Luxembourg, 19/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - At the Employment and Social Affairs Council of Thursday 19 June, Greek Employment Minister Ioannis Vroutsis commented that it should be possible over the next few months to reach agreement in principle to set up a European platform for cooperation in clamping down on undeclared work. He was speaking just 24 hours after a blocking minority of member states halted the matter (see EUROPE 11103).
During a debate in Luxembourg, the majority of member states were reluctant to continue introducing this platform and did not comment. Not even the United Kingdom, Poland or Slovakia had anything to say. The only comments came from Luxembourg, which hinted that it might change its position in the near future, which would destroy the blocking minority, as soon as a number of vague issues related to the scope and operation of the platform have been sorted out. The Greek Presidency is, in fact, counting on Luxembourg to be able make progress in this area because tackling undeclared work is a question that the Greeks are very keen on.
During the debate, Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Laszlo Andor said the member states had to be required to join the platform. The UK in particular is not keen on the idea. He said that the platform should also fight against people forced to declare themselves self-employed but who work for an employer in reality and it should also promote joint workplace inspections for cross-border fraud involving seconded workers. (JK)