Brussels, 09/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 December, Joëlle Milquet presented a very detailed account to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers on employment, social policies and equal opportunities. Subjects tackled by the Belgian Presidency include stepping up key moments with social partners, the importance of the external dimension of employment policies, the fight for equal pay between men and women, longer maternity leave, and the need to develop a migratory profile.
Georgios Dassis (Greece), who heads the Workers' Group, expressed concern about the lack of European economic governance, and the fact that there are 20 million unemployed persons in Europe to whom “we have nothing to offer except survival benefits”. In his view, what counts most is solidarity, a principle that should be adhered to on the international scene.
Luca Jahier (Italy), who leads the Various Interests Group, highlighted the importance of having a long term vision. He raised the question of what results the Belgian Presidency will pass on to the Hungarian Presidency relating to the 2013-2020 financial perspectives. Luca Jahier acknowledged that the Belgian Presidency had made considerable progress on the problem of migration. And when it comes to European citizenship, the conclusion is also positive. It is expected that the EP will give first reading approval, Jahier added.
Vladimira Drbalova (Czech Republic), speaking on behalf of the Employers' Group, announced two wishes: - that a number of new initiatives be implemented and that social partners be included in these initiatives.
The debate highlighted the importance given, during Belgian Presidency, to economic governance but also to social governance (Xavier Verboven, Workers, Belgium), the role of women as a driving force for change (Madi Sharma, Employers, UK), defence of a common emigration policy respecting human rights for all persons and allowing good economic and social development (Luis Miguel Pariza Castanos, Workers, Spain), persons with disabilities (Yannis Vardakastanis, Various Interests, Greece) and the role of the social partners for addressing the crisis (Pedro Almeida Freire, Employers, Portugal).
Closing the day's business, Joëlle Milquet welcomed the “trio presidency system which works and shows continuity, which brings effectiveness”. The deputy prime minister highlighted two subjects: (1) Social dialogue and the important role that social partners play. Social dialogue must be organised, must be intensified and be more regular at the European decision-making level, Joëlle Milquet said, going on to add that social partners must be more actively involved before decisions are taken by European Councils, and come prepared with well defined proposals. (2) Emigration. This is a sensitive issue during times of crisis with a public that is concerned by the rise in unemployment. There is also a return to xenophobia which can cause distress to lawful foreign residents (naturalised), the vice-president said. The fear of speaking out on the future makes no sense as, given how the population curve is going, the need for well thought out and controlled emigration will become obvious, Milquet asserted, saying by way of conclusion that everything goes hand in hand, everything is linked - competitiveness policy with family policy. (G.B./transl.jl)