

• Communication on core labour standards72

• EP resolution on the consequences of globalisation for women immigrants from the

Mediterranean countries73

70

71

72

73

COM(2001)437 of 25/07/2001
'The impact of enlargement on regions bordering candidate countries - community action for border
regions'
COM(2001)291 of 01/06/2001
'Contribution to the world Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance (Durban, South Africa, 31 August - 7 September 2001)'
Council conclusions on 16/07/2001
COM(2001)416 of 18/07/2001
' Promoting core labour standards and improving social governance in the context of globalisation
Council resolution of 03/12/2001
'The consequences of globalisation for women immigrants from the Mediterranean countries'

24

4.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Overall, the agenda is well on track in terms of transposing commitments into concrete
actions. All new issues the Commission announced explicitly to launch before end 2001 have
been addressed.

The implementation of the Social Policy Agenda is a clear example of new and improved
governance, showing in practice how public authorities at European, national, regional and
local level together with Social Partners and civil society effectively work together to bring
about reform. This is closely linked to the use of the appropriate combination of policy
instruments.

Labour Markets are being reformed through the European Employment Strategy. This is
supported by the European Social Fund, in particular through investment in people. The
Council and the European Parliament have been pursuing negotiations on a number of
legislative proposals in fields including health and safety at the workplace, the involvement of
workers and equal treatment between women and men. The open method of co-ordination is
delivering concrete measures to fight poverty and social exclusion. Reform of social security
systems, in particular pensions, is being addressed with a view to meet both social and
financial objectives in a sustainable way. Negotiations by the Social Partners will lead to
modernising flexibility and security with regard to the modernisation of work organisation in
particular telework. Action programmes on anti-discrimination, equal opportunities and social
inclusion do not only facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice, but are also
instrumental in involving all stakeholders including NGO's at EU level in these fields.
Encouraging voluntary activities by businesses to support sustainable development has been
addressed in the green paper on Corporate Social Responsibility.

As to the future, there are a number of important new initiatives to be launched in 2002. The
main goal should be to continue carrying out the structural reform envisaged at Lisbon and
outlined in the Social Policy Agenda within the different processes and policies, albeit while
introducing new elements to respond to new challenges. This will reflect the dynamic and
flexible nature of the agenda.
(cid:1)

On the employment front, key initiatives will concern:

• The completion of an evaluation of the first five years of implementation of the
Luxembourg process, leading to a Communication which will inspire the Employment
package 2002

• Joint Commission/Council report on raising labour force participation and promoting

active ageing, following the request of the Stockholm Summit

• The presentation before the Barcelona European Council of an Action Plan on Skills and
Mobility. A new measure here could be the preparation of a European health insurance
card within the context of the mobility action plan. This will be a crucial aspect of
effectively improving free movement within the European Union and will support the
development of labour mobility. Later in the year there will also be a proposal to revise the
legal basis for EURES.

• The presentation of a Communication on mainstreaming employment

into other

Community policies, to be presented in 2003.

25

(cid:1)

On change and the working environment,

• the dynamic and flexible nature of the agenda will be reflected in a new initiative on
anticipating and managing change and the need for a new focus on the social aspects of
corporate restructuring. This initiative aims at stimulating dialogue between social partners
in order to identify and develop best practices on anticipating and managing restructuring.
The objective of new focus points will be aimed at facilitating economic improvement and
contributing to an environment in which economic recovery can be translated faster and
better into more net job creation. Making Europe the most competitive economy in the
world by 2010 will precisely require measures to facilitate matching short-term objectives
with long-term strategic goals.

• The Commission will present early 2002 a new Health and Safety strategy.

• Building on the Laeken joint declaration of the social partners, a renewal of the social

dialogue, related to the economic context could furthermore include:

–

–

–

–

The completion of new "voluntary agreements" on lifelong learning and
telework

Strengthening the involvement of the social partners in the open method of co-
ordination, in particular in the employment strategy.

Strengthening the sectoral social dialogue in relation with the economic
evolution.

The promotion of corporate social responsibility with a framework of reference
for future developments, building on a new communication on corporate social
responsibility.

• The Commission will also present before the Summer 2002 a communication on the social

dialogue with a proposal for a new concertation committee.

• Furthermore, the Commission will launch a second stage consultation on the protection of
employees data in the first half of 2002. It will also present a Communication and an action
plan on financial participation.

• As far as legislation is concerned, the Commission will present early 2002 a proposal for a
Directive on temporary agency work. It will also consider a revision of the European
Works Council Directive.

(cid:1)

As far as Social Inclusion is concerned,

• the setting of concrete long term targets for the Union,

in the light of the Lisbon
commitment to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010, by building
upon the agreed report on indicators on social inclusion would constitute an important
initiative in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.

• Overall, however, 2002 should be a year of consolidation of the recently launched
inclusion process. It will also see the beginning of the implementation of the action
programme.

26

• Furthermore, specific attention will be given to the preparation of the European Year for

the Disabled.

(cid:1)

With regard to the modernisation of social protection,

• the first national strategies on pensions are expected before September 2002, and a first

Commission/Council Joint Report is scheduled for December.

• also for Health Care and Care for the Elderly, an initial report will be presented before the

Barcelona European Council.

(cid:1)

The combination of instruments available will be used in 2002 to enhance gender
equality with

• A proposal for a Directive, based on Article 13 of the EC treaty to combat discrimination

on the basis of sex in areas other than employment and occupation;

• A policy initiative on gender in external relations;

• The concentration of efforts on the theme of reconciliation between working life and
family life in the context of the European employment strategy under the pillar on equal
opportunities

• The action programme in the area of parental leave on which the Commission is preparing

a report.

• Conference on violence against women
(cid:1)

As far as enlargement and external relations are concerned,

• Co-operation with candidate countries will be intensified and the 2003 Commission
Annual Synthesis Report will refer to progress achieved in the employment and social
fields.

• To be highlighted in the pre-accession strategy are the preparatory measures to facilitate
the candidate countries to participate in the open method of co-ordination in the area of
employment and social inclusion, as well as the progressive opening up to candidate
countries of the employment and social programmes.

• With regard to international co-operation activities, the Commission will be organising
joint events on 'Skills and Mobility' with the USA on 'Older Workers' with Japan in early
2002.

• Active ageing will also be at the centre of the World Assembly on ageing in Madrid and

the G-8 in Montreal in April 2002.

• Through co-operation with the ILO specific attention will be given to labour standards,
including in the context of follow-up to the Communication on core labour standards.

Also for 2002, the Agenda will be a good example of how all Community instruments can be
combined to reach strategic objectives. The open method of co-ordination, legislation, social

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dialogue, support via the structural funds, European support programmes all together are
geared towards reaching the objectives of economic and social progress.

However, the success of its implementation will entirely depend on the commitment of all
actors to take up their responsibility.

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