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Working on European Social Policy :
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The Comité des Sages, which was active from Ocotber 1995 to February 1996, is composed of the following members: Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, Portugal, former Prime Minister of Portugal; Eduardo Garcia de Enterria, Spain, professor of administrative law; Hartmut Kaelble, Germany, professor of social history Louka Katseli, Greece, professor of economics Frédéric Pascal, France, economist and CEO of SCIC Bengt Westerberg, Sweden, former Swedish Social Affairs Minister Shirley Williams, UK, former British Education Minister |
Hugues de Jouvenel, Director of Futuribles International
In his presentation of the overview report on broad economic, social and cultural trends, Hugues de Jouvenel highlighted the key words for the Forum: development, change, transformation and adaptation. While all parties adhere to the European social model, this must be adapted to new social situations, technological progress, the globalization of trade and demographic trends.
One virtually irreversible trend is the ageing of the European population, more dramatic when considered in terms of the projected imbalance in the age pyramid. Another feature is the advent of an information society. The internationalization of the economy must work in tandem with respect for diversity. The increase in women's occupational activity must be supported by allowing them equal access to top-level posts. The return to ethical values is of particular interest when taken in tandem with the new technologies.
De Jouvenel sees a high risk that unemployment will continue to rise and inequalities to deepen if the economic and social systems remain unchanged. This may result in an explosive situation as employment has been the foundation of the entire social edifice for the past half-century. Any plan to prevent a breakdown in social life resulting from unemployment must take into account the sweeping changes being wrought in the workplace. Forms of work are going to change, partly as a result of a demand for greater flexibility and partly because the concept of work will be replaced by the concept of function.
To face the challenge, de Jouvenel suggests that European societies should develop new activities in response to needs that are still not being met; adopt controlled regulation of the employment market that will enable people to enter and leave the market more easily, to work temporarily or on a part-time basis, while still performing other worthwhile activities; work towards a society based on 'time choice'; and redeploy social protection measures to make them more effective and transparent. Such innovations are being gradually introduced within enterprises and local groups, promoted by the social partners and the NGOs.
He concluded by remarking that the countries of western Europe are unique in having adopted a model of development that has rested on two main systems ever since the industrial revolution. He describes these as, firstly, the production system, in which people are divided into two roles - producer and consumer. The second is the social protection system, which is, thanks to the social partners more developed in western Europe than anywhere else. This system, guaranteed by the State, works by taking resources from the production system so as to be able to provide for people who are temporarily or permanently excluded from the production system as workers. As a result of these transfers, such people can still act as consumers.
De Jouvenel's speech made one point clear: to stay in place is to fall behind.
Pádraig Flynn, Member of the European Commission with responsibility for Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs
"We meet on the eve of the Intergovernmental Conference," observed Commissioner for Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs, Pádraig Flynn in his opening address. "We must make employment and social policy as central to the the IGC agenda as they are to achieving citizens' engagement in the European Project which the IGC seeks to progress. Our conclusions will be known by all governments as an important contribution to work of the IGC," he declared.
For Flynn, the future of the European social model is being negotiated and the Forum marks the beginning of a civil dialogue: this conference plays an important role in setting the Commission's future social action programme and signals the opening of a dialogue between NGOs and European institutions. "We can complete the circle by developing a civil dialogue" that will inform the political dialogue with Member States and the social dialogue with employers and trade unions.
The Commissioner felt that the Forum would help to balance economic and social objectives. If economic policy is about the quantitative distribution of scarce resources, then social policy is about their qualitative distribution: "Economic policy determines how to produce, and how to maximize profit. Social policy seeks to determine under what conditions we produce and to influence the use to which that profit is put." It must be understood that social policies are "essentially a productive factor".
Europe's future lies partly in its enlargement and partly in its political construction, but also in the development of Citizen's Europe. "The first two visions cannot succeed without the bonding represented by the third". Employment is the cornerstone of this development, a crucial element of the European social model that is vital to the well-being of Europe's citizens, to the strength of public finances and to the maintenance of social-protection systems.
Flynn called for support of the European Pact of Confidence for Employment introduced by Jacques Santer, President of the European Commission, claiming that it is because of the weakness of the Treaty's initiatives as regards employment that people feel uninvolved in the construction of Europe. "We cannot achieve the major structural reforms we need, individually, as a nation, employer or trade union or as a voluntary association, whether private or public; nor can we, alone, guarantee macro-economic stability within our national boundaries. We must bring strength and permanence to the tentative but correct process we have begun, by bringing it strongly into the Treaty, and by ensuring that civil society can both discern this and contribute to it."
Jacques Santer, President of the European Commission
"I am appealing for a new approach to employment and social issues as productive factors that lie at the heart of our political project." Several times during his introductory address, the President of the European Commission, Jacques Santer, pointed to the importance of reconciling economic and social objectives: "there can be no social progress without economic progress; but, conversely, economic wealth cannot be built in a social desert." He even added that "the social dimension is not a cost or a burden, but rather a source of dynamism which will enable us to take on the challenges of the future, including that of international competition." Santer explained his recent initiative, the European Pact of Confidence for Employment, to the audience: "There is a need to mobilize people. Dialogue is essential and nothing can be done without grassroots involvement. We must set out on the road towards a more active, a participatory society."
Santer welcomed the work accomplished by the Comité des Sages, "whose influence will be felt beyond the Social Forum and will become an important point of reference for the Intergovernmental Conference." The Report shows that the time has come for the EU to give itself a social identity amounting to more than just the social counterpart of the developing market.
He noted some strong similarities between the proposals put forward by the Comité and those the Commission have set out for the IGC.
First, the "social dimension ranks alongside the citizenship issue". The European social model marks the fact that, over and above our historical and cultural diversity, there are certain shared ways of organizing our societies.
Secondly, the "social dimension must be dynamic and forward-looking":
Thirdly, the "social dimension is anything but the enemy of competitiveness" and the real challenge lies "in getting the mix of solutions right".
Fourthly, "the social dimension requires input from everyone". Santer emphasised the Comité's message, that "the European project is not something which is external to our people, it belongs to them."
Throughout his speech, the President stressed the importance of partnership and, in particular, the complementarity of action taken by the social partners and the NGOs. "With the destandardization of forms of employment and the drive to combat unemployment, the role of the NGOs has become increasingly important in the world of work, coinciding with the increasing prevalence of local jobs, and with more intensive discussion of the future of paid employment and the role of unpaid activities as a factor for integration in our societies." Santer felt that there should be possible partnership envisaged between social partners and NGOs: "Perhaps, in the not too distant future, it may be possible to talk of a veritable societal pact - diametrically opposed to an "ŕ la carte" society or Europe - which will be capable of mobilizing all the active elements in our society".
Stephen Hughes, Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Social Affairs and Employment
Stephen Hughes traced the similarities between the proposals of the Commission and the Comité des Sages and the Parliament's aspirations. These are the shared wishes to see the Treaty include the social dimension, human rights, equal treatment and the fight against all forms of discrimination: "Equal opportunities for men and women must be included as a fundamental right and Article 119 must also refer to social, political and family rights."
He argued that it is essential that the social dimension of the Union be officially acknowledged. The Treaty must include the fight against exclusion and discrimination among the Union's powers and responsibilities. Employment has to be the main objective of all policies, particularly economic and social policies. It too must be included in the future Treaty.
Although all parties are in agreement, Hughes continued, unfortunately progress is not going smoothly. He asked "What does the social dimension of Europe mean for the 52 million people the Commission has classified as excluded, while the Union's ministers have rejected even the most modest proposals under the programme to combat exclusion? What does the social dimesion mean for the 18 million people who are considered to be unemployed and for whom the Union has no means of action? What does the Union itself mean for people who are travelling and constantly come up against obstacles to free movement?"
He asked if it is possible to speak of a social dimension when freedom of association is not even mentioned in the Treaty. Hughes does not regard the balance between the social dimension and the economic dimension as having been reached. In order to achieve this, he said, the aid and support of NGOs is vital, since the Member States' governments at the IGC are beyond the scope of public democratic control.
Concluding his address, Hughes called on European institutions to ensure that the significant means and powers granted for social dialogue be complemented by the granting of means and powers for civil dialogue, and expressed support for any efforts the Commission might make in this respect.
Rapporteur: Pauline Conroy, University College Dublin, Ireland
Rapporteur Pauline Conroy stated that the persistence of discrimination, and the emergence of new forms, are a challenge to the social model, fundamental values and social justice with which the Member States identify.
Equality of opportunity is about power, and reflects societal diversity. The session aimed to broaden the scope beyond the gender basis. Those suffering from or fighting discrimination include the disabled, migrants, children and young people, the elderly and women excluded from the decision-making process. Often individuals must contend with an accumulation of more than one form of discrimination.
European citizenship is problematic for a number of groups. Legally resident non-Community persons do not have equal rights of movement or of political participation. Minority cultures and ethnic groups feel that they might be pushed aside by majority ethos. Children and disabled people do not have equal access, status or rights to social and economic integration.
"The primary forms of discrimination are exclusion, unemployment and violation of the right to employment and to housing. This is a far remove from the general principles of a Europe that is respectful of citizens' rights and of their implementation. Discriminations are piling up." Tara Mukherjee, Forum of Migrants, UK
"The principle of non-discrimination is a general and absolute principle that is reflected in various rights to equality, whilst still recognizing the unique features of each group." Laure Batut, CES, France.
The session's aim to broaden the approach to equal opportunities was well-received by many people. While all forms of discrimination are equal, the question of how to compare different aspects of equal opportunities was raised. The person suffering from physical or metal disability is facing different problems from women, whose equal opportunity difficulties are primarily those of history and attitude. These are separate again from those of immigrant minorities seeking both equality and respect for their right to cultural and social difference.
Barbara Helfferich, European Women's Lobby, Belgium, was disappointed to see equal opportunities for women and men linked to the fight against all other forms of discrimination. She argued that discrimination between women and men is a transversal issue: "There are disabled women and immigrant women . . . who are doubly discriminated against."
The session debated whether equal opportunities must begin with those most marginalized. Some contributors commented that poor working conditions such as unpaid work, unrecognized care and underfunded NGO work all construct barriers to equality, and so are almost prerequisites for the introduction of equal opportunities. However, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) pointed out that, as a mainstreaming exercise, equal opportunities carries the danger of fragmenting groups into categories working against each other's interests. The Union of Industrial and Employers Confederation of Europe (Unice) was concerned that positive discrimination can also be unjust.
It was pointed out that equality has an economic meaning. Chair Kamlesh Bahl, Equal Opportunities Commission, UK, argued that "the fight against discrimination does not cost very much." Some participants agreed that it costs less than the social breakdown which results from discrimination. Inequality is prejudicial to growth and discrimination is expensive. Investing in equality is like investing in research and development as it creates new wealth and contributes to culture and humanity. Others countered that combating discrimination must cost, as the ultimate discrimination is poverty and exclusion from employment, training and lack of housing.
Chair Johan Wesemann, of the European Disability Forum, Netherlands, said that NGOs must give a stimulus to the Commission and European institutions. Quentin Oliver, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, responded by stressing the importance of such civil dialogue. His comment that NGOs must structure themselves so that this dialogue will "not finish with our proposals ending up in the filing tray" was well-received. Agnčs Planchais of the Civic and Social Women's Union, France, suggested that a demand be made for all decisions taken in Europe to be accompanied by an impact study as regards the level of equal opportunities for all. However, Helfferich proposed a more radical view. She argued that mainstreaming is about integrating equal opportunities in existing policies and structures that have created discrimination. She said what is really needed "is to create new structures and policies that guarantee equal opportunities."
The working group recognized that equality may not be the answer to all problems facing society. Legislative changes are necessary and fundamental, but cannot succeed without changes in attitude which requires a different approach. Economic and social developments are not ends in themselves but means to achieve a spirit of equality.
There was a general consensus that the European social model is a success, and that progress has been made. However, the session affirmed that equal opportunities is a dynamic process, rather than something arrived at, and that this carries profound implications for the structure of European societies.
"To break down the barriers of discrimination is to mark the development of society. Equal opportunities cut across and include all other topics." Kamlesh Bahl, Equal Opportunities Commission, UK.
The process of examining and measuring the outcomes of equal opportunities and the structures generating poverty and exclusion contributes to social cohesion. The principles of equality, solidarity and participation are shared within the European community. Promoting these values may mean reducing or even arresting market mechanisms. If this is the price to be paid for respecting shared socio-cultural values, perhaps it is a price worth paying.
"People who are excluded are demanding very concrete action. A direct democracy has to be created." John O'Connell, European Anti-Poverty Network, Ireland
NGOs should coordinate themselves to prepare for intensive dialogue with the Community Institutions, which could lead to participation in monitoring Structural Funds. NGOs need to be integrated into the ongoing dialogues already taking place among the social partners. NGOs may have to examine their own applications of equal opportunities and develop clear and open presentations of themselves in the European arena.
"We must clarify the notion of the 'third sector'. Does this mean that we come in on a third level, below the social partners, or does the notion of a 'third sector' imply that we have equal importance with the other sectors?" Theodore Dellis, Mobility International, Belgium
"You could go on and on refining your demands. Until you have a skilful political strategy and until you lobby the Council, your efforts will have little effect." Jan Noterdaeme, European Business Network, Belgium
"NGOs are not perfect and have their own attitudes. We, ourselves, must put equal opportunities into practice." Mary Nettle, European Disability Forum, UK
The session recommended that NGOs be represented at the Economic and Social Committee. Another Forum should be held early in 1997, and the Platform established for the Forum should be given permanent status. It was agreed that a study of the composition and characteristics of the NGO sector would be useful. At the same time, resources are needed for NGOs to revitalise the debate on social policy, poverty, social exclusion and rights.
Rapporteur: Maurizio Ferrera, University of Pavia, Italy
Participants came together to discuss three principal questions:
What are the main changes in the structure of European society to which social protection has to adapt?
What are the constraints on and opportunities for reform and what part can the social partners and NGOs play in the reform process?
What part can the European Union play in social protection?
The diagnosis of the challenges facing Europe was the least controversial issue. Demographic change, the transformation in family and social relationships, increased participation by women in the labour market, radical changes in production methods, work organization and the competitive profile of Europe in the global economy all point to the need to reconsider the aims of social protection and, in particular, to readjust its institutions. However, it was emphasized that readjustment does not necessarily mean dismantling, or withdrawing from the collective commitment to solidarity and cohesion. Indeed, it was agreed that this commitment is an indispensable element of the European model of society.
One concern which emerged very clearly was the risk of creating a split society, in which a large sector of second-class citizens are relegated to and virtually trapped in a ghetto of means-tested assistance or exclusion wages. However, it was also stressed that for some countries with gaps in protection systems, particularly in southern Europe, the introduction of welfare benefits for people without income would be a step forward in the fight against exclusion and poverty.
Other topics touched on included the individualization of social rights and the relationship between social protection and employment. Various speakers acknowledged the need to move towards an "employment-friendlier" protection system, but opinions differed on specific strategies for achieving this aim, especially as regards the consequences of benefit schemes on employment incentives.
The subject of the "welfare mix", or new ways of sharing work between citizens and families, the State, social partners and NGOs, especially non-profit NGOs, attracted considerable attention. The representatives of the European Platform of NGOs illustrated the contribution these organizations could make in the social sector, particularly with regard to public services. However, they made it quite clear that NGOs and the State must complement each other. Solidarity and equal opportunities have to remain a public responsibility, at least with regard to regulation.
The problem of the cost of readjustment was foremost in the minds of participants, not because social protection is to be regarded only as an expense, but rather that, like all investments, it requires resources. Many speakers identified specific obstacles to reform of social protection systems such as public deficit and debt, labour costs and the protests of taxpayers. Participants stressed the possibility of recovering resources through increased efficiency in service provision, for example by introducing new incentive systems. But differences emerged between trade unions and NGOs and the employers. The former maintained that the main priority is to find new stable sources of funds such as ecological, capital and value added taxes, while the employers wanted to shift resources between items of social expenditure, increasing the selectivity and "targeting" of benefits. The employers pointed out that there can be no social progress without the participation of enterprises, which create long-term jobs. In their view, an excessively high level of social protection has undermined job creation.
The discussion on the role of the European Union showed broad consensus that the internal market and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) have major implications as regards social policy and therefore raise serious technical questions on coordination, convergence and Community standards, in addition to political questions. The wisdom of EMU or the necessary preceding national budget reform measures were not challenged, but more than one speaker raised questions about the timing which they felt to be too tight, and the criteria, believed to be too rigid and flawed by not including any indicators of social convergence or employment growth. The trade unions and NGOs are looking for increased participation of the Union on constitutional recognition of social rights and incorporation of the Social Protocol in the Treaty. On the other hand, employers' representatives were less keen on strengthening the institutional hand in social affairs, stressing that the principle of subsidiarity should be reinforced. However, employers wished to see greater formal coordination between economic and monetary policy and social policy by the Council of Ministers, while also recommending greater horizontal integration of decision-making on economic and social matters within the Commission.
Since it has contributed to the modernization of our societies, social protection should continue to be one of the factors promoting progress, growth, and competitiveness.
Participants agreed that solidarity and cohesion are not incompatible with productivity and the proper functioning of the economy. On the contrary, solidarity and productivity can not only be reconciled, but are in many respects synergetic.
There is a need to promote more active protection, focusing on inclusion and preventing beneficiaries from being segregated from the rest of society. It was pointed out that the term 'protection' itself was sometimes unfortunate, due to its paternalistic overtones. It is essential that social programmes do not stigmatize the people for whom they are intended, but keep them firmly bound into the social fabric.
Solidarity and equal opportunities have to remain a public responsibility, at least with regard to regulation. Representatives of European regions also want to be more involved in the new welfare mix.
With regard to cost, both sides stressed that the entire range of public benefits, including tax relief, should be scrutinized to identify areas of waste, and distortions in allocation and distribution.
Many of the comments on the role of the EU betrayed something of a conflict between the wish to create solidarity and cohesion in Europe and the desire to uphold the specific traditions of protection in each country. However, the strongest signal is the need to ensure that there is a dynamic balance between national and supranational solidarity, in the increasing awareness that these are two sides of the same coin.
"NGOs are taking action on the ground, for example, against poverty or in favour of the homeless and the unemployed; NGOs identify with the hopes and expectations expressed, but these differ from one country to another. Preparation for the Forum within the framework of the Platform of European NGOs has allowed the opening of a dialogue at European level. This is a dialogue that we welcome and are willing to pursue." Ruth Brand, European Anti-Poverty Network, Germany
"We must broaden the base of social-security contributions. This would be justified both from the economic viewpoint (to ease the burden of contributions on labour costs) and from the point of view of solidarity. This would, in particular, make it possible to reduce the bizarre inequality whereby it is often workers and employers alone who finance social protection. And we must include the funding of social protection in irreversible legislative texts that put equality first." Sylvie Girard, EAPN, France
Rapporteur: Ian Miles, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
New information technologies are going to change attitudes to work. The aim of this session, focusing on a new area for some NGOs, was to move from talking about broad pressures and organizational strategies, through a focus on the changing nature and significance of working life, to issues that connect the formal economy of employment and wages to the informal sectors of voluntary work, care in families and similar activities.
"We must not focus solely on teleworking, which is just a small element of the information society. The information society concerns education, information, citizenship and everything else." Bengt Westerberg, Comité des Sages, Sweden
Organizational changes are taking place, most notably the reduction of corporate hierarchies, concentration on core competencies while outsourcing many other activities, networking new alliances and user-supplier relations, combining to result in a general shift to smaller productive units. There is a threat of polarization between a core workforce in relatively stable positions with traditional benefits from employment, principally men aged 25-50, and a large number of employees in non-standard working arrangements such as part-time and temporary positions, subcontracting and telework. While new arrangements may meet some employees' desires, there was some concern that teleworkers are liable to fall off the career ladder.
"Either Europe rides the wave of new technologies or it falls inexorably into recession." Luc Soete, University of Limburg, The Netherlands
"All the studies are based on employers' demands and needs. But we forget to consider the demands of employees and, even more so, the people who are not employees, people who do not have a job and would very much like to have one." Lesley Sutherland, European Women's Lobby, UK
"Small units comprising about 200 people are currently the best organized. I am not speaking only of small enterprises, because large enterprises can organize themselves into small units." Bruno Vicaye, OECD
Chair Luc Soete, University of Limburg, The Netherlands, stated that these issues are usually seen "in terms of the economy or deregulation, but never in terms of the social consequences or impact on people's lives".
Responses to these changes include new requirements for higher levels of skills, with associated needs for education and training, and a shift in the labour force towards more white collar and skilled jobs, increased emphasis on teamwork, with a greater need for trust in the new less-hierarchical organizations.
It emerged that gendering of the labour market is very apparent when comparing traditional workers with those undertaking non-standard working arrangements. Concern was expressed that women will be excluded from more rewarding careers. However, it was also noted that the restructuring of work could take into account such issues as the requirements to adapt working hours to meet needs for child and family care. Participants were concerned about the effects of frequent changes of jobs and/or temporary work on families, especially where geographical mobility is required. Family issues need to be taken account in telework and flexible work schemes, alongside the extension of rights to training, educational access and social security.
The trade unions saw two possible scenarios: either employers will use new technologies to cut jobs, reduce responsibilities and relocate, leading to a loss of motivation among workers, or technologies will be used to develop responsibility, delegate, teach people to work on the basis of mutual equality, invest in training and develop 'time choice', which will allow worker participation.
"Companies have dismissed thousands of workers and are now earning money thanks to new technologies. Companies must be forced to reinvest in employment all the money they earn as a result of information technologies." Peter Lamb, Eurocadres, UK
"We need some more ideas about what new technologies could create in terms of employment." Joe Gallagher, European Anti-Poverty Network, Ireland
While new systems do seem to support models of participatory democracy rather than familar mechanisms of representative democracy, and the likelihood is that the information society will facilitate new forms of political mobilisation and action, many participants felt that on the contrary, new marginalized groups will arise - those who have neither the skills for, nor access to, new technology. The discussion emphasized the threat that some new forms of work are liable to generate social exclusion, leading to isolation, decreased access to collective channels of representation and lowered availability of a range of rights and benefits associated with conventional employment. The solution should include systems of rights that include new forms of work wherever possible. Existing social security and benefit systems need revision so as to relieve "poverty traps" and remove the obstacles to reentry into employment.
One of the points made in the discussion was that some NGOs have taken the lead in using IT, particularly its networking capabilities. Many NGOs still have to enter this world however and they should find considerable opportunities to participate in creating new IT systems and applications, for internal information management, networking with other organizations, and communicating with clients and the general public. As they become more proactive with respect to IT, NGOs will have to identify and diffuse good practice in its use.
"The private sector could learn a lot from the voluntary sector, which knows how to unite and form networks, without competition and without power struggles." Catherine Shelley, Church Action on Poverty, UK
Participants were reminded that perceptions of employment values will have to change. It will be a long-term project to challenge this centrality of employment as it is linked to traditional forms of work.
Technology is an important resource for social action, but it is how it is used, its organizational context and the evolution of design and implementations rather than the existence of technology itself which determines its so-called impact. Development is not determined by technology, but by governments who put technologies at the service of individuals and society. Politicians must not hide behind the laws of the marketplace. It is important, too, to avoid imposing single solutions and models as Information Societies are bound to be diverse. Policies will have to accommodate this.
An important debate about rights of universal access to Information Technology, especially for disadvantaged groups and rural areas must be launched. Training schemes must be set up to provide people with new tools.
Different arrangements in terms of working hours, the lifetime pattern of work, periods of training and transition between and in occupations will be required, and it is necessary to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of such new arrangements.
NGOs should be able to play a role in the creation of Information Societies. They have to be involved both in identifying problems and in finding and implementing solutions. Their participation can range from action at the grass roots through to dialogue with European Union and governmental institutions. There will be a need for new channels of communication within NGOs as well as between NGOs and (inter)governmental organizations.
1. Council of Ministers
Matelda Grassi, Italian Presidency
Matelda Grassi's summary of issues noted that while the social model must change, it should remain faithful to itself. However, there is no easy solution, especially to the problem of employment and the lack of cohesion. Giving highest priority to the restoration of confidence throughout Europe, Grassi welcomed President Santer´s Confidence Pact for Employment. She pointed to the importance of NGOs which are closer to the grass roots and make it possible to go beyond what is done by institutions: "I believe that the solutions will come not from major projects but from a whole range of small initiatives - there is a path to be beaten here".
2. Platform of European social NGOs
Soscha Gräfin zu Eulenburg, Red Cross, Germany
"This Forum must not be the only one of its kind. Europe must become a permanent forum". Zu Eulenburg emphasized the efforts of the NGOs in the social sector represented by the Platform to speak with one voice, despite the diversity of their roles. "NGOs in the social sector are playing a vital role in expressing, revealing and considering people's needs - and particularly the needs of the most vulnerable members of society - and guaranteeing rights. They are contributing to solidarity among citzens, to the acceptance of responsibility and, therefore, to democracy." NGOs could play an even stronger role as places to mobilize solidarity and participation amongst citizens: "This is the real principle of subsidiarity". The role of the State remains essential, but practical solidarity must also find its place in civil society on voluntary and consensual bases. NGOs function as mouthpieces of various social groups, including minorities: "Associations will not allow themselves to be limited to emergency aid and assistance and invite everyone, including the most vulnerable members of society, to reflect on their situation, to discover its causes and to take control of their lives".
Again, the job argument was raised, with a reminder that NGOs as social services employ thousands of people, both paid and unpaid. Speaking on behalf of the Platform, zu Eulenburg said there could be no consideration of European social policies without account being taken of the existence of the unique social actors represented by NGOs in the social sector and without, to some extent, depending upon them.
3. Employers
Percy Barnevik, Asea, Brown, Boveri, Sweden
Percy Barnevik stated that although the European economy is way behind the development in the US, Japan and the Asian countries, that there is no structural reason for this: "We have the highest level of education, we have a very long industrial tradition behind us and we enjoy the largest market in the world". He stated that "the problems are within ourselves and it is among ourselves that we need to find the solutions". Too many people in Europe are BCs (before computer) instead of being PCs (post computer). Barnevik recommends that the "card of development via competitiveness" be played. "Without competitiveness, launching political declarations, pacts and programmes will be of no use". He sees the key issues as restructuring and adaption of enterprises, investment in training, decentralization and diversification as well as development of innovative production methods. "But this is impossible without the adaptation of our social systems. We will need flexibility and mobility in the future". Barnevik is aware of the risk of a polarized society, with, on the one hand, workers who are protected by trade unions whose number and power are constantly diminishing and, on the other hand, a growing mass of workers with no protection and no status. Barnevik hopes to see a consensus among the three main parties to development: enterprises, who must invest massively in education and training; states, who must build an effective, appropriate system of protection; and the world of work.
4. Trade Unions
Ieke van den Burg, FNV, Netherlands
"Social policy is not the cherry on the cake but rather one of the vital ingredients of the cake", stated the representative of the trade unions, Ieke van den Burg. "Social progress is an end to be reached, whereas the objectives of convergence and monetary policies are merely the means to reach that end". Van den Burg called on the states attending the IGC to provide a legal basis for social decisions, demanding the integration of the Social Protocol in the Treaty and the extension of the number of decisions that can be taken by a majority vote. She welcomed the ideas of the Comité des Sages and asked in general for legislation which is "written with more care and clarity".
The trade unions want to see a rebalancing of social and economic policies, with a strengthening of the powers of European institutions and the Ecofin Council. First and foremost, Europe needs an employment policy: "and, for us, an employment policy is not simply a question of deciding how work is going to be found for the unemployed; it is a real policy - linked to demand and to needs". However, van den Burg believed that one important issue had been overlooked at the Forum: "the issue of informing and consulting workers. This, too, is part of the European social model". Stressing the importance of dialogue and partnership, van den Burg declared that the trade unions were ready to take part in the process set up by the Forum.
5. European Commission
Pádraig Flynn, Commissioner for Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs
"This Social Policy Forum has marked the beginning of an active civil dialogue, a complement to the political dialogue and the social dialogue", stated Commissioner Padraig Flynn. Simultaneous to the debates at the Forum, the Social Councils adopted two long pending directives on parental leave and the posting of workers which had both been proposed by the social partners. This event and the striking participation at this Forum shows the "shared commitment to the building of a distinctive European social model and it is one of the vital and central messages of the Forum", stated Flynn.
He appreciated the messages of the workshop sessions. With reference to the work of the equal opportunities group he said: "The practical elimination of all barriers - and of any form of discrimination - to the full participation of all citizens in economic and social life must be a central priority objective for us all."
Flynn endorsed the broad understanding of the social protection group, that "our social protection systems must be made more employment friendly" and reported that the Social Council "gave a warm welcome to my initiative to set up a framework of discussion on the future of our social protection systems in the Union."
He agreed with the participants in the employment session, that it is "time for social innovation" and strongly supported President Santer´s European Confidence Pact. "The challenge is to transform the 200 billion ecu that the Member States are spending on income maintenance programmees - a de-learning process for 18 million unemployed - into active labour market policies in order to up-grade skills and to integrate the unemployed into the new working life. This must include careful balancing of the mutual rights and obligations of state and individuals." He asked the NGOs and the social partners to seek a more dynamic involvement in the Monitoring Committees on the actions supported by the Structural Funds in the Member States.
The Commissioner agreed with the concern some participants expressed in the session of the future of working life: "There is great potential in this development - but there is also a risk that this development will leave some of our fellow citizens behind". He promised that the Green Consultative Paper he will present during the summer on the social implications of the information society "will put people first".
Flynn said, that the Forum has proved an excellent example of bringing to life the civil dialogue at European level and welcomed its success. "I will examine the messages and suggestions that have emerged during the Forum to see precisely which action points we can build into the Social Policy Action Programme over the next period". The results of the report of the Comité des Sages will also be given close attention. The Commission will convene a second European Social Policy Forum after the end of the IGC. However, Flynn made it clear that it also depends on Forum participants to make their viewpoints known to their authorities at national, regional or local level. Whilst committing himself to finding new ways in developing a strong civil dialogue, involving fully NGOs, Flynn also applied to the NGOs to "re-examine their role, structures, objectives and capacities". The Commissioner therefore supported Stephen Hughes's proposal on behalf of the Parliament to look for financial resources for an initiative from the Commission to provide support for NGOs for active involvement in deliberations on the subject of the future of European social policy. "This could involve the compilation of a comparative report about the role and place of NGOs in civil society in the different Member States". The Commissioner concluded: "This meeting has been a milestone in shaping European Social Policy".
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