Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions  - Renewed social agenda: Opportunities, access and solidarity in 21st century Europe {SEC(2008) 2156} {SEC(2008) 2157} {SEC(2008) 2178} {SEC(2008) 2184}
Date: 2008-07-02
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European social policy, economic and social cohesion, education policy, employment policy, free movement of persons, globalisation, health policy, migration policy, young person

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 2.7.2008 
COM(2008) 412 final 

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

Renewed social agenda: 
Opportunities, access and solidarity in 21st century Europe 

{SEC(2008) 2156} 
{SEC(2008) 2157} 
{SEC(2008) 2178} 
{SEC(2008) 2184} 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

4.1. 

4.2. 

4.3. 

4.4. 

4.5. 

4.6. 

4.7. 

5. 

5.1. 

5.2. 

5.3. 

5.4. 

5.5. 

5.6. 

6. 

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

Europe's Social Dimension – Time to renew and reinvigorate .................................... 4 

The Renewed Social Agenda for opportunities, access and solidarity: the Goals ....... 6 

The renewed social agenda for opportunities, access and solidarity: the priorities ..... 7 

Children and Youth – tomorrow's Europe ................................................................... 7 

Investing in People, More and Better Jobs, New Skills............................................... 8 

Mobility........................................................................................................................ 9 

Longer and healthier lives.......................................................................................... 11 

Combating poverty and social exclusion ................................................................... 12 

Fighting discrimination .............................................................................................. 13 

Opportunities, Access and Solidarity on the Global Scene........................................ 14 

The renewed social agenda for opportunities, access and solidarity: the instruments15 

EU legislation............................................................................................................. 15 

Social Dialogue .......................................................................................................... 16 

Open Method of Coordination ................................................................................... 16 

EU funding ................................................................................................................. 17 

Partnership, Dialogue and Communication ............................................................... 18 

Ensuring that all EU policies promote opportunities, access and solidarity .............. 18 

Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 19 

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1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Technological  advances,  globalisation  and  an  ageing  population  are  changing  European 
societies.  In  recent  years  the  pace  of  change  has  accelerated.  Europeans  are  living  longer, 
healthier  lives  in  new  family  configurations  and  working  patterns.  Values  and  relationships 
between generations are changing. Europeans face unprecedented opportunities, more choice 
and improved living conditions. The European Union, notably through the Lisbon Strategy for 
growth  and  jobs,  greater  market  integration  and  macroeconomic  stability,  has  been 
instrumental in creating those opportunities, by stimulating employment and mobility.  

At the same time stark realities remain: too many people are inactive or unemployed and too 
many young people leave school early, and as a result, there are still too many people living in 
poverty (especially children and older people) and in social isolation. And, new issues have 
emerged  –  an  ageing  and  better  off  population  brings  with  it  increased  old  age  dependency 
and diseases of affluence (obesity, stress). On top of this far reaching set of societal changes, 
2008  is  witnessing  a  global  economic  slowdown,  with  increased  competition  for  scarce 
resources,  including  food  and  energy  and  continuing  turbulence  in  the  financial  markets. 
Whilst the EU economy should hold up well in the face of these external shocks, due to sound 
fundamentals,  such  recent  developments  including  dramatic  increases  in  food  and  oil  prices 
generate  concern.  The  poor  are  disproportionately  affected  by  these  developments.  In 
addition, while opinion polls show that Europeans are generally satisfied with their quality of 
life, they are worried about the future and fear that their children will be less well off in years 
to come. 

Social policies need to keep pace with these changing realities - they need to be flexible and 
responsive to change. All levels of governance need to rise to this challenge. 

Actions in the social field are primarily the responsibility of the Member States and have to be 
taken  closest  to  the  citizen  at  national  and  sub-national  level.  The  EU's  powers  and 
responsibilities  in  the  social  field  are  limited.  However,  the  EU,  with  its  blend  of  shared 
values,  common  rules  and  solidarity  mechanisms,  is  uniquely  placed  to  work  in  partnership 
with  the  Member  States  and  stakeholders  and  foster  cooperation  to  manage  socio-economic 
change,  particularly  the  change  driven  by  globalisation  and  technology.  It  has  successfully 
responded to emerging social challenges over the past fifty years by stimulating growth and 
jobs  in  a  sound  macroeconomic  policy  framework,  promoting  gender  equality,  fighting 
discrimination,  fostering  social  partnership,  improving  working  conditions,  and  ensuring 
social cohesion by tackling regional inequalities and assisting adjustment to economic change.  

The challenge now is to build on that strong base by pursuing a renewed social agenda. The 
fundamental goals are set in the Treaty. The means to achieve them need to be renewed. The 
focus needs to be on empowering and enabling individuals to realise their potential while at 
the same time helping those who are unable to do so.  

This  agenda  cannot  be  confined  to  traditional  social  domains;  it  must  be  cross  cutting  and 
multidimensional,  covering  a  wide  range  of  areas  from  labour  market  policies  to  education, 
health, immigration and intercultural dialogue. The reality is that economic and social actions 
at  EU  and  national  level  are  mutually  reinforcing  and  complementary.  That  is  why  this 
renewed social agenda is fully coherent with and reinforces the Lisbon Strategy for Growth 
and Jobs. 

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The  renewed  social  agenda  set  out  in  this  Communication  is  built  around  opportunities, 
access and solidarity. Generating opportunities requires a continued effort to creating more 
and  better  jobs  and  increasing  welfare.  It  means  dismantling  barriers,  facilitating  mobility, 
fighting discrimination, fostering gender equality, supporting families and tackling new forms 
of  social  exclusion.  To  exploit  opportunities,  individuals  need  access  –  to  education,  health 
care,  social  services  of  general  interest.  They  should  be  able  to  actively  participate  and 
integrate in the societies in which they live. Those individuals and regions that cannot cope 
and are left behind by the rapid pace of change need support. Therefore, the renewed social 
agenda is also one of solidarity – stepping up efforts to fight poverty and social exclusion and 
explore new ways to help individuals adjust to globalisation and technological change. To do 
so, the EU has to innovate in the way it sets policy frameworks, in its legislation, in bringing 
people together in the exchange of best practice and in catalysing new approaches.  

This  renewed  social  agenda  takes  into  account  the  results  of  the  broad  public  consultation1 
that  was  launched  by  the  Commission  in  2007  to  take  stock  of  Europe’s  changing  “social 
reality”.  It  sets  out  a  series  of  concrete  measures  in  the  priority  areas  identified  in  the 
European Commission’s recent Communication Opportunities, access and solidarity: towards 
a new social vision for 21st century Europe2. 

2. 

EUROPE'S SOCIAL DIMENSION – TIME TO RENEW AND REINVIGORATE 

Shared  social  values  are  intrinsic  to  feelings  of  European  identity,  having  underpinned  the 
foundations  of  the  European  project  from  the  beginning.  EU  policies  have  a  strong  social 
dimension  and  positive  social  impact:  the  Lisbon  strategy  has  contributed  to  the  creation  of 
more and better jobs. EMU and the euro have ensured price stability, facilitating job creation 
and  stable  growth.  Cohesion  policies  have  helped  less  developed  EU  regions  and 
disadvantaged  groups.  The  Single  Market  has  created  opportunities,  taking  account  of  and 
responding to the social impact of market opening. EU employment and social policies have 
improved  employment  conditions,  including  health  and  safety  at  work,  promoted  equal 
opportunities and social inclusion and fought discrimination, racism and xenophobia.  

Successive  waves  of  enlargement  to  embrace  new  Member  States  have  been  hugely 
successful in consolidating democracy and fundamental rights and in boosting the prosperity 
of the whole EU. The European story has been a successful process of “social convergence” 
as  the  economies  of  acceding  Member  States  have  strengthened,  even  if  this  process  is  still 
underway. In this process, European norms and EU rules and guidelines have played a part. 
This record of convergence is a testament to the strength of Europe’s shared social values and 
the  EU's  ability  to  support  their  development.  In  short,  enlargement  has  been  successful  in 
spreading equal opportunities across the continent. 

The  fundamental  social  objectives  of  Europe  have  not  changed:  a  strong  commitment  to 
harmonious, cohesive and inclusive societies respecting fundamental rights in healthy social 
market economies. This is clearly spelt out in the objectives of the Union and the Charter of 
Fundamental Rights of the European Union.  

But  new  developments  call  for  an  urgent  review  of  means,  not  ends.  Globalisation  is  the 
principal shaping force of our times.  

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2 

http://ec.europa.eu/citizens_agenda/social_reality_stocktaking/index_en.htm 
COM(2007) 726, 20.11.2007. 

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It makes for a crucial difference to both the rationale and the focus of Europe’s social agenda. 
In  the  last  generation,  the  social  dimension  made  a  huge  stride  forward  as  Europe’s  Single 
Market widened and deepened. In the 1980s the Social Agenda was conceived as a means of 
securing assent to the industrial restructuring that the “1992” agenda involved. The focus was 
on  employment  protection  and  the  need  to  secure  consensus  between  the  social  partners  in 
order to facilitate industrial change. Today a much wider social agenda is needed that allows 
Europe  to  take  full  advantage  of  the  opportunities  brought  about  by  globalisation,  to  help 
citizens  adapt  to  changing  realities  and  to  show  solidarity  with  those  who  are  affected 
negatively. 

Combined  with  globalisation,  rapid  technological  change  has  wide  ranging  impacts  on 
society  and  profound  implications  for  social  policies3.  It  increases  the  demand  for  skills, 
widening the gap between the skilled and unskilled. The average unemployment rate for low-
skilled workers is around 10%, compared to 7% for those with upper secondary education and 
4% for those with tertiary education. The overriding social issue for the longer term is to how 
best  to  equip  individuals  with  the  right  skills  to  give  them  a  better  chance  in  the  modern 
economy  as  workers,  entrepreneurs  and  consumers.  This  is  more  than  an  issue  of  industrial 
training in the conventional sense. It is about what types of skills and competences are needed 
for a new type of economy and how citizens can be equipped to succeed. That is why the EU 
is investing heavily in skills development, supporting the development of more efficient and 
sustainable  labour  markets  and  social  systems,  combining  flexibility  and  security,  and 
promoting mobility in education and continuous training and in knowledge and innovation. 

Demographic  change  is  driving  societal  change  and  needs  innovative  policy  responses. 
Increased  life  expectancy  is  one  of  Europe's  greatest  achievements.  But,  combined  with 
declining  fertility,  the  ageing  of  Europe's  population  requires  major  changes  to  the  way  we 
live, work and prepare for retirement. The population in the age group 15-64 is projected to 
contract by 48 million by 2050, and the dependency ratio will double over the same period4. 
Public social expenditure has to adapt flexibly to take account of Europe's ageing population, 
changing  work  patterns.  Enhancing  the  efficiency  and  effectiveness  of  welfare  systems, 
notably via improved incentives, better administration and evaluation, and the prioritisation of 
spending programmes has become crucial to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of 
European  social  models.  The  EU  is  working  in  partnership  with  Member  States  to  address 
common  challenges,  supporting  their  efforts  to  ensure  equity  and  financial  sustainability, 
while carrying through necessary health and pension system reform. The Council has recently 
invited  the  Commission  and  the  EU's  Economic  Policy  Committee  to  refine  the  analysis  of 
social  expenditure  and  the  reforms  necessary  to  ensure  equity,  efficiency  and  effectiveness5 
(see accompanying document). 

Immigration  is  making  a  significant  contribution  to  employment,  growth  and  prosperity  in 
the European Union. Demand for migrants, particularly those with specific skills, is likely to 
increase  over  the  coming  years  due  to  demographic  change  and  labour  market  shortages  in 
certain  sectors  and  regions.  Member  States  have  also  recognised  the  importance  of  joint 
action at the EU level to address challenges linked to immigration and integration.  

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See  also  accompanying  Commission  staff  working  document  "A  renewed  social  agenda  for  Europe: 
Citizens Wellbeing in the Information Society" 
The ratio of those over 65 to the working population (15-64) will increase from 1 to 4 currently to 1 to 2 
in 2050. 
ECFIN Council Conclusions of 14 May 2008, available at: 
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/100325.pdf 

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The  Commission  has  recently  proposed  a  comprehensive  Common  Immigration  Policy  for 
Europe6  for  coordinated  action  and  with  a  view  to  promoting  prosperity,  solidarity  and 
security. To realise its potential, immigration has to be accompanied from the start by efforts 
to  facilitate  successful  integration,  including  by  host  country  language  learning.  This  poses 
also a mix of other complex challenges and requires efforts in different sectors such as health, 
housing and education.  

Climate change and new energy use patterns will create new opportunities as well as social 
impacts.  The  EU,  at  the  forefront  of  international  efforts  to  tackle  climate  change,  is  also 
analysing  its  social-economic  consequences  and  developing  policies  to  support  adaptation. 
The transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy is of vital importance for the well-being 
of future generations. The EU can help harness new opportunities for economic development 
and  the  creation  of  "green  jobs",  while  acting  in  solidarity  with  vulnerable  groups  and  in 
consultation with social partners. In this context, attention will need to be paid to the risk of 
"energy poverty".  

3. 

THE  RENEWED  SOCIAL  AGENDA  FOR  OPPORTUNITIES,  ACCESS  AND  SOLIDARITY: 
THE GOALS  

The Renewed Social Agenda is based on three interrelated goals of equal importance: 

•  Creating Opportunities: Creating opportunities means generating more and better jobs and 
facilitating  mobility.  In  societies  where  each  individual  is  regarded  as  being  of  equal 
worth, no barriers of any kind should hold people back. This means ensuring the chances 
for  all  to  develop  their  own  potentials  while  respecting  Europe’s  diversity  and  tackling 
both overt and indirect discrimination and fighting racism and xenophobia. 

•  Providing  Access:  Given  the  very  different  starting  points  in  life,  opportunity  cannot  be 
ensured  without  improving  access  for  the  most  disadvantaged.  All  citizens  must  have 
access to good quality education, social protection, health care and services that can help to 
overcome  inequalities  in  starting  points  and to enable all  to enjoy longer, healthier lives. 
Europe's youth must be equipped to take advantage of opportunities. All Europeans should 
have  access  to  education  and  skills  development  throughout  life  (for  example,  second 
chance schools or life-long learning) so as to be able to adjust to change and start afresh at 
different points in their life. 

•  Demonstrating  Solidarity:  Europeans  share  a  commitment  to  social  solidarity:  between 
generations,  regions,  the  better  off  and  the  less  well  off  and  wealthier  and  less  wealthy 
Member States. Solidarity is part of how European society works and how Europe engages 
with  the  rest  of  the  world.  Real  equality  of  opportunity  depends  on  both  access  and 
solidarity. Solidarity means action to help those who are disadvantaged – who cannot reap 
the benefits of an open, rapidly changing society. It means fostering social inclusion and 
integration, participation and dialogue and combating poverty. It means giving support to 
those  who  are  exposed  to  temporary,  transitional  problems  of  globalisation  and 
technological change. 

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COM(2008) 359, 17.6.2008. 

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Actions to move towards these goals are primarily the responsibility of the Member States at 
national, regional and local levels. The scope for action is wide and calls for priority setting. 
Hence, the agenda that follows focuses on key areas – youth, human capital, longer healthier 
lives,  mobility,  social  inclusion,  anti-discrimination  and  equal  opportunities  as  well  as 
participation  and  civic  dialogue  -  where  EU  action  demonstrates  clear  added  value  and  full 
respect  for  the  principles  of  subsidiarity  and  proportionality.  Actions  in  each  of  these  areas 
contribute to the three goals of opportunities, access and solidarity. They reflect the need for 
the  EU  to  innovate  and  evolve  -  in  the  way  it  sets  policy  frameworks,  in  its  legislation,  in 
bringing people together in the exchange of best practice and in catalysing new approaches. 

4. 

THE  RENEWED  SOCIAL  AGENDA  FOR  OPPORTUNITIES,  ACCESS  AND  SOLIDARITY: 
THE PRIORITIES 

4.1. 

Children and Youth – tomorrow's Europe 

Europe's future depends on its youth. Yet, life chances of many young people are blighted - 
they  lack  the  opportunities  and  the  access  to  education  and  training  to  realise  their  full 
potential. 19 million children and young people are at risk of poverty and six million drop out 
of secondary education each year. Action is required to break the vicious cycle of childhood 
deprivation,  unhealthy  lifestyles,  academic  under-achievement  and  social  exclusion  of 
children. The problems of high youth unemployment, too many early school-leavers, and the 
relative job insecurity and wage inequality faced by younger people have to be tackled. So too 
do the concerns of youth that despite working longer, they may be worse off in old age than 
previous generations. All children need to receive an education that equips and gives them a 
fair chance in today's world. They need to be encouraged to reach different and higher levels 
of qualification and skills than their parents achieved.  

The  EU  can  help  to  develop  new  forms  of  intergenerational  solidarity  and  to  address  the 
specific problems facing young people today, including access to education and training, the 
labour  market,  housing  and  finance.  The  European  Youth  Pact  agreed  by  the  European 
Council  in  March  2005  provides  a  common  framework  for  action  by  the  EU  and  Member 
States.  The  Commission  will  continue  a  range  of  activities  focused  on  children  and  youth: 
mainstreaming children’s rights in EU actions, stepping up efforts to promote and protect the 
rights of the child7, actions on youth and health and promoting the safer use of the Internet8 
and enhanced action on road safety.  

Further action: 

The renewed social agenda includes: 

- a Communication on School Education in support of efforts by Member States to improve 
the  quality  of  their  education  systems  and  achieve  targets  regarding  early  school  leavers, 
literacy,  participation  in  secondary  education  and  preparing  young  people  for  lifelong 
learning. This follows a public consultation on "Schools for the 21st Century". Maximising the 
efficiency  and  equity  of  primary  education  and  training  is  an  essential  part  of  ensuring 
opportunities for young people. 

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See http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/children/fsj_children_intro_en.htm 
COM(2008) 106, 27.2.2008. 

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- a Green Paper on "Migration and Mobility: challenges for the EU's educational systems". 

Later in 2008/2009 the Commission will: 

- issue a Communication on developing the Open Method of Coordination on youth, with a 
particular focus on young people with fewer opportunities. 

– develop a more comprehensive approach to child poverty, based on quantitative targets (see 
section 5.2), inspired by the European strategy on inclusion and social protection.  

4.2. 

Investing in People, More and Better Jobs, New Skills 

The  new  social  agenda  is  an  integral  part  of  the  Lisbon  Strategy  and  the  EU  Sustainable 
Development Strategy. One of the biggest contributions the EU can make to well being is to 
foster growth and jobs since a healthy economy is the foundation for prosperity and the best 
escape route from poverty is a job. The Lisbon Strategy and EMU are contributing to create 
more jobs, through price stability, decreased unemployment and improved productivity. The 
2008  Spring  Economic  Forecast  anticipates  the  creation  of  3  million  new  jobs  in  2008  and 
2009  on  top  of  the  7½  million  already  created  in  2006  and  2007.  Small  and  medium-sized 
enterprises  have  a  key  role  in  generating  new  and  better  jobs,  as  clearly  recognised  in  the 
recently adopted "Small Business Act" for Europe9. 

A key role for the EU in the face of globalisation and rapid technological change is to help 
Member  States  to  modernise  labour  markets  and  to  anticipate  change  and  restructuring.  It 
agreed  on  common  flexicurity  principles  and  pathways  based  on  flexible  and  secure 
contractual arrangements, life-long learning, active labour market policies and modern social 
security  systems  to  ease  labour  market  transitions  and  make  work  pay.  The  Commission  is 
working with the Member States and social partners to implement flexicurity at national level 
within  their  Lisbon  reform  programmes.  On  the  legislative  side,  it  is  important  that  the 
European  Parliament  and  the  Council  come  to  a  rapid  and  positive  conclusion  on  the 
proposals for directives on working time and on temporary agency work.  

Social  dialogue  at  European  level  is  essential  to  facilitating  change.  The  Directive  on  the 
European Work's Councils provides a platform for dialogue between employers and workers 
and could be further improved. Partnerships between social partners and public authorities in 
anticipating and managing change are being developed.  

The  Structural  Funds  offer  financial  support  to  Member  States,  regions,  municipalities, 
businesses and citizens in anticipating and adapting to changing circumstances. The European 
Globalisation  Adjustment  Fund  (EGF),  set  up  in  2007,  provides  support  for  the  rapid  re-
integration  into  the  labour  market  of  workers  who  are  made  redundant  as  a  consequence  of 
changes  in  trade  patterns  created  by  globalisation.  The  EGF  has  had  a  positive  impact  in  a 
number of Member States but there is room to further exploit its potential. 

Immigration  is  already  playing  an  important  role  in  filling  labour  market  gaps  and  skills 
shortages.  Demand  for  migrants,  particularly  those  with  specific  skills,  is  likely  to  increase 
with  demographic  change.  The  Commission's  recent  Communication  on  a  Common 
Immigration  Policy  for  Europe10  sets  out  a  number  of  initiatives  designed  to  ensure  that 

9 
10 

COM(2008) 394, 25.6.2008. 
COM(2008) 359, 17.6.2008. 

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economic migration is well managed in  partnership  with  the  Member  States  on  the  basis  of 
commonly agreed principles. Integration is one of those key principles. 

Education  and  investing  in  human  capital  formation  in  general  is  critical  to  ensure  labour 
participation  and  social  inclusion  and  to  enhance  the  competitiveness  of  the  EU.  In  this 
rapidly changing world, people need access to opportunities at different points in their lives. 
This  means  a  commitment  to  lifelong  learning  and  ongoing  renewal  of  skills  attuned  to 
present  and  future  labour  market  needs.  The  Commission  will  bring  forward  initiatives  on 
skills and on supporting the Member States in modernising their education systems within the 
limits  of  the  Treaty.  New  skills  -  entrepreneurial,  for  the  low-carbon  economy,  information 
and  communication  technologies  -  as  well  as  those  fostering  digital,  media  and  financial 
literacy are all part of a modern skills set.  

Necessary  reforms  will  be  carried  forward  in  the  framework  of  the  Lisbon  strategy,  which 
includes  the  European  Employment  Strategy,  and  the  Open  Method  of  Coordination  in 
education and training. Actions will also be taken to promote entrepreneurship education, ICT 
"e-skills"11 and financial education in the EU. 

Further action: 

As part of this package, the Commission is coming forward with: 

-  a  Directive  to  improve  the  functioning  of  European  Works  Councils  to  ensure  effective 
social  dialogue on restructuring operations. The renewed social agenda is also accompanied 
by staff working documents, one encouraging and supporting Social Partners to step up their 
efforts to anticipate and manage structural change and another highlighting the importance of 
company-based trans-national agreements; 

-  a  Report  on  the  European  Globalisation  Fund  that  reviews  its  first  year  of  operation, 
indicates how procedures can be simplified and streamlined and suggests a number of ideas as 
to how the EGF could be improved. 

Later in 2008/2009, the Commission will propose: 

-  a  "New  skills  for  new  jobs  initiative",  providing  a  first  assessment  of  labour  market  and 
skills  needs  up  to  2020  and  a  mapping  of  existing  anticipation  instruments  at  national  and 
European level, and proposing a more effective approach to ensure anticipation and matching 
between  labour  demand  and  supply  through  synergies  between  employment,  training  and 
education policies; 

- an updated strategic framework to apply the open method of coordination for European co-
operation in education and training; 

- a Communication on multilingualism in the EU. 

4.3.  Mobility 

The free movement of people is a rich source of opportunities for citizens, helping to boost 
economic  growth  and  competitiveness.  Europeans  are  increasingly  mobile.  The  EU  has  a 

11 

COM(2007) 496, 7.9.2007. 

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robust  legal  framework  in  place  providing  for  the  free  movement  of  workers.  Moreover,  it 
provides practical support to facilitate mobility and to remove potential obstacles, including 
support for the free movement of workers through the EU's Job Mobility Action Plan.  

The EU also supports student and youth mobility through a variety of transnational European 
programmes, such as the Erasmus programme. This enhances their language and intercultural 
skills, their employability and makes them more open to future job and geographical mobility.  

The  directive  on  posting  of  workers  has  been  instrumental  in  promoting  free  movement  of 
services  and  at  the  same  time  protecting  workers  and  working  conditions.  However,  the 
posting of workers from one Member State to another also raises a number of questions about 
the application of existing European and national legislation and practices on posted workers. 
The  Commission  recently  adopted  a  recommendation12  on  enhancing  administrative 
cooperation in order to combat undeclared work and ensure an appropriate level of confidence 
between Member States. 

Some  questions  have  also  been  widely  discussed  recently  in  the  wake  of  rulings  by  the 
European  Court  of  Justice  (in  the  Laval,  Viking  and  Rüffert  cases).  The  Commission  will 
support the Member States in making effective use of the opportunities offered by the existing 
directive on the posting of workers. At the same time, on the basis of a thorough analysis of 
the rulings and other precedents, it will discuss all these questions with the social partners and 
the Member States and address issues of concern, including in a specially convened Forum in 
the autumn of 2008. The Commission is committed to ensuring that there is no contradiction 
between the fundamental freedoms of the Treaty and the protection of fundamental rights and 
will thoroughly assess, discuss and respond to issues of concern, including through providing 
interpretative guidelines if needed.  

In  this  context  the  Commission  strongly  welcomes  the  common  position  agreed  by  the 
Council of ministers on 9 June 2008 that, as concerns temporary agency workers, establishes 
the principle of equal treatment as of day one, unless social partners decide otherwise. 

Further action: 

As part of this package, the Commission  

-  invites  social  partners  and  Member  States  to  discuss  the  issues  raised  by  the  recent  Court 
rulings  and  organise  a  Forum  to  promote  debate  and  exchange  of  good  practice  among 
stakeholders  on  how  to  respect  social  rights  against  the  background  of  increasing  labour 
mobility. The Commission will support Member States and discuss with them and the social 
partners how to address issues of concern; 

-  continues  to  develop  a  “fifth  freedom”  by  removing  barriers  to  the  free  movement  of 
researchers13,  young 
knowledge,  promoting 
entrepreneurs14,  young  people15  and  volunteers16.  It  will  also  seek  to  ensure  a  complete  and 

the  mobility  of  specific  groups 

like 

12 

13 
14 
15 
16 

Commission Recommendation of 3 April 2008 on enhanced administrative cooperation in the context 
of the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services. 
COM(2008)317, 23.5.2008 Better careers and more mobility: a European partnership for researchers 
Pilot Project 2008-2010. 
Green Paper planned for June 2009. 
Proposal for a Council Recommendation in accompanying document. 

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rigorous  implementation  of  the  EC  Directive  on  mutual  recognition  of  professional 
qualifications17. 

4.4. 

Longer and healthier lives 

Europe's ageing society demands a variety of policy responses - from supporting research into 
how  information  technology  can  improve  the  health  and  wellbeing  lives  of  older  people,  to 
assessing  what  health  care  and  pension  reforms  are  needed  to  meet  the  needs  of  an  ageing 
population while ensuring the sustainability of public financing.  

The  EU  should  facilitate  access  for  all  to  quality  health  care.  Enhancing  patients'  rights  to 
cross-border health care are an important aspect of this. There is a need for clarity on patients' 
rights and for a framework to ensure that Member States retain the capacity to decide on their 
national health systems, mindful of the need for sustainable funding. There is also a need to 
foster patients' and professionals' mobility by facilitating the cross-border interoperability of 
electronic health records while protecting privacy. 

The EU is supporting efforts by Member States to ensure the financial sustainability of social 
protection systems including health, to ensure adequate pensions in the future, and preserve 
the  quality  and  accessibility  of  services.  Under  the  Open  Method  of  Coordination  in  these 
areas  financial  sustainability  and  social  adequacy  have  been  common  joint  objectives  since 
2006. The Commission and the Member States are also analysing the economic and budgetary 
impacts of ageing and of pension and healthcare reforms. 

Poverty, unemployment, low levels of education, genetic risks and disability are all associated 
with poorer health. The European health strategy18 adopted in October 2007 highlights shared 
values  of  universality,  access  to  good  quality  health  care,  equity  and  solidarity.  It  foresees 
action  to  address  the  challenges  linked  to  Europe’s  ageing  population  and  growing 
inequalities  in  health.  The  European  Health  Portal  provides  citizens  and  stakeholders  with 
access to information on key health issues. 

The strategy for health and safety at work adopted by the Commission in 200719 helps people 
remain  in  the  labour  market  longer  by  improving  protection  against  risks  in  the  workplace. 
The strategy aims to achieve a 25% reduction in workplace accidents by 2012.  

Further action: 

The Commission will: 

-  propose  a  Directive  on  the  application  of  patients'  rights  in  cross-border  health  care.  This 
will establish a Community framework for cross-border healthcare on the basis of the case-
law of the European Court of Justice. It will help to: provide legal clarity regarding patients' 
rights; ensure high-quality, safe and efficient cross-border care; and provide a framework for 
European  cooperation  in  full  respect  of  the  principles  of  the  national  systems  and  ensuring 
their sustainability;  

17 

18 
19 

Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional 
qualifications. 
COM(2007) 630, 23.10.2007. 
COM(2007) 62, 21.2.2007. 

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-  come  forward  with  a  Recommendation  on  the  cross-border  interoperability  of  electronic 
health records, which will facilitate patients’ and professionals’ mobility; 

- present a Communication focused on actions to meet the needs of an ageing population in 
autumn  2008.  Within  the  framework  of  the  “European  Action  Plan  for  Ageing  well  in  the 
information  society”  a  new  EU-funded  programme  on  assisted  living  will  raise  over  €600 
million for research into the use of Information and Communication Technologies to improve 
the lives of older people at home, in the workplace and society more generally; 

-  publish  an  updated  report  on  the  impact  of  ageing  on  public  expenditure  in  the  spring  of 
2009, followed by a Communication on the long-term sustainability of public finances in the 
autumn 2009; 

-  issue  a  Communication  on  health  inequalities  during  2009,  building  on  work  under  the 
Social Inclusion and Social Protection OMC; 

-  propose  a  Communication  and  draft  Council  Recommendation  on  patient  safety  and  the 
quality  of  health  services,  including  the  prevention  and  control  of  healthcare-associated 
infections  and  a  Communication  on  Telemedicine  and  Innovative  Information  and 
Communication Technology Tools for Chronic Disease Management.  

- issue a Green Paper on the EU health workforce, a vital part of delivering high quality health 
services,  which  will  consider  the  challenges  posed  by  ageing,  mobility  and  technological 
change and how they can be addressed. 

4.5. 

Combating poverty and social exclusion 

Some 78 million Europeans, or 16% of EU population, are at risk of poverty. Poverty strikes 
in  particular  the  unemployed,  the  disabled  and  the  elderly;  women  are  disproportionately  at 
risk. Even employment is not a guarantee against poverty: in-work poverty is on the increase 
with  some  8%  of  employed  people  at  risk  of  poverty.  There  are  barriers  and  financial 
disincentives  preventing  or  discouraging  certain  groups  from  gaining  full  access  to 
employment,  training,  education,  housing  and  health-care.  The  EU  is  helping  coordinate 
efforts to promote active inclusion, including labour market integration, making work pay and 
life-long learning, particularly for those who are furthest from the labour market, as part of the 
fight  against  poverty.  The  Commission  is  also  working  to  ensure  that  single  market  and 
competition rules facilitate the development of good quality, accessible and sustainable social 
services,  including  those  supplied  by  social  economy  enterprises  (e.g.  cooperatives,  mutual 
undertakings). 

Further action: 

The Commission is presenting the first biennial report on Social Services of General Interest 
as part of the package and will in 2008/2009: 

- propose a Recommendation on active inclusion covering questions of income support, links 
with  the  labour  market  and  better  access  to  quality  services.  The  planned  2010  Year  of 
inclusion  and  the  fight  against  poverty  will  provide  the  opportunity  for  a  renewed  political 
commitment on the part of the EU and its Member States to those fundamental goals of the 
EC Treaty; 

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- reshape and significantly extend the food aid programme for Europe's most deprived people. 
The programme has provided food to over 13 million people in 2006 and has become even 
more important in a context of rising food prices; 

-  undertake  initiatives  to  improve  digital  literacy,  enhance  broadband  deployment  in 
underserved areas20 and to give better access and accessibility of persons with disabilities to 
the information society21 with a view to tackling the digital divide. Action is also planned to 
promote  financial  inclusion  –  so  that  no  one  in  the  EU  is  denied  access  to  a  basic  bank 
account. 

4.6. 

Fighting discrimination  

Pursuing opportunity means systematically attacking discrimination and fighting racism and 
xenophobia. In addition to the long standing legislative protection on the basis of gender, the 
EU has legislation banning discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age and 
sexual orientation in employment and discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin in 
employment, education, social protection and access to goods and services. To complete this 
legal  framework,  a  key  element  of  this  renewed  social  agenda  is  a  proposed  directive  to 
combat discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation and to 
put into effect the principle of equal treatment, outside the field of employment.  

The EU is actively engaged in fighting racism and xenophobia and encourages the Council to 
formally  adopt  the  Framework  Decision  on  Racism  and  Xenophobia  on  which  political 
agreement was reached in April 2007.  

Over the last  half century,  the EU  has promoted gender equality  (one  of  its  core  values)  by 
developing  a  comprehensive  legislative  framework.  It  has  invested  in  increasing  women's 
participation in the labour market through the European Social Fund. The employment rate of 
women rose from 54.3% to 57.2% between 2001 and 2006, and the objective of 60% by 2010 
is within reach. But inequalities persist, as reflected in gender pay differentials. Women also 
remain underrepresented in economic and political decision making processes22.  

Further action: 

As part of this package, the Commission is: 

- proposing a Directive to combat discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or 
sexual orientation and to put into effect the principle of equal treatment, outside the field of 
employment.  It  will  also  continue  non  legislative  action  to  promote  equality  in  close 
cooperation with Member States, civil society and social partners23; 

- reporting on the EU instruments and policies in favour of Europe’s Roma community (see 
accompanying Report). 

It will: 

20 
21 
22 
23 

COM(2006) 129, 20.3.2006. 
COM(2007) 694, 8.11.2007. 
Women and men in decision-making 2007, European Commission 2008. 
See  accompanying  communication  on  ""Non-discrimination  and  equal  opportunities:  A  renewed 
commitment". 

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-  strengthen  the  integration  of  a  gender  perspective  ('mainstreaming')  in  its  policies  and 
activities,  including  those  covered  by  this  Renewed  Social  Agenda,  inline  with  the 
commitments in the EU Roadmap on Equality between Women and Men (2006-2010) and in 
the European Pact for Gender Equality; 

- report in 2008 on the implementation of the Roadmap and, in 2010, present an evaluation 
and follow-up strategy; 

-  consider  presenting  legislative  proposals  in  September  2008  with  a  view  to  improving  the 
reconciliation  of  private  and  professional  life  by  improving  parental  leave  arrangements, 
introducing  news  forms  of  leave  (paternity,  adoption  and  filial  leave),  and  strengthening 
protection for pregnant women.  

-  continue  to  tackle  the  gender  pay  gap,  in  line  with  its  Communication  adopted  in  July 
200724, in particular by exploring ways of improving the legislative framework and the way it 
is  being  implemented,  making  full  use  of  the  European  strategy  for  growth  and  jobs, 
encouraging  employers  to  commit  themselves  to  equal  pay  and  supporting  the  exchange  of 
good practice at Community level; 

- issue a report on the “Barcelona” targets concerning the availability of child-care facilities in 
September 2008; 

- focus the Open Method of Coordination on reducing the at-risk-of-poverty rate for women, 
particularly older women; 

- take action  on the gender gap in entrepreneurship (currently only 31% of entrepreneurs in 
Europe are women).  

4.7. 

Opportunities, Access and Solidarity on the Global Scene 

The EU cooperates with national and international partners to promote high social standards 
protecting workers, consumers and the environment. Coordinated EU action helps shape the 
international agenda and harness the positive benefits of globalisation and managing change. 
The Commission will pay increasing attention to the projection of its social policies externally 
and the social impacts of its internal policies globally. 

The  Commission  will  continue  its  cooperation  with  the  candidate  and  potential  candidate 
countries in the social and related fields25. It will contribute to the international efforts aimed 
at  promoting  the  social  dimension  of  globalisation.  It  will  also  continue  pursuing  policy 
dialogue  on  employment  and  social  affairs  in  bilateral  and  regional  fora,  including  with 
partner countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy and with emerging economies. The 
Commission  will  ensure  that  its  external  relations,  trade  and  development  policies  in  the 
broadest sense help promote opportunities, access and solidarity beyond EU borders.  

It will incorporate decent work and social concerns in agreements between the EU and third 
countries,  and  strengthen  the  social  dimension  of  trade  and  trade-related  policies  (including 
through  the  Generalised  System  of  Preferences  and  Free  Trade  Agreement  negotiations). 

24 
25 

COM(2007) 424, 18.7.2007. 
See  eg.  Commission  Communication  "Western  Balkans:  Enhancing  the  European  perspective", 
COM(2008) 127, 5.3.2008. 

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Development  and  external  policies  and  assistance  will  also  be  used  to  support  the 
development of social protection systems, the modernisation of labour markets and contribute 
to international efforts addressing the social dimension of globalisation and of climate change. 

Further action: 

The Commission reaffirms its commitment to promote the internationally-agreed agenda for 
decent  work,  including  through  the  cooperation  with  the  International  Labour  Organisation 
(ILO) and other partners, and the mobilisation of all relevant EU policies (see accompanying 
report  highlighting  the  progress  made  since  2006).  The  Commission  also  calls  upon  all 
Member  States  to  set  an  example  by  ratifying  and  implementing  the  ILO  Conventions 
classified by ILO as up to date. 

The  Commission  will  continue  to  promote  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  in  cooperation 
with all relevant stakeholders. 

5. 

THE  RENEWED  SOCIAL  AGENDA  FOR  OPPORTUNITIES,  ACCESS  AND  SOLIDARITY: 
THE INSTRUMENTS 

The Social Reality Stocktaking has confirmed that citizens and stakeholders expect the EU to 
bring  added  value  to  social  development,  while  remaining  mindful  of  subsidiarity, 
proportionality  and  diversity.  It  will  continue  to  do  so  through  the  instruments  in  the  EC 
Treaty  (legislation,  social  dialogue,  the  Open  Method  of  Coordination,  EU  funding, 
involvement  of  Civil  Society)  and  by  exploiting  the  scope  for  synergies  between  them  in  a 
comprehensive  approach  and  a  "smarter  mix"  of  policy  tools.  The  coordination  and 
surveillance of economic and budgetary policies also play an important role in this respect. 

5.1. 

EU legislation 

The EU has  put in  place a  robust legislative framework for the well-being  of Europeans by 
establishing and strengthening their rights as citizens, consumers and workers in many areas, 
including  mobility,  health  and  safety,  social  security,  working  conditions,  information  and 
consultation, gender equality, and non-discrimination. 

In  some  cases,  new  EU  legislation  can  offer  solutions  if  there  is  broad  agreement  on  its 
relevance and convincing evidence about its added value. Existing legislation will need to be 
updated  and  streamlined  in  the  light  of  emerging  issues  (e.g.  in  the  field  of  discrimination, 
health  and  safety),  new  forms  of  work  organisation  (e.g.  European  Works  Councils, 
reconciliation of work and family life) and jurisprudence from the European Court of Justice 
(e.g. working time, social security, cross border health care).  

Existing  legislation  must  be  effectively  applied  and  enforced.  Problems  of  improper 
implementation  are  often  due  to  a  lack  of  knowledge  or  insufficient  coordination  and 
cooperation between national authorities. The Commission will work with Member States, the 
social partners and other players to remedy these problems in line with its Communication on 
"A  Europe  of  results  –  Applying  Community  Law"26,  and  its  support  for  citizens  and 
businesses in the context of the Single Market Review. 

26 

COM(2007) 502, 5.9.2007. 

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5.2. 

Social Dialogue 

The European Social Dialogue, one of the cornerstones of the European social model, has an 
essential role in EU policy making. The right of Social Partners, enshrined in the EC Treaty, 
to be consulted prior to any employment or social affairs initiative from the Commission, to 
negotiate  themselves  on  issues  submitted  by  the  Commission  or  to  conclude  autonomous 
agreements  on  their  own  initiative,  has  had  many  positive  results,  e.g.  their  agreements  on 
parental  leave,  on  violence  and  stress  at  work,  on  telework  and  on  the  ILO  Convention  on 
seafarers.  A  staff  working  document  on  telework  and  a  proposal  on  the  Social  Partners' 
agreement on the ILO Maritime Convention are part of this package. 

The Commission calls upon the Social Partners to make full use of the possibilities offered by 
the European Social Dialogue. With their knowledge and experience they are best placed to 
identify changing social realities and have a specific role to play helping to provide responses. 
The EU will continue to facilitate the Social Dialogue, including at sector/industry level, and 
the implementation of European framework agreements by the national social partners. 

5.3. 

Open Method of Coordination 

Open  methods  of  coordination  (OMCs)  are  key  to  the  EU  Social  Agenda,  having  helped 
Member  States  to  develop  a  shared  vision  of  social  challenges,  fostered  a  willingness  to 
cooperate  and  learn  from  each  other's  practices,  created  a  new  dynamism  in  furthering  and 
implementing reforms, and promoted more knowledge-based policy making, geared towards 
openness, transparency and participation. 

The first European Employment Strategy, launched in 1997, has contributed to the creation of 
more and better jobs and hence well-being in very concrete terms. The OMC in Education and 
Training,  launched  in  2002,  has  provided  valuable  support  to  Member  States  in  developing 
their policies and lifelong learning strategies. The results of the Open Method of Coordination 
on  Social  Protection  and  Social  Inclusion  (henceforth  the  "Social  OMC")  in  areas  beyond 
direct Community competence (e.g. pensions, family and disability benefits, health care and 
long-term  care)  show  that  this  process  is  an  essential  complement  to  EU  legislation.  It 
illustrates  how  voluntary  cooperation  among  Member  States  supported  by  the  EU  can  give 
practical  effect  to  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  in  their  joint  efforts  to  combat  poverty  and 
exclusion, and to secure modern, sustainable and equitable welfare systems. 

Quantified  targets  and  indicators  have  proved  indispensable  in  boosting  and  monitoring 
progress  at  EU  and  national  level.  The  preparation  of  a  post-2010  Lisbon  Strategy  will 
provide  the  opportunity  to  review  progress  towards  objectives  and  examine  if  even  more 
ambitious  targets  should  be  set  (such  as  higher  employment  rates  for  young  people,  older 
workers and women). Consideration should also be given to introducing or updating targets in 
other OMC areas (e.g. percentage of GDP in human capital investment; reducing poverty, in 
particular  child  poverty;  improving  educational  attainment,  setting  targets  for  reform  of 
pensions,  health  and  long  term  care  systems)  so  as  to  reflect  a  renewed  commitment  to 
delivering  results  under  the  Renewed  Social  Agenda.  Statistical  data  will  be  needed  in  this 
context  and  will  be  developed  in  cooperation  with  Eurostat  and  the  European  Statistical 
System.  

Further Action: 

The Commission: 

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- proposes to strengthen and utilise the full potential of the Social OMC by applying some of 
the  procedures  and  working  methods  used  under  the  Lisbon  strategy,  with  a  view  to 
improving  the  political  commitment  and  visibility  (i.a.  by  setting  quantitative  targets), 
strengthening the links with other policies, enhancing analytical tools and evidence base, and 
stimulating  monitoring,  mutual  learning  and  peer  review  by  Member  States.  (See 
accompanying document); 

- will consider proposing a Recommendation on active inclusion (see 4.5). 

The  Social  Reality  Stocktaking  pointed  to  a  growing  consensus  that  GDP  as  a  measure  of 
economic  performance  is  not  sufficient  to  guide  policy  responses  to  complex  contemporary 
challenges. The Commission will support the development of well being objectives "beyond 
GDP". 

5.4. 

EU funding 

Cohesion  Policy  and  the  Structural  Funds  make  a  vital  contribution  to  the  promotion  of 
opportunities,  access  and  solidarity  by  strengthening  both  competitiveness  and  social 
cohesion. Under the current programming period 2007-13, Cohesion policy and the European 
Social  Fund  in  particular  will  spend  some  EUR  14  billion  to  strengthen  the  ability  of 
companies and workers to anticipate and manage change; some EUR 26 billion to increase the 
quality of education and training; some 30 billion to increase employment including efforts to 
combat discrimination, EUR 5 billion for investment in health and EUR 1.2 billion to increase 
migrant's participation in employment and their social inclusion. Furthermore, the European 
Fund  for  the  Integration  of  third-country  nationals  (2007-2013)  supports  the  integration  of 
new  migrants  in  Member  States.  The  Commission  is  working  with  the  Member  States  to 
ensure  the  most  effective  use  of  these  investments,  to  support  in  particular  policy  priorities 
under  the  Lisbon  Strategy.  As  explained  above  (see  4.2)  the  European  Globalisation 
Adjustment Fund (EGF), supports workers who are made redundant by globalisation. 

The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and the European Agricultural Fund for 
Rural  Development  (EAFRD)  also  contribute  to  the  EU's  social  agenda  by  ensuring  an 
affordable  supply  of  good  quality  food,  improving  the  competitiveness  of  the  agricultural, 
forestry and  food-processing sectors and the  quality of employment  within them,  enhancing 
the quality of life in rural areas and improving employment opportunities in rural areas as a 
whole. 

The  2007-2013  Programme  on  employment  and  social  solidarity  (PROGRESS)27  helps  to 
apply  EU  law,  creating  a  shared  understanding  of  the  EU  objectives  and  priorities,  and 
strengthening partnerships with key EU and national stakeholders. The Lifelong Learning and 
Youth in Action Programmes support the development of quality education and training and 
the social integration of young people respectively, in line with the political objectives of the 
open methods of coordination. Greater involvement of the scientific community and stronger 
links  with  other  ongoing  research  activities  supported  by  the  Research  Framework 
Programme  2007-2013  will  also  contribute  to  developing  knowledge  –  and  evidence-based 
policies. 

27 

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/progress/index_en.html 

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5.5. 

Partnership, Dialogue and Communication 

Opportunities,  access  and  solidarity  for  all  can only  be  achieved  in  partnership  between  the 
European Institutions, Member States, Regional and Local Authorities, Social Partners, Civil 
Society and other stakeholders, including external partners as relevant. 

Civil Society organisations act as a vital bridge between the European Union, Member States 
and citizens. The Commission will continue to support NGOs' capacity to act at the EU level 
and take an active part in developing and implementing EU policies. 

Enterprises, in close cooperation with other stakeholders, can also actively  contribute  to  the 
goals  of  the  renewed  social  agenda,  for  example  in  areas  such  as  social  inclusion  and  skills 
development. 

Citizens, businesses and other stakeholders should be better informed about the opportunities 
offered  by  the  European  Union,  building  on  existing  services  like  the  EURES  jobs  portal, 
SOLVIT,  the  Internal  Market  Information  System,  the  Enterprise  Europe  Network,  Europe 
Direct, Your Europe etc. A Single Market Assistance Service is under preparation which will 
enhance the information offer and its accessibility28. 

The Commission will continue to promote civic participation, not least in the context of the 
2008  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue.  The  results  of  the  Year  must  have  a 
sustainable impact and be taken up in all relevant EU policies and programmes. 

The  Commission  will  continue  to  seek  the  views  of  citizens  and  stakeholders  as  it  puts  the 
Renewed Social Agenda into effect. 

5.6. 

Ensuring that all EU policies promote opportunities, access and solidarity 

The  development  of  evidence-based  monitoring  tools  will  become  an  important  means  of 
ensuring  that  all  EU  policies  reflect  objectives  linked  to  the  promotion  of  opportunities, 
access and solidarity. The current Treaty requires all of the European Community's activities 
to  "aim  to  eliminate  inequalities  and  to  promote  equality  between  men  and  women"29.  It  is 
generally recognised that the EU should take account of social policy goals and the need to 
combat  all  discriminations  in  the  definition  and  implementation  of  all  other  policies.  The 
Commission  will  continue  to  submit  all  major  new  initiatives  to  rigorous  analysis  of  social 
impacts as part of its impact assessment work. The Impact Assessment Board will continue to 
make  sure  that  the  potential  social  and  employment  impacts  are  fully  taken  into  account 
before  proposals  are  made.  In  the  evaluation  of  existing  policies  the  Commission  will 
strengthen the attention paid to social impacts. 

The  EU  already  nurtures  a  strong  social  reflex  when  developing  internal  market  legislation 
and  measures.  For  instance  EU  rules  on  public  procurement  leave  ample  opportunities  for 
authorities  to  take  into  account  social  considerations  when  selecting  the  best  offer30.  New 
initiatives such as monitoring of the retail distribution market, including the price and quality 
of basic goods could generate positive implications in the social field. 

28 
29 
30 

SEC(2005) 985, 20.7.2005. 
Article 3, EC Treaty. 
The Handbook on socially responsible public procurement, which the Commission will issue in 2009 
will provide detailed guidance and practical illustrations in this context. 

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6. 

CONCLUSION 

New social realities require new responses. Change is rapid – and policies need to keep pace, 
responding  innovatively  and  flexibly  to  the  challenges  of  globalisation,  technological 
advances and demographic developments.  

This  renewed  social  agenda  is  such  a  response  –  it  shows  how  the  goals  of  opportunities, 
access  and  solidarity  will  be  translated  into  concrete  actions.  It  is  an  integrated  policy 
response, complementing the Lisbon Strategy and demonstrating a commitment to delivering 
results for citizens. It shows that European values remain at the core of EU policies and are an 
integral  part  of  the  EU  response  to  globalisation.  It  reflects  this  Commission's  strong 
commitment to the social dimension, already set out in its strategic objectives in 2005, and is 
an  essential  contribution  to  wider  efforts  to  make  the  Union  economically  strong,  socially 
responsible  and  secure.  This  agenda,  including  its  actions  and  instruments  will  be  reviewed 
together with the Lisbon strategy for the post 2010 period. 

The  Commission  calls  upon  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  to  renew  their 
commitment to the social dimension of the European Union, by endorsing this renewed social 
agenda and to agree on the legislative proposals that are accompanying it. 

EN 

19 

   EN