Brussels, 23/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - "Europe and Society" will sponsor on 16 and 17 January in Paris, with the support of the European Comission, a colloquy on "The European social model: a dynamic for the development of social relations at European level and in the Member States". The Foundations's objective is to make better known the different aspects of the European social model, to demonstrate its vitality, importance and potential, and its specificity in relation to other approaches used across the globe. The introductory remarks will be made by Jacques Moreau, Delegate General -Europe and Society. Participants will include representatives of the European Commission, academia, employers, trade unions and the political sphere. Some of the public figures to attend will include Roger Briesch, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Bruno Trentin, MEP (PES, Italy), Senator Tiziano Treu and Jean-Lapeyre, Deputy Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation.
The proceedings will focus on the following issues: 1) a model with a history and based on diversity: - the main stages of development of the European social model; - the diversity of national models; 2) from legislation and regulation to the open method of coordination, a singluar approach: - legislation and regulation; - self-governance by the social partners; - the open method of coordination; - the social agenda. A round table will follow on "the role of stakeholders and institutions"; 3) the decisive factors of the European social model: - quality social protection; - the importance of social dialogue and tripartite dialogue; - services of general interest to guarantee social cohesion. Debate will be followed by a round table on "the future of the European social model between deepening and widening". Info: "Europe et Société", Paris. Tel.: 01/55/651919.Fax: 01/47/630883. E-mail: europeetsociete@wanadoo.fr - Internet: http://www.europeetsociete.com