Brussels, 17/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - At their meeting in Seville on 14 June, the presidents of 34 industrial and employers' confederations of Europe (UNICE) urged EU heads of state to "take decisions on three issues when they meet in Seville next week": 1) Immigration. UNICE says the European Council should reinforce its work on the draft directive on conditions for entry and residence of third country nationals seeking employment; 2) Community patent. "Business needs this instrument and calls for adoption of this regulation as soon as possible. An agreement on the language regime and the court system that meet users' needs is vital". 3) eEurope. "UNICE urges the European Council to adopt the eEUROPE 2005 Action Plan proposed by the Commission, and to ensure that concrete actions make eEurope a reality". The business leaders confirmed that the Lisbon process remains their top priority and urged heads of state and government to "step up efforts to enhance the competitiveness and dynamism of Europe".
The UNICE meeting also discussed EU enlargement, social dialogue (mandating UNICE to enter negotiations with the ETUC (European trade unions) on telework - see EUROPE of 16 May, p.9), how to continue with sustainable development and the European Convention.
The meeting elected Jürgen Strube, CEO of BASF AG, as UNICE's new President. Since he cannot take up the position before 1 July 2003, so the current President, the President of UCB SA's Management Committee, Georges Jacobs, has agreed to continue as UNICE President until 30 June 2003.