Brussels, 28/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Spring Summit of 20-21 March in Brussels, presented by the EPP-ED, Socialist, Liberal, Greens/EFA and UEN groups, in which it is noted that the European Council (point one) has posed the points of reference of a more operational approach towards the objectives fixed for the period up to 2010, even if there is a divide on the strategic objectives and the concrete measures. Parliament insists that if they wish to give the Lisbon Strategy some credibility, determined action by Member States, particularly the "large" countries would be needed. The plenary also adopted an amendment by Mr Van Velzen (EPP-ED) requesting the Commission to present by October 2003 a more detailed road map on the "methods for carrying out the objectives agreed for the 2010 deadline".
In employment, the EP believes that the Employment Committee is the most apt body for assessing employment issues, whereas it considers that it was not necessary to create a new Employment Task Force. It is therefore demanding that the Task force mandate (which will be presided by the former Dutch Prime Minister, Wim Kok: Editor's note) is limited, for example, to the identification of practical reform measures to set up without delay and that the Task Force provides it with a report. In adopting an amendment from Lynne, Attwooll and Gasoliba I Böhm, the EP is requesting Member States to fully apply the directive on equal treatment in employment. Another amendment by Mr van Velzen, is welcomed with the boost given by the European Council, which wants to continue with the reforms implemented in Member States, "given the interaction between reform of pensions, employment policy, robust public finance and social cohesion.
The plenary also approved two amendments in favour of the "intelligent and supple implementation of the "Stability Pact": Ms McNally for the Socialist group asked for way outlined by the Commission to be followed and also highlighted the general level of debt in Member States while taking into account the need for public investment; Maes and Lambert speaking for the Greens/EFA insisted on "public investment in areas for the Lisbon objectives and the life expectancy strategy".
Parliament, while welcoming the agreement is waiting for an energy tax, regrets that the European Council had to again adjourn the final adoption of the fiscal package. It also criticised the lack of progress on fixing environmental indicators that allow for are liable assessment of sustainable development.
The EP believes that the open method of coordination and assessment by peers are not sufficient in itself to incite the required structural and dynamic changes and takes note of the open method of coordination for supporting research and innovation policy, while awaiting more concrete proof of progress towards the 3% objective of GDP for research.