Strasbourg, 19/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - Approving its rapporteur, German Christian Democrat Karl von Wogau, the European Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution in which it largely supports the European Commission's annual economic report for 2002.
Above all, the European Parliament confirms its predilection for full employment as well as the principles of the social market economy, which must guide the economic policy of Member States. It says it believes in the virtues of competition which, if it takes social concerns into account, is beneficial from the social point of view. In addition, it insists on: - keeping inflation below the 2% threshold during the second half of this year; - sufficient energy supply but, at the same time, a reduction in energy needs and in energy dependence; - continued balanced liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, of postal services, energy and rail transport; - the promotion of investment, mainly through the policy of trans-European networks; - an education and training policy that meets the demands of the new economy, as well as investment in new technologies; - acceleration of structural reforms; and reform of the social security systems and a more flexible labour market. The plenary rejected most of the amendments presented by the Socialist Group.