Brussels, 10/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - A conference on the theme “The Lisbon strategy: a motor for market reforms of network industries” was held on 1 and 2 June in Brussels, at the initiative of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the Belgian Bureau fédéral du plan (BfP) and the Conseil Central de l'Economie (CCE). The reform of network industries (electricity, railways, post and telecommunications), initiated in the 90s, was at the centre of the meeting which was also an occasion to strengthen dialogue with the social partners, in order to find answers to their concerns, and to facilitate acceptance of reforms. The debate was based on the study undertaken by the Bureau fédéral du plan “Reform of the market in the network industries in Belgium”. The speakers mentioned the particular need to: - designate an independent sectoral regulator, charged with monitoring he dominant positions; - put in place the conditions for effective competition which attracts investment and guarantees the lowest prices to consumers; - organise universal service (Info: http://www.plan.be and http://www.esc.eu.int ).