Brussels, 09/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - In reiterating on 8 February the Luxembourg Presidency's priorities on social and employment matters (see EUROPE of 21 January, p.15), the Luxembourg ministers François Biltgen (Work and Employment) and Mars Di Bartolomeo (Social Security and Health) expressed commitment that “all the pillars of the Lisbon Strategy, including the social parts, will be maintained” and specified that “it is with a view to maintaining the balance between growth, creating quality jobs, social cohesion and sustainable development that the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU will contribute to the preparation of the Employment and Social Policy Council of 3 and 4 March and the Spring Council of 22 and 23 March”.
On the eve of the Commission's adoption of its new social agenda (see other news item), Mr Biltgen emphasised that “maintaining the social parts does not mean that they cannot be modernised: what is needed is the creation of better jobs and not simply cheaper jobs”. Several days ahead of the ILO regional meeting in Budapest, which will be attended by Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, the Luxembourg Presidency said it was concerned about the social dimension of globalisation (which will also be discussed at the conference) (see EUROPE of yesterday, p.15).
Regarding the “Bolkestein” directive on services, the Luxembourg Presidency said “yes to the free provision of services, but no to social dumping”, Mr Biltgen recalled. “Particular attention will be paid to the provisions on the application of the “posting of employees” directive and the fate of temporary work”, he warned.