Brussels, 03/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Employment and Social Affairs Council on Thursday was concerned mainly with preparations for the Spring Summit on 22 and 23 March. Meeting under the chairmanship of Luxembourg Labour and Employment Minister François Biltgen and following their discussions, the ministers adopted a document containing the “key messages” which they wanted to send to the heads of state and government at the upcoming European Council. These messages concern: a) the Commission's summary report “Working Together for Growth and Jobs - A New Start for the Lisbon Strategy”, adopted on 2 February. The Employment and Social Affairs Ministers acknowledge the importance of the messages in this communication in response to the three major challenges Europe faces today: globalisation and technological development, demographic change and the ageing population, and increasing diversity and disparity within the Union; b) the Commission communication on the social agenda. This document was warmly received by the ministers and adopted on 9 February. Under the banner “A social Europe in the global economy: jobs and opportunities for all”, this agenda aims to breathe new life into the Lisbon Strategy and contains two priority lines: achieving full employment by making employment a real option for all, and ensuring equal opportunities for all (see EUROPE of 9 February, p.8); c) the draft joint report on employment 2004/2005. To be sent to the Spring Summit, the ministers adopted this report as it stood, detailing the employment policies of each Member State. The report acknowledges that labour market reforms are taking place very slowly, in an unfavourable economic climate, and that the objectives of the European employment strategy have not been achieved, whether on full employment, improved quality of work and productivity, or strengthening cohesion and social inclusion. The recommendations drawn up for the Member States target salary adjustments, a reform of public employment services, and encouragement for lifelong learning strategies. The ministers adopted without modification a document to be sent to the Council in which the Commission recommends that the Member States increase their efforts to eliminate child poverty, and improve qualification levels among young people who are leaving school too early and housing conditions for those in difficulties; e) the Commission report on equality between men and women in 2005.
While awaiting the Parliament's opinion, the ministers have also launched a “partial” general approach (the budgetary issues are suspended while awaiting a decision on the future financial framework) for the draft decision on a Community programme for employment and social solidarity (PROGRESS). This programme aims to give financial aid to the implementation of Union objectives in the areas of employment and social affairs. It is designed to replace the four specific action programmes currently in place. Germany, France and the UK have entered reservations while awaiting the Parliament's response.