Brussels, 13/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner-designate for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor set out, for the competent Parliamentary committee, chaired by Pervenche Berès (S&D, France), his programme and declaration of interest for the next five years. The crisis affecting European societies is a test for the European social model, he said, calling for solutions to be sought together since the economic challenges remained. The Commission and the European Parliament, “the cornerstone of our democracy”, would work in close partnership and today's debate was very constructive and had to be considered as a starting point, according to Andor, who said it was important to have agreement on commitment towards social Europe and to agree on the importance of the social agenda as part of the EU 2020 strategy (see EUROPE 10049).
In his preliminary remarks, Andor set out his vision and approach to strengthen the social dimension of Europe's political order, something that could only be done with the support of MEPs. He stressed the need to put an end to unemployment to create a stronger economy as part of the 2020 strategy and with the participation of the social partners, so that Europe could be fairer (with quality services, for example), more sustainable (creating the right environment and using flexicurity for new qualifications) and more participative (improving work through the open method of coordination, social protection systems, social dialogue, encouraging corporate social responsibility). To get there, all the available instruments should be used, including the Commission's coordinating role in social and employment policies, social dialogue, funds (ESF, EGF and Progress, microcredit, and structural funds). An issue to which Andor would attach particular importance is the Roma minorities, whose lives have to be improved, who must not be abandoned and with whom there must be solidarity. During the debate Andor spoke of:
Employment strategy: To Csaba Öry, he said he would present a fuller, more modern and updated programme and would appreciate the EP's playing a more active role. He would lay stress on jobs and the horizontality of employment (that is, that all policies must take account of it).
Facilitating mobility and worker protection: the problem of the last few years, he told Alejandro Cercas (S&D, Spain), was related to the interpretation of the directive: an in-depth social impact had to be done, social dialogue with the social partners and they had to be listened to on this issue. He added that there had to be certainty that efforts would be made also to get agreement on the working time directive. Along with mobility, the levels of social security had to be looked at, he told Thomas Mann (EPP, Germany).
Tackling poverty, in 2010; To Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL, Germany), he said that this year would increase awareness of poverty, particularly child poverty. He could only announce a few concrete measures, not yet having examined the issue in detail, he said. David Casa (EPP, Malta), asked about child poverty, and Andor said that the work done hitherto had to be continued, so that member states could meet the challenge of these burning social problems. The roots of poverty had to be attacked through security of income, with a long-term vision and through examination of the basic reasons for the exclusion of certain groups within society. It was a complex programme, to be dealt with along with education and health matters.
Lisa Jaakonsaari (S&D, Finland) asked about poorly paid workers and those with no job security. The problem of poorly paid workers was not necessarily, he said, related to lack of job security, where there is no sufficiently guarantee of rights. It was a complementary issue, he said, indicating that, first and foremost, the number of temporary contract jobs had to be considered.
Immigration. Andor told Maria Bizotto (EFD, Italy) that he did not support the idea of a fortress Europe. Immigration was a complex problem but was also an asset in a globalised world. It brought fresh ideas, new expertise. It was important to note that, on the human level, it was positive. To the only Roma MEP Livia Jaroka (EPP, Hungary) he replied that, among with Commissioner Reding, he would put in place a raft of targeted integration and inclusion programmes and would do better than past records.
To Frederic Daerden (S&D, Belgium), Andor said that with Commissioner Reding, more visibility would have to be given at political level to the issue of social inclusion, a portfolio in which he would have the responsibility for helping new generations of immigrants integrate into our societies, the first and second generations having failed to do so. He said that he would analyse the legal and social side of immigration with the Internal Affairs and Justice and Fundamental Rights Commissioners.
Social dialogue: In reply to Essayah Sari, Lazlo Andor explained that this dialogue, “is adapted to new living conditions and seeks to avoid losses of human capital to the advantage of competitiveness”.
Stability and Growth Pact: In a reply to a question on the pact, the Commissioner stated, “I am for economic cohesion. We need common principles but they have to take into account the economic situation. But are the Maastricht criteria still applicable?
Unemployment: “This is a problem that will persist. What we need to do is to try and change the models for unemployment and employment. We need to maintain the ideal of full employment but also see how to get employment out of the crisis and minimise its effects”, explained Mr Andor to Mr Cofferati (S&D, Italy), adding, “coordination of employment policies should enable us to find solutions to unemployment according to the different countries and sectors”.
In connection with youth unemployment, Emilie Tarunen (Greens/EFA, Denmark) pointed out that, “the political measures that will be put into place will be implemented by member states”. The Commissioner said that he was prepared to take into account the setting up of a Youth Task Force and look at its funding.
Erasmus First Job: Not knowing the Erasmus education programme, Mr Andor said, nonetheless, “cooperation between the Commission and Parliament would be a good thing, problems involving the young is a priority for some countries”.
Working time/Opting out: In reply to Elizabeth Lynne (ALDE, United Kingdom), Andor said, “in general terms, this is never the best solution”. Andor said that they should at first see what rules can be applied in all countries but, “the temporary dimension should be played but this should not affect the fundamental rights that prevail. As for working overtime, the Commission said that they could obtain a solution, “if they are voluntary, it is necessary to find a way of protecting workers and placing them in healthy conditions”. He pointed out that 14 member states resorted to opting out.
Transferring pension rights: the Commissioner-designate promised Jutta Steinruck (S&D, Germany) to tackle this dossier, linked to other questions such as mobility, ageing and the Green Paper on pensions. The Commissioner, more particularly, plans to highlight active ageing.
Administrative charges for SMEs: Andor reassured Roger Helmer (ECR, UK) that they should not impose any additional administrative burden on companies.
Equality/Women: Edit Estrela (S&D, Portugal) asked whether he supported her proposal on demanding paternity leave in directive 92/85/EC. Andor said he did, “fathers should be close to their children. I was. This does not necessarily mean compulsory leave. In this context we need to examine the links with social security systems in member states and take into account elements of subsidiarity and diversity”. (G.B.)