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European Works Councils: statement by Commissioner Špidla
Brussels, 08-09-2008.
Commissioner Vladimír Špidla welcomes the 'joint advice' of the European Social Partners (ETUC and the European employers (BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP, UEAPME) on 29 August on a revision of the European Works Council Directive (94/45/EEC)). > Przeglądaj:
Archiwum wiadomości
| Europe-wide truck tour brings anti-discrimination message Commissioner Vladimír Špidla on 21st June launched the 2008 ‘For Diversity. Against Discrimination.’ truck tour as part of the EU's Europe-wide anti-discrimination information campaign. The tour kicked off at the United Islands of Prague music festival (Czech Republic), before going on to visit 20 cities in 10 different EU countries over the next four months. The initiative – now in its fifth year – aims to raise awareness of the right to a life free of discrimination and has so far reached half a million people. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission starts public dialogue on nanotechnologies Nanotechnologies have enormous potential benefits for manufacturers, consumers, employees, patients and the environment. They will bring more energy and resource efficient processes, improve computer memories and processors and could usher in a new age of customized pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. While current EU legislation covers in principle the challenges for health, safety and environment with regards to nanomaterials, there is further need for research and international cooperation. As more and more products involving nanomaterials are reaching the market, the European Commission will start a consultation with stakeholders and Member States in order to increase knowledge and awareness about the potential of nanotechnologies and to continue to ensure an adequate protection of nature, environment and health. > Przeglądaj: |
| International Labour Organisation Conference on social justice for fair globalisation The International Labour Conference, the highest tripartite authority of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), adopted on 10 June 2008 a fundamental ILO Declaration on social justice for fair globalisation. > Przeglądaj: |
| Reducing work-related accidents and illness through better risk assessment Every year 5,720 people die in the European Union as a consequence of work-related accidents, according to EUROSTAT figures . Besides that, the International Labour Organisation estimates that an additional 159,500 workers in the EU die every year from occupational diseases. Taking both figures into consideration, it is estimated that every three-and-a-half minutes somebody in the EU dies from work-related causes. Most of these accidents and diseases are preventable, and the first step in preventing them is risk assessment. That is the message of “Healthy Workplaces. Good for you. Good for business.”, the Europe-wide information campaign on risk assessment, launched by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). The campaign focuses especially on high-risk sectors such as construction, healthcare and agriculture, and on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. It will run over two years (2008-09). > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission joins the celebrations of the World Day Against Child Labour World Day Against Child Labour was marked by thousands of events in scores of countries around the world on 12 June with a focus on the need to improve access of children to education as the right response to child labour. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission welcomes agreements on working time and temporary agency workers The Commission strongly welcomed the agreement that Member States reached in the early hours of 10 June on the longstanding issues of the Working Time Directive and the Temporary Agency Work Directive at the Employment and Social Affairs Council in Luxembourg. > Przeglądaj: |
| Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 9-10 June 2008, Luxembourg The Employment,Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on 9 and 10 June. Employment and Social affairs will be discussed on 9 June under the presidency of Ms Marjeta Cotman, Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs. The European Commission will be represented by Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. Two longstanding directives – Working Time and Temporary Agency Workers – are on the agenda for political agreement by Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs. The health points will be taken on 10 June with the Council being chaired by Ms Zofija Mazej Kukovič, Slovenian Minister for Health. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner Vassiliou. > Przeglądaj: |
| "Harnessing an Entrepreneurial Spirit for Inclusive Local Employment Development". "The European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities) held a conference on 25 April 2008 on the theme "Harnessing an Entrepreneurial Spirit for Inclusive Local Employment Development". > Przeglądaj: |
| European network set to boost women in power On the 2nd of June, female decision-makers from around Europe met for the launch of a new EU-level network of women in power. The group aims to promote women in decision-making positions in politics and the economy across Europe. The inaugural meeting was opened by Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and by Zita Gurmai, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Commission Vice-President Wallström and Budget Commissioner Grybauskaité joined the network for a lunch discussion. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU Globalisation Fund pays €3.1 million to help redundant workers in Portugal and Malta The European Commission made payments totalling €3.1 million to the Portuguese and Maltese authorities from the European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF). This is made up of € 2.4 million to help 1,549 Portuguese auto workers get back into work as quickly as possible and a further €681,000 for 675 dismissed Maltese textile workers. The payments follow approval by the Budgetary Authority (the European Parliament and the Council) on 10 April 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU and Croatia agree employment priorities As part of Croatia's preparations to join the EU, Vladimír Špidla, European Employment Commissioner, on the 28th of May 2008 met with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Damir Polančec to agree the main priorities for Croatian employment policy. > Przeglądaj: |
| Social Situation Report 2007 – Social cohesion through equal opportunities The Social Situation Report is the Commission's main tool for monitoring developments in the social field across the EU Member States. The annual report aims to inform the public debate on social policy by providing key data and in depth analyses. The SSR provides some key indicators covering all social policy areas and analyses some specific issues in more detail. Most of these indicators are derived from a major European survey on income and living conditions (EU-SILC). The focus of the latest report is on equal opportunities. > Przeglądaj: |
| European Commission welcomes French decision to open its labour market The French government has announced that it will open all sectors of its labour market to workers from eight EU Member States in Central and Eastern Europe with effect from the second half of this year. > Przeglądaj: |
| FIFA 6+5 rule: European Commission shows red card Commissioner Vladimir Špidla made a statement on 28 May 2008 regarding the 6+5 rule proposed by FIFA. > Przeglądaj: |
| New EU study lifts lid on financial exclusion Millions of Europeans face an increased risk of social exclusion through lack of access to basic financial services, according to a new study presented by the European Commission on 28th May 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work launches the new “Healthy Workplace campaign” Reducing work-related accidents and illness through better risk assessment. > Przeglądaj: |
| To Sofia: for a week of social policy dialogue The European Social Fund supports the first Social Policy Week in the enlarged European Union : 26-30 May 2008, Sofia, Bulgaria. > Przeglądaj: |
| Informal Ministerial and conference on Disability An informal meeting of EU Ministers responsible for disability policy will take place on 23 May in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. > Przeglądaj: |
| Agency workers: statement by Commissioner Spidla The British social partners (TUC and CBI) have agreed on equal treatment of agency workers and regular employees. > Przeglądaj: |
| Roma: statement by Commissioner Spidla at European Parliament A statement concerning the situation of Roma in the EU was made by Mr Vladimír Špidla on 20 May 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU reaches out to promote flexicurity approach An initiative to help put the EU's flexicurity approach into practice at national level was launched by the European Commission on 19 May 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Solid employment growth, but labour markets cooling off An analysis of recent data released by the European Commission shows a still solid overall performance in the EU labour market, although the pace of improvement appears to be slowing. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU listens to people experiencing poverty to help improve their lives Around 200 Europeans on the front line of the battle against social exclusion will today meet EU and national policy makers in Brussels for a direct dialogue. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Hübner and Špidla welcome shift in priorities set to boost jobs and growth Cohesion Policy programmes for 2007-2013 are set to boost jobs and growth throughout the EU's Member States and regions, thanks to intensive negotiations that have succeeded in formulating tailor-made solutions to challenges ahead. > Przeglądaj: |
| G8 employment ministers meet to strengthen social dimensions of globalisation European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimír Špidla represented the EU at a high level meeting of employment and labour ministers from the world's eight largest economies. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU has a key role in fostering social success "The EU has a significant role to play in fostering social success" is the message set forth by Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities at the two-day conference on 'Responding to new social realities' taking place in Brussels today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Demands for quality and quantity of long-term care services bound to rise, says EU report The demands for and costs of long-term care provision in the EU will rise significantly by 2050, according to a report presented by the European Commission on 28 April 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU and Mexico broaden cooperation to include employment and social affairs Vladimír Špidla, EU Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner, will today travel to Mexico to start a new EU-Mexico dialogue on employment and social policy. The two sides will share knowledge and experiences on common challenges such as combating poverty and improving social cohesion. It is the first time the EU and Mexico extend cooperation to the social field and is a follow-up to the Association Agreement concluded in 1997. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU launches dialogue with Brazil to improve social cohesion A new structured policy dialogue with Brazil on social policies was launched by the European Commission on 16 April 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Three new films on Europe's social concerns The Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has produced three new video news releases. They all address social issues which are currently high on the agenda. > Przeglądaj: |
| Social Europe can take on globalisation: EU study The European social model is more valid than ever, but needs to get in better shape to take on the challenges posed by globalisation, says a major new study presented by the European Commission on 11 April 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Ethical cross-border Recruitment and Retention: European social partners in the hospital sector signed a code of conduct Within the framework of the hospitals social dialogue committee, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association (HOSPEEM) have jointly signed a code of conduct on ethical cross-border recruitment and retention. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU calls for urgent action to improve working conditions for 1 million posted workers The European Commission has called on national governments to take urgent action to improve the situation of posted workers – temporarily posted by their employers to another Member State – through better cooperation between national administrations. > Przeglądaj: |
| Working longer, living better – Europe’s coming of age Europeans are now living longer than ever before with significant implications for the sustainability of pensions, economic growth and the future labour supply. > Przeglądaj: |
| Neglect and abuse of older people is widespread, say Europeans Older people in Europe are vulnerable to poor treatment, neglect and abuse, according to a survey presented by the European Commission on 17 March 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Vladimír Špidla to award the first Essl Social Prize to Father Georg Sporschill in Vienna Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities handed over the first Essl Social Prize to Father Georg Sporschill in Vienna on 14 March 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU leaders and social partners debate next steps for Growth and Jobs At the Tripartite Social Summit on 13 March 2008, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša – current President of the European Council – discussed with high-level employers' and workers' representatives the progress made under the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Špidla visits Israel and the Palestinian Territory Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, arrived in the Middle East on 7 March 2008 for a four-day visit to strengthen the social dimension of EU cooperation in the region. > Przeglądaj: |
| Women in power still trapped by glass ceiling – EU report Despite recent progress, women in Europe are still shut out of top posts in both politics and business, says a new European Commission report. > Przeglądaj: |
| Child Poverty and Well-Being in the EU A new report on Child Poverty and Well-Being was adopted by the Social Protection Committee on 17 January 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Reforms are paying off, but don't forget the most vulnerable – EU report Social protection reforms and active inclusion policies have visibly contributed to higher growth and more jobs in Europe over the past year. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU jobs outlook upbeat, but progress uneven Employment growth has been impressive during the last year according to the Joint Employment Report, to be adopted by Employment Ministers on 29 February. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission invites social partners to negotiate about European works councils The European Commission invited trade unions' and employers' representatives on 20 February 2008 to help improve the role of European works councils in consulting and informing employees. > Przeglądaj: |
| European Risk Observatory: More and more people face psychosocial risks at work Working environments are significantly changing with the introduction of new technologies, materials and work processes. Changes in work design, organisation and management can produce new risk areas that can result in increased stress levels and may finally lead to a serious deterioration of mental and physical health. A new report by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work shows that the main psychosocial risks are related to new forms of employment contracts, job insecurity, work intensification, high emotional demands, violence at work and a poor work-life balance. > Przeglądaj: |
| 25% of EU Workers complain about back problems Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of European workers across all employment sectors, with the highest rates found in the agriculture and construction sectors. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission adopts Action Plan to strengthen supervision under shared management for structural actions The Commission has adopted an Action Plan for structural funds to address the Court of Auditors' recommendations on how to improve its supervisory role of management and control systems in Member States for structural actions. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU employment rate up to 66%, despite moderate economic slowdown Analysis of recent Eurostat figures in a report released on 18 February 2008 confirms the ongoing steady improvement in the European labour market. > Przeglądaj: |
| Gender mainstreaming of employment policies in practice! The European Commission just published an expert report analysing gender mainstreaming in practice in the field of employment policies. The report also presents concrete examples of gender mainstreaming implemented over the last few years in 30 European countries. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Spidla supports UN efforts to promote decent work for all Commissioner Spidla participated on 6 February 2008 in the 46th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD) of the United Nations in New York. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU sets up "mission for flexicurity" Commissioner Vladimir Spidla announced on 1 February 2008 that the Commission has set up a fact finding "Mission for Flexicurity". > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission acts to close gaps in employment equality rules The Commission sent reasoned opinions to 10 Member States on 31 January 2008 to implement fully EU rules prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of religion and belief, age, disability and sexual orientation. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU globalisation fund set to help 1,549 Portuguese car workers The European Commission approved an application from Portugal for assistance under the European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF) on 30 January 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Women highly under-represented in decision-making The report Women and men in decision-making 2007; analysis of the situation and trends presents an assessment of the current situation of men and women in decision-making across Europe and developments over recent years. > Przeglądaj: |
| Informal Ministerials - Employment, Social Affairs and Gender Equality An informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers will take place on 1 February in Brdo, Slovenia. It will be preceded by a separate meeting of Gender Equality Ministers on 31 January. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU study to help improve care for people with disabilities Institutional care for disabled people in Europe continues to fall short of acceptable standards in many cases, a report released by the European Commission confirms. > Przeglądaj: |
| In 2008, the European Commission will launch its new Social Agenda. We really need to have your ideas and your input. Today’s decisions on issues like distribution of resources, social justice, better jobs, pensions, and opening up equal opportunities, will influence all our lives – and our children’s – for decades to come. Europe cannot make progress without the active involvement and consent of its people. So we welcome all opinions... and we are listening. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU mobilises partners to promote decent work for all The EU's internal and external policies will be mobilised to promote decent work for all – the external dimension of the EU's jobs and growth strategy - the European Commission announced on 24 January 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| More women in work, but 'better' jobs needed too Women are continuing to drive employment growth in Europe, but remain disadvantaged on the labour market in relation to men, says a report adopted by the European Commission on 23 January 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| Studies support EU pension initiative to aid worker mobility Supplementary pension schemes continue to pose obstacles to mobility for workers across Europe according to two new independent studies, presented by the European Commission on 22 January 2008. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU and Japan exchange ideas on flexicurity and work-life balance Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, arrived in Japan on 15 January for a four-day visit to strengthen cooperation on employment and social affairs issues. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU-China cooperation on employment and social affairs A new EU-China agreement will promote policy dialogue on issues of common interest and on long-term challenges in employment and social policy, such as demographic ageing. > Przeglądaj: |
| Spidla meeting Bjarne Håkon Hanssen, ministre norvégien du Travail et de la Cohésion sociale On the occassion Commissioner Vladimír Špidla said: > Przeglądaj: |
| EU citizens more optimistic about jobs The latest Eurobarometer shows that citizens are relatively optimistic about the job outlook. > Przeglądaj: |
| Portuguese journalist wins this year's 'For Diversity. Against Discrimination' EU press award The first prize in this year's 'For Diversity, Against Discrimination' Journalist Award has been awarded to a Portuguese journalist writing about the discrimination faced by migrant workers in the Netherlands. > Przeglądaj: |
| Irish regions go full steam ahead with 2007-13 cohesion programmes Key documents for the implementation of Cohesion Policy in Ireland over the next seven years were signed by Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Dick Roche, Irish Minister of State for European Affairs, on 14 December. > Przeglądaj: |
| 675 textile workers in Malta to be helped by EU globalisation fund The European Commission approved on 13 December 2007 an application from Malta for assistance under the European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF). > Przeglądaj: |
| 2010 to be the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion The European Commission has today designated 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The € 17 million campaign aims to reaffirm the EU's commitment to making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010. > Przeglądaj: |
| Job mobility action plan to help more people find better jobs A new action plan to promote job mobility was presented by the European Commission on 10 December 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| In 2008, the European Commission will launch its new Social Agenda. We really need to have your ideas and your input. Today’s decisions on issues like distribution of resources, social justice, better jobs, pensions, and opening up equal opportunities, will influence all our lives – and our children’s – for decades to come. Europe cannot make progress without the active involvement and consent of its people. So we welcome all opinions... and we are listening. > Przeglądaj: |
| European social dialogue: benefits for workers and companies A recent conference in Lisbon highlighted examples of recent achievements, as well as looking back at the history of European social dialogue in the context of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the European Union. > Przeglądaj: |
| Council agrees common principles on flexicurity Common principles on flexicurity were agreed by EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers on 5 December. > Przeglądaj: |
| A policy mix to help minorities access labour markets An independent High Level Advisory Group of Experts on ethnic minorities presented eight policy recommendations to the Commission on 3 December 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| International Day of People with Disabilities Statement by Commissioner Vladimír Špidla on the International Day of People with Disabilities. > Przeglądaj: |
| Preparing Europe's small businesses for change A Restructuring Forum, devoted to the adaptation of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to change, took place on 26 November 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| Integrated labour market policies deliver better employment performance The robust recovery of EU labour markets in 2006 brought an increase in employment of 4 million – the strongest since 2000, according to the 2007 'Employment in Europe' report. > Przeglądaj: |
| A modern single market for all The European Commission has set out a package of initiatives to modernise the European single market and to bring more benefits to Europeans. > Przeglądaj: |
| Celebrating 1000 ways to promote equal opportunities for all The 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All concluded on 19 November with a major event to celebrate the achievements of the year so far and look to the challenges still ahead. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to 54 billion koruna for more and better jobs in Slovakia The European Commission has approved Slovakia’s two operational programmes for ESF funding for the period 2007-2013. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to €120 million in ESF funding for a more skilled workforce and strong social cohesion in Cyprus In a significant step to help Cyprus reap the full benefits of EU membership and promote employment the European Commission has adopted the Cypriot operational programme for ESF funding for the period 2007-2013. > Przeglądaj: |
| Employment increase of 3 million in one year An analysis of recent Eurostat figures shows ongoing positive developments in the European labour market. The continuing strong employment growth in Spain and the recent labour market recovery in Germany and Poland have been the main drivers behind the good overall EU performance. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves €25 million in ESF funding for a more skilled and competitive workforce in Luxembourg Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities welcomed the adoption of the Luxembourg programme, saying, “Recent efforts to boost jobs are showing results. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU helps car industry adapt to change A new partnership to help better anticipate and manage change in the EU's automotive industry was announced by the European Commission and the main industry and workers' organisations on 5 November 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU takes action to promote 'fair globalisation' at ILO forum The EU is stepping up its efforts to promote 'fair globalisation' by ensuring that the international community takes better account of the effects of globalisation on people's working lives. Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla will confirm the EU commitment to promote 'decent work' – meaning more and better jobs with welfare protection, equal opportunities and social dialogue – at an International Labour Organisation (ILO) forum on decent work for a fair globalisation in Lisbon today. To this end the Commission is mobilising trade, development and external policies and will encourage EU Member States to ratify a series of internationally-agreed rules to improve the quality of work around the world. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU providing close to €4.5 billion in ESF funding for more and better jobs in UK With the English and Welsh operational programmes for ESF funding adopted by the Commission, and the programmes for Northern Ireland and Scotland soon to be adopted, EU funding of €4.47 billion for the period 2007-2013 will help the four reap the full benefits of EU membership. > Przeglądaj: |
| ESF funding of €9.7 billion, equivalent to 37 billion zloty ESF funding of €9.7 billion, equivalent to 37 billion zloty, has been approved to help Poland create more and better jobs through its ‘Human Capital’ operational programme. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission to postpone and amend electromagnetic fields legislation to protect MRI The European Commission has today proposed to postpone for four years – until 30 April 2012 – the deadline for introducing legislation on workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields, which could have affected the use of technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This will allow enough time to prepare a substantive amendment to the Directive in order to take account of recent research findings on the possible impact of the exposure limits on MRI. > Przeglądaj: |
| Public consultation calls for better enforcement of existing labour law The European Commission presented today the results of its public consultation on adapting labour law to the present world of work. The consultation was a great success: Over 450 opinions were received from a wide range of stakeholders in EU-27 and beyond. Despite divergent views, the results highlight that labour law is central to managing the EU's workforce and to providing workers with a sense of security. Many replies underline, in particular, the need to implement existing labour legislation fully in all Member States and to reach agreement on ongoing issues such as the proposals on Temporary Agency Workers and the review of the Working Time Directive. Reactions also suggest that the national reform process under the EU's strategy for Growth and Jobs and the integrated approach to developing and implementing flexicurity-based principles is the best way forward. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU steps up the fight against undeclared work Undeclared work is still a problem in Europe and is undermining the EU's ability to meet its targets for more and better jobs and stronger growth, says a new European Commission report released today. It identifies the main drivers for the informal economy, sets out successful ways to reduce it and proposes a series of concrete follow-up actions at European and national levels. New figures from Eurobarometer – which has carried out the first ever Europe-wide harmonised survey on this sensitive topic – confirm the existence of a large market for undeclared work all over the EU. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to €620 million in ESF funding for more employment in Finland In a significant step to help Finland reap the full benefits of EU membership the European Commission has approved the Finnish operational programmes for ESF funding for the period 2007-2013. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves €6 billion to help Portugal create a higher skilled workforce and a more dynamic economy The EU launched Portugal’s ESF programme for Human Resource Development and approved €6 billion in funding. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU leaders and social partners discuss how the Reform Treaty and Lisbon Strategy can boost labour markets Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates – current President of the European Council – today discussed with high-level employers' and workers' representatives reform of the EU Treaties and the future of the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy. They were joined by Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, as well as representatives of the future Slovenian and French Presidencies. The European social partners used the opportunity of the Tripartite Social Summit – held alongside the informal meeting of Heads of State and Government in Lisbon - to present their joint analysis of the key challenges facing Europe's labour markets and in particular of the way forward towards flexicurity > Przeglądaj: |
| Tackling poverty requires integrated solutions The European Commission today called for a renewed commitment to social justice by proposing a new, holistic approach to tackling poverty and promoting inclusion of people furthest from the labour market. While the EU strategy for growth and jobs is showing good results, Europe needs to do more to realise its full potential and achieve greater social justice and economic cohesion. The new strategy for 'active inclusion', which is taking shape through a wide-ranging public consultation, is a key element of the European Social Agenda. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission approves new programmes marking shift in cohesion policy in Portugal European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will today attend in Lisbon with Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner, Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Špidla, Portuguese Prime Minister Mr > Przeglądaj: |
| 20th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: EU must redouble efforts in fight against exclusion 78 million people in the EU continue to live at risk of poverty and 8% of those in work are at risk of poverty. On the 20th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities underlined, once again, the need for Europe to step up its action urgently in the fight against poverty and exclusion. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves €692 million – equivalent to 6.2 billion Swedish krona – to help Sweden create more and better jobs The €692 million programme launched by Sweden for the next seven years aims to build a more adaptable workforce and to bring into work people currently outside the labour market. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to €3.8 billion (104.7 billion Koruna) to help the Czech Republic create more and better jobs The European Commission made a significant step to help the Czech Republic reap the full benefits of EU membership by approving the country's operational programmes to promote employment for the period 2007-2013. > Przeglądaj: |
| 200 000 take part in EU Job Days The EU Job Days, which took place simultaneously in 230 towns and cities around Europe from 24 September for 10 days, have attracted more than 200,000 participants. Jobseekers and employers have come into direct contact at 500 diverse events, ranging from recruitment fairs to seminars and lectures on job mobility. The Brussels event, which took place at the European Commission's headquarters, attracted 10,000 jobseekers. Meanwhile, EURES – the EU's Job Mobility Portal – now hosts 1.4 million vacancies, an increase of 40% over last year. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves €391 million of ESF funding to help Estonia support education and the quality of working life The European Commission took another significant step to help Estonia reap the full benefits of EU membership by approving the Estonian operational programme to promote employment. > Przeglądaj: |
| Seagoing workers invited on board the new maritime policy - reassessing exclusions from EU social laws Should the current exclusion of seafaring workers from certain EU social laws be eliminated, making them shipshape for a modern maritime sector? Is there a need for specific regulations for the seafaring profession within EU social legislation? What is the best way to improve health and safety on board sea vessels? These are all questions being put to workers' and employers' representatives today to reassess whether EU laws adequately protect seagoing workers. This first-phase consultation aims to strengthen the social dimension of maritime policy and to make the sector more attractive without undermining its competitiveness. It is a follow up to last year's Green Paper on the future of Maritime policy and part of the new EU maritime package being adopted today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Pension proposal on track to improve workers' mobility The Commission adopted today an amended proposal to reduce obstacles to workers' mobility through improved access and better preservation of supplementary pension rights. The proposal takes on the majority of the European Parliament's amendments from last June. It focuses on the setting of minimum requirements for better access to pension rights, clearer rights of preservation so mobile workers' pensions are treated fairly, and improved access to useful and timely information. Its aim is to ensure that workers are not penalised because of mobility. > Przeglądaj: |
| Celebrating 10 years of the European Employment Strategy: common objectives for more and better jobs Today sees the tenth anniversary of the EU's main policy tool for creating improved work for all. The European Employment Strategy (EES) – which establishes common EU objectives and priorities, and ensures coordination of employment policies across the EU – has helped raise the EU employment rate from 60.7% to 64.3% since 1997 and cut long term unemployment from 5% to 3.6%. The anniversary is being marked by a major conference organised by the European Commission and the Portuguese EU Presidency, a follow-up to the successful event on Flexicurity last month. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to €1.2 billion (2.4 billion Lev) to help Bulgaria EU approves close to €1.2 billion (2.4 billion Lev) to help Bulgaria create more and better jobs and improve public services for its citizens. > Przeglądaj: |
| The Commission approves the strategy chosen by Belgium to implement the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy The European Commission has just approved the strategy chosen by Belgium to implement the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Belgian authorities have set out how they intend to invest the European funding totalling EUR 2.258 billion in line with the Lisbon Strategy for growth and employment. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves close to €1 billion for Lithuania to promote social inclusion EU approves close to €1 billion for Lithuania to promote social inclusion, to help its workers and companies adapt to change and to encourage lifelong learning. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves €800 million for Dutch ESF programme to bring everyone in society on-board The European Commission approved over three-quarters of a billion euros in co-financing for ESF projects in the Netherlands. > Przeglądaj: |
| What regional policy for tomorrow? Cohesion Forum assesses the challenges A major consultation on the shape of tomorrow's regional policy will be launched at the Cohesion Forum in Brussels on 27-28 September. The Forum, which takes place every three years, brings together high-level policy-makers from all over Europe. This major political event will open discussion on the shape of Cohesion Policy after 2013, at the start of a new budgetary period. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Commissioners Danuta Hübner (Regional Policy) and Vladimir Špidla (Employment and Social Affairs) will be at the launch of the Forum. They will be joined by Mr José Sócrates, Prime Minister of Portugal, which holds the EU Presidency. The debates will be based on the issues raised and conclusions reached in the Fourth Economic and Social Cohesion report adopted by the Commission last May. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU-India seminar to promote cooperation on social security and social protection An EU-India seminar will take place in Lisbon on September 17th and 18th. The two-day seminar will focus on social security and social protection. It is being organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Portuguese Presidency. The seminar will be opened by Mr Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Vieira da Silva, Portuguese Minister for Employment and Solidarity and Mr Oscar Fernandes, Indian Minister for Labour and Employment > Przeglądaj: |
| EU approves over €3.6 billion in ESF funding to help Hungary EU approves over €3.6 billion in ESF funding to help Hungary boost employment and improve public services during period 2007-2013 > Przeglądaj: |
| COHESION POLICY 2007-2013: the Commission approves 15 new programmes for the Hungarian regions The Commission decision on the 13 operational programmes (OP) funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the 2 programmes funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) opens the way for Hungarian regions to start implementing the new policy in the framework of the strategic plan agreed between Hungary and the Commission on the 7th of May 2007. Overall, Hungary will benefit from € 25 billion under the new programming period. The country is the 6thlargest beneficiary of EU Cohesion policy. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves the national strategy and priorities for Cyprus Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the Cypriot authorities for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Cypriot authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 612 million that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed and the European Commission issued its decision on elements of the Cypriot plan, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| EP calls for extension of EU Job mobility network (EURES) The European Parliament has voted with a large majority a resolution in support of EURES: the European Commission's Job Mobility Portal, which already has a network of 750 advisors in different EU regions and cities. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Estonia has plan and priorities agreed with EU Commission Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the Estonian authorities for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Estonian authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 3.4 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their country. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: United Kingdom has plan and priorities agreed with EU Commission The United Kingdom has reached agreement with Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the United Kingdom authorities describe how they plan to invest € 9.9 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Czech Republic has plan and priorities agreed with the Commission The Czech Republic has reached agreement with Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Czech authorities describe how they plan to invest € 26.3 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for growth and Jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves national strategy and priorities for Ireland Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla have reached agreement with Ireland on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Irish authorities describe how they plan to invest EU funding of € 750.7 million over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves national strategy and priorities for Sweden Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla have reached agreement with Sweden on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Swedish authorities describe how they plan to invest EU funding of € 1.9 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission acts to bridge gender pay gap Across the EU economy, women continue to earn an average of 15% less than men, according to the European Commission. A new report released today sets out ways the EU can bridge the gap – which has barely changed over the past decade. The gender pay gap represents the difference between average hourly pay for women and men before tax across the economy as a whole. It reflects ongoing discrimination and inequality in the labour market which, in practice, mainly affects women. > Przeglądaj: |
| EUtube spreads the message "For Diversity. Against Discrimination." The European Commission's 'For Diversity. Against Discrimination.' campaign has made its début on EUtube – the EU's dedicated channel on popular video-sharing website YouTube – with an upbeat video clip on diversity. The 30-second video is part of the five-year pan-European information campaign on combating discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability and sexual orientation. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves national strategy and priorities for Italy Italy has agreed the priorities of its cohesion investment strategy with the European Commission for 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Italian authorities describe how they plan to invest EU funding of € 28.8 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission launches public consultation on new anti-discrimination measures The European Commission has today launched an online consultation on combating discrimination in the Member States and at EU level. The public consultation will help the Commission plan new measures to tackle discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, belief, disability, age or sexual orientation 0c06 in areas beyond the job market. It comes as the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All – which aims to raise people's awareness of their rights to equal treatment and promote a broad debate on the benefits of diversity to society – enters full swing. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves national strategy and priorities for Portugal Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla have reached agreement with Portugal on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the Portuguese authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 21.5 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Investing in people: European Social Fund launches new website The European Commission has launched a brand new website on the European Social Fund (ESF) – the EU's main instrument for investing in people. The launch coincides with the Fund's 50th anniversary and the start of a new seven-year funding period for the ESF. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Social Fund celebrates 50 years investing in people Today in Potsdam, Germany, a high-level event to mark the official 50th birthday of the European Social Fund (ESF) is bringing together EU Ministers and key players in the Fund. Organised by the German Presidency, the event will reflect on how the ESF is helping millions of Europeans join 0c89 and progress in the job market. The next generation of ESF programmes (2007-2013) will have a budget of EUR 77 billion for 27 Member States, providing funding in areas like training, ensuring better access to jobs, fighting discrimination and improving public services. > Przeglądaj: |
| Flexicurity: getting more people into good jobs The Commission today proposes the establishment of common principles of flexicurity to promote more and better jobs by combining flexibility and security for workers and companies. Flexicurity strategies can help modernise European labour markets and better address the opportunities and challenges of globalisation. They include at the same time flexible and reliable contractual arrangements, active labour market policies, comprehensive lifelong learning strategies and modern social protection systems providing adequate income support during periods of unemployment. The Commission also sets out a number of typical pathways to help Member States draw up their own national strategies for flexicurity and learn from each other's experiences and best practices. In line with the EU's Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, the common principles of flexicurity aim to ensure that more Europeans get the most out of today's fast-changing global economy. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission agrees plan and priorities with Romania Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla have reached agreement with Romania on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), Romanian authorities describe how they plan to use EU funding worth € 19.21 billion over seven years in line with the Lisbon agenda. The adoption procedure has now been completed on the Romanian framework, including its priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission closes Lettori case following firm assurances from Italy The European Commission has received firm assurances from the Italian authorities that national legislation governing employment conditions for former foreign language assistants ("Lettori") in Italian universities is effectively applied. The legislation concerned had been judged compatible with Community law by the European Court of Justice in July 2006. As a result, the Commission has decided to close the infringement procedure against Italy, which had remained open while the Commission sought assurances. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission acts to close gaps in race equality rules The Commission has sent formal requests to 14 Member States to fully implement EU rules banning discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin (2000/43/CE). The countries concerned – Spain, Sweden, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia – have two months to respond, failing which the Commission can take them to the European Court of Justice. The Race Equality Directive was agreed in 2000 with a deadline for implementation into national law by 2003. > Przeglądaj: |
| First two applications for EGF money approved by Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla today announced that the first two applications for EGF assistance have been approved by the Commission and have been put before the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for decision. The first two EGF applications concern the French car secto 0a17 r and relate to suppliers of Peugeot-Citroën and Renault, respectively. The requested contributions from the EGF are €2,558,250 in the first case and €1,258,000 in the second. Both applications aim to assist workers made redundant due to company failures in a climate of changing global trade patterns in the car sector. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves the national strategy and priorities for Bulgaria Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla have reached agreement with Bulgaria on its national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Bulgarian authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding worth € 6.8 billion over seven years in line with the so-called Lisbon agenda. The adoption procedure has now been completed, with a Commission decision on the Bulgarian framework, including its priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU plays active role in successful International Labour Conference The 2007 session of the International Labour Conference has successfully adopted a convention on work in the fishing sector, a resolution on sustainable enterprises and paved the way for strengthening the ILO in the context of globalisation and decent work. The European Union played a key role in the discussions and Commissioner Vladimír Špidla represented the EU Commission. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission welcomes Parliament's report on Pension Portability directive Commenting today on the European Parliament's vote on the Commission's proposal for a directive on the portability of pension rights, Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities welcomed the Parliament's report on the original Commission proposal. He said "The Commission had made a much more ambitious proposal which would have enabled workers to enjoy true portability of their pensions. I still believe that the Parliament's report is a real step in the right direction. I am encouraged by the high level of debate on what is a complex and sensitive issue. Today's report will greatly contribute to ensuring mobile workers face fewer barriers and that supplementary provision will continue to be successful and sustainable." > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves the national strategy and priorities for Slovenia Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the Slovenian authorities for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Slovenian authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 4 101 million that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued its decision on elements of the Slovenian NSRF, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves the national strategy and priorities for Netherlands Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the authorities of the Netherlands for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Dutch authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 1.9 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued its decision on elements of the Dutch NSRF, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission moves ahead on cutting red tape for service sector while guaranteeing the protection of posted workers Today the Commission has presented its assessment of national measures applied by Member States in the context of supervising the posting of workers, as well as the situation in terms of administrative cooperation. The aim is to remove unnecessary obstacles to the free provision of services within the internal market while continuing to ensure adequate protection for posted workers. This balanced approach is to be supported amongst others by a high level Committee of government experts, involving social partners, to facilitate the exchange of good practices. The Commission also proposes to reinforce administrative co-operation through the use of the Internal Market Information system (IMI). Furthermore, the Commission will launch, if necessary, infringement procedures to ensure conformity with Community law. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: the Commission approves the strategy submitted by France Danuta Hübner, the Commissioner for Regional Policy, and Vladimir Špidla, the Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, have commended the French authorities for the strategy chosen for the 2007-2013 cohesion policy. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the authorities explain how they will use assistance from the Structural Funds totalling almost EUR 13.5 billion to stimulate growth and job creation in the French regions over the next seven years. Today, the European Commission approved the various elements of the French NSRF, including the priorities, the indicative annual allocations and the list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Preparing for EU's ageing population at heart of new government expert group Today a high level group of government experts will meet for the first time in Brussels to discuss demography issues. The group - set up by the Commission following requests from Member States responding to the 2005 Green Paper on demography (IP/05/322) - will support the Commission in developing policies adapted to the new reality of Europe's ageing population and shrinking workforce. The group will also act as a platform for Member States to exchange experiences and good practice in areas like active ageing, family policy, care for the elderly dependent and migration. Made up of representatives from all Member States, as well as a small number of independent experts, the group will be headed by the former Austrian Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Leonora Hostasch. > Przeglądaj: |
| Preparing for EU's ageing population at heart of new government expert group Today a high level group of government experts will meet for the first time in Brussels to discuss demography issues. The group - set up by the Commission following requests from Member States responding to the 2005 Green Paper on demography (IP/05/322) - will support the Commission in developing policies adapted to the new reality of Europe's ageing population and shrinking workforce. The group will also act as a platform for Member States to exchange experiences and good practice in areas like active ageing, family policy, care for the elderly dependent and migration. Made up of representatives from all Member States, as well as a small number of independent experts, the group will be headed by the former Austrian Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Leonora Hostasch. > Przeglądaj: |
| Education, Employment, Accessibility for people with disabilities – Ministers meet for first time ever on disability issues The first ever informal meeting of Ministers responsible for disability issues will take place in Berlin on 11 June in the margins of the annual Presidency conference on disability. The informal meeting will focus on the recent UN Convention for disability rights (see IP/07/446) and how the European Community and Member States can rapidly implement the Convention's provisions which will protect over 50 million EU citizens and 650 people with disabilities worldwide. The UN disability Convention covers areas like anti-discrimination and equal opportunities in employment, training and education. > Przeglądaj: |
| "Lighten the load" campaign - tackling musculoskeletal disorders (work-related back pain) Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of workers. Across the EU27, 25% of workers complain of backache and 23% report muscular pains. Lighten the load, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's 2007 campaign to tackle MSDs in the workplace, supports an integrated management approach with three key elements. First, employers, employees and government need to work together to tackle MSDs. Secondly, any actions should address the ‘whole load on the body’, which covers all the stresses and strains being placed on the body, environmental factors such as cold working conditions, and the load being carried. Thirdly, employers need to manage the retention, rehabilitation and return to work of employees with MSDs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission assesses impact of funding for regions, launches debate on next round of cohesion policy Cohesion policy has had a proven effect in helping the European Union's regions to develop, but it will face some new challenges in years ahead. Those are the findings in the European Commission's latest report on economic and social cohesion . The fourth such report, published today, provides the economic, social and territorial situation of the enlarged Union of 27 Member States and 268 regions for the first time. The report contains detailed analysis of the position of regions in terms of GDP, productivity and employment. It identifies a series of challenges with which Member States and regions will be confronted in the years ahead. It provides a first assessment of the impact of European cohesion policy in the 2000-2006 programming period, as well as of the preparation for the new period 2007-2013. The report includes 10 questions to kick off f the debate inside and outside the European institutions on the future of this major policy area. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission pushes forward on consultation with workers and employers for better work-life balance The Commission has adopted today the second stage consultation with workers' and employers' representatives on how to achieve a better balance between work, private and family life. Invited to express their opinions on the need for Community action on this issue last October, thirteen of the European social partners have sent contributions. All have acknowledged the importance of issues such as accessible care facilities for children and dependants, the need for men genuinely to take up reconciliation measures, equal pay, flexible working hours and the possible updating of existing legislation related to reconciliation. Although views differ on what needs to be done and at what level, the majority of the social partners consider that further action is needed in this area. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission calls on trade unions to play active role in shaping a prosperous, social Europe Addressing participants at the four-yearly European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) congress in Seville, European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso said "Social dialogue is essential for Europe to progress and to prosper. Trade unions are indispensable to social dialogue. ETUC is a valued and very relevant European player. Europe's social dimension has been and should continue to be a factor of success. If we are to respond to today's global challenges, we need to build on our successes. This means stronger and better cooperation." He added, "As the workers' representatives, you should be part of the pioneers for the new Europe we are building together - a Europe of prosperity, solidarity, fairness and partnership." > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission organises European eGovernment Awards 2007 The third European eGovernment Awards will be presented at the Ministerial eGovernment Conference 2007 on 20 September in Lisbon, Portugal. The awards will select good practices in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in public services, and are a great opportunity to demonstrate the different possible solutions for eGovernment in the area of European public administration, be it national, regional, local, etc. > Przeglądaj: |
| CSR Network to hold final Multi-stakeholder Roundtable on exchanging best practice in Brussels OECD Watch, the network of 67 international NGOs working on Corporate Social Responsibility, will be holding the last of a series of four Roundtable discussions on CSR. This session is entitled “A Model for Change: Upward Harmonisation of OECD Guidelines Procedures” and will take place on June 15th. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission welcomes new Declaration on Equality between women and men Commenting today at the informal meeting of ministers for gender equality and family affairs in Bad Pyrmont (Germany), Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities welcomed the discussions saying "If Europe is to meet its economic, social and demographic challenges, equality between women and men has to be the starting point. Recent success in the EU's labour market performance is largely thanks to more women joining the workforce. We are seeing that, in countries where women participate actively in all aspects of economic, social and political life, well established work-home reconciliation policies are the norm - these are also the countries where women and men have, on average, more children". > Przeglądaj: |
| European Diversity campaign reaches 100 million Eurovision TV viewers Tonight the EU’s European Year of Equal Opportunities for All partnership with the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest will bring its message of tolerance and diversity to an estimated 100 million television viewers around Europe and beyond. The official partnership is the first time in twenty years that Eurovision has been associated with an EU initiative. > Przeglądaj: |
| Support for families is key to reach Lisbon targets The Commission today adopted a communication on "Promoting solidarity between the generations" to help Member States meet the demographic challenge. The Communication examines how Europeans can achieve a better work-life balance. It also looks at how best to support families so they can have the number of children they desire – very low birth rates are a concern in many Member States and studies continue to show that Europeans would like to have more children. The Communication highlights differences between national policies and areas where Member States can learn from each other, in particular through the European Alliance for Families as called for by the Spring European Council last March. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission wants to involve young people better in society As Europe's population grows older faster and the pool of young workers shrinks, the EU will rely more and more on its younger generation. According to a Commission analysis presented today, young people are often insufficiently prepared to take on this responsibility. One in six young Europeans still leaves school early and 4.6 million 15-24 year-olds are unemployed. The document highlights the need, at EU and national level, to invest more and earlier in youth education and health and to improve transitions from education into work. It also stresses the importance of involving young people more in civic life, as well as in society as a whole. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Poland, the biggest beneficiary, has plan and priorities agreed with the Commission Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the Polish authorities for the Polish national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013 officially agreed with the European Commission on 7 May 2007. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) Polish authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 67 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued its decision on key elements of the Polish plan, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Germany has its plan and priorities agreed with the Commission Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the German authorities for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the German authorities describe how they are going to use EU funding of € 25.5 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued today its decision on elements of the German NSRF, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Spain has its plan and priorities agreed with the Commission Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated the Spanish authorities for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Spanish authorities describe how they are going to use EU funding of € 35.2 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued on May 7, 2007, its decision on elements of the Spanish NSRF, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Commission approves the national strategy and priorities for Hungary Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Employment and social affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla congratulated Hungary for reaching agreement with the European Commission on the national plan and priorities for Cohesion policy 2007-2013. In their National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) the Hungarian authorities describe how they are going to invest EU funding of € 25.3 billion that they will receive over seven years to deliver growth and jobs to their regions. The adoption procedure has now been completed as the European Commission issued its decision on elements of the Hungarian NSRF, including priorities, indicative annual allocations, and list of operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013: Austrian regions first to have programmes approved by the Commission The Austrian regions became today the first in the European Union to start drawing benefits from the new Cohesion policy 2007-2013 as the European Commission approved the first group of regional operational programmes. The Commission decision on the eight Austrian operational programmes opens the way for Austrian regions to start implementing the new policy in the framework of the strategic plans and priorities agreed between Austria and the Commission on 4 > Przeglądaj: |
| World looks to Helsinki as Eurovision sings for diversity The eyes and ears of Europeans and television viewers across the world will focus on Helsinki from 5-12 May as the Eurovision Song Contest searches for a new musical superstar while highlighting the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. > Przeglądaj: |
| G8 employment ministers adopted substantive conclusions on 07 Mai 2007 on shaping the social dimension of globalisation G8 Employment Ministers and Vladimir Spidla, the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, agreed in Dresden on 7 May 2007 on substantive Ministerial conclusions on shaping the social dimension of globalisation. > Przeglądaj: |
| Tackling social exclusion: people experiencing poverty have their say Representatives of the estimated 72 million Europeans living in poverty will today have their say in Brussels on how to tackle social exclusion in the EU at a major event organised by the German Presidency and the European Commission. The sixth annual 'European meeting of people experiencing poverty' will assess results achieved so far and help develop strategies for the future. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Commission welcomes the Netherlands' decision to lift all restrictions on the free movement of workers in force since May 2004 Brussels 27-04-2007. The Netherlands announced today the lifting of restrictions on workers from eight Member States which applied since 1 May 2004. > Przeglądaj: |
| European employers and trade unions commit to tackle violence and harassment at work Today the European social partners (ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME) signed a framework agreement on harassment and violence at work. The agreement aims to prevent and, where necessary, manage problems of bullying, sexual harassment and physical violence at the workplace. Companies in Europe will have to adopt a policy of zero-tolerance towards such behaviour and draw up procedures to deal with cases of harassment and violence where they occur. Data suggests that one in 20 workers (5%) reports being exposed to bullying and/or harassment each year. > Przeglądaj: |
| European Diversity Truck hitting the road The European Diversity Truck will hit the road in Strasbourg today and embark on its tour across Europe. Starting from the seat of the European Parliament, the Truck will promote diversity and equal opportunities for all. The journey will take in 19 countries, covering more than 18,000 km. Visiting city centres, universities, job fairs, and public festivals, the mobile information platform will inform people about their rights to equal treatment and promote the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. > Przeglądaj: |
| European Year of Equal Opportunities for All: Official partner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 The European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007 is proud to announce its official partnership with the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. For the first time in almost twenty years, an official European Union initiative will be associated with this international music competition, connecting Europeans from all around the continent. The European Year's main objectives are to celebrate the benefits of diversity and promote equal opportunities for all. > Przeglądaj: |
| European partners join lively debate on flexicurity Today, over 400 representatives of workers and employers, NGOs and government will meet with the European Commission to debate the "flexicurity" approach. Flexicurity combines active labour market policies, flexible contractual arrangements, lifelong learning and modern social protection systems. It can help confront the challenges of globalisation and demographic ageing by ensuring that workers and employers are better equipped to manage change. The results of today's event will feed into the Commission's preparations for a policy communication on flexicurity at the end of June. > Przeglądaj: |
| Fair Trade public purchasing as a tool for sustainable consumption and production patterns This is the final conference of the “Fair Procura” project, addressing the issue of Fair Trade considerations into public procurement. Brussels, 19th April 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cohesion policy 2007-2013 already on fast track to deliver growth and jobs The European Commission announced today that preparations for the new cohesion policy are now at full speed to deliver more growth and quality employment to the European regions. Programmes worth 90% of the total budget of cohesion policy are now being negotiated. Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, joined Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner in praising all Member States for submitting their strategic plans and priorities for the new programming period in time and asked them to keep up the pace for the remaining operational programmes. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU signs new UN treaty on disability rights The European Community will today sign a new UN treaty on disability rights on its opening day for signature in New York. This is the first time the Community signs a core UN human rights convention. The Convention, which covers the rights of people with disabilities aims to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with everyone else. It will provide protection for 50 million EU citizens and 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. > Przeglądaj: |
| Stakeholder Conference on Flexicurity, April 20th, 2007 Flexicurity is a widely discussed topic in the current labour market and social policy debate. It promotes a combination of flexible labour markets and high levels of employment and income security and it is thus seen as a possible answer to Europe's challenge of how to maintain and improve competitiveness whilst preserving the European social model. > Przeglądaj: |
| Consultation on labour law – last two weeks for contributions! The Commission's public consultation on "Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century" – launched with a Green Paper four months ago – is now nearing the deadline for contributions. > Przeglądaj: |
| Gas sector unions and employers launch EU-level cooperation With the backing of the European Commission, trade unions and employers in the gas sector today formally launched an EU-level social dialogue. The new committee will give social partners the possibility to contribute to EU policies affecting the sector, such as the EU's new energy package and the ongoing liberalisation of the gas industry. > Przeglądaj: |
| New local knowledge network for jobs and growth The European Commission is going local in its drive for more jobs and growth in Europe with a new online tool to link up local economies. The 'Linking Local Actors' project will network people and organisations creating jobs and prosperity at local level so they can share good ideas across the EU. > Przeglądaj: |
| More information about Flexicurity on Europa Flexicurity can be defined as a policy strategy to enhance, at the same time and in a deliberate way, the flexibility of labour markets, work organisations and labour relations on the one hand, and security –employment security and social security – on the other. > Przeglądaj: |
| Women driving EU job growth – but still face barriers to equality Three out of four new jobs created in the EU are being taken by women, but important gaps with men remain, according to a new European Commission report. Despite higher educational achievements, women continue to be employed less – and paid less – than men. The 2007 'Annual report on equality between women and men' will be submitted to EU leaders at the Spring European Council on 8-9 March. The report is the first since the Commission launched its Gender Roadmap and EU leaders adopted the Pact for Gender Equality in March 2006. > Przeglądaj: |
| Eulisses - guide to pensions - new web portal EUlisses (pronounced “Ulysses”) stands for EU Links & Information on Social Security > Przeglądaj: |
| EU and Croatia agree social inclusion goals As part of Croatia's preparations to join the EU, Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, is today and tomorrow visiting Zagreb to review progress with the national authorities in the field of employment and social affairs. He will meet with Prime Minister Sanader, President Mesić, members of the government, members of parliament, social partners and civil society representatives. In addition, the Commissioner will highlight the importance of strengthening administrative capacity for Croatia's membership preparations. > Przeglądaj: |
| New Eurobarometer survey on social reality 85% of EU citizens are confident of keeping their job in the coming months, but a quarter feel at risk of falling into poverty. These are some of the findings of a new survey carried out by the European Commission. The survey forms part of a public consultation to take stock of present social realities and trends in European societies. > Przeglądaj: |
| Picture a world without discrimination
EU launches European Photo Competition for Diversity Photography students from across the European Union can make a creative statement about diversity while having their work showcased to an EU-wide audience by entering the 2007 “Breaking Stereotypes” photo competition. > Przeglądaj: |
| National representatives meet for the first time to discuss new European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF) For the first time ever, national representatives for the European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF) will formally meet with the European Commission to discuss the new Fund, which entered into force in January 2007. Representatives from all 27 Member States will attend. > Przeglądaj: |
| 25% cut in accidents at work by 2012 – new EU strategy Work-related illness and accidents should be cut by a quarter across the EU under a new five-year strategy for health and safety at work, adopted by the Commission today. It follows a 17% reduction in fatal accidents from 2002-2004 and a 20% fall in accidents leading to absence from work of three days or more. But progress remains uneven across different countries, sectors, companies and categories of workers. Changes in working life are leading to new occupational risks, while certain workplace illnesses are on the rise. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU welcomes first joint WTO-ILO study on trade and employment The European Commission today welcomed the first ever joint study by the International Labour Organisation and World Trade Organisation on the relationship between trade and employment. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU reform strategy delivering jobs, says new report Unemployment is down and employment on the rise according to the Joint Employment Report, to be adopted by employment ministers on 22 February. The Commission report - which assesses Member States’ implementation of their national reform programmes in the area of employment – is upbeat. However, it underlines the need for more rigorous reforms, in particular to better balance flexibility with security in the job market – the flexicurity approach. The Commission has also put forward specific national recommendations to most Member States. > Przeglądaj: |
| Shared approach is improving social cohesion in Europe European cooperation is helping EU Member States improve social cohesion policies and spending, says a Commission report to be discussed by employment ministers on 22 February. The 2007 'Joint Report on Social Protection and Inclusion' highlights priorities and progress made in the areas of social inclusion, pensions, healthcare and long-term care – but underlines that big challenges remain. Member States are stepping up efforts to tackle child poverty, promote 'active inclusion' of the most disadvantaged in society, ensure adequate and sustainable pensions as well as equal access to health and long-term care. Once adopted by the Council, the report will go to the Spring Summit of EU leaders on 8-9 March as the social contribution to the jobs and growth package. > Przeglądaj: |
| New website launched on meeting the costs of health care abroad More and more people receive health care in another European country to the one where they live or are insured. > Przeglądaj: |
| First ever European Equality summit Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and Ursula von der Leyen, German Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, today opened the first ever European Equality summit and launched the 2007 European Year for Equal Opportunities in Berlin. Vladimír Špidla spoke at the summit highlighting that "Equality of opportunities is a fundamental right and getting everyone to contribute is essential if Europe is to compete on the world stage". He added "I am confident that today's summit and activities throughout the European Year will spark a lively debate on diversity, giving a new impetus to tackling discrimination effectively." See the photo report > Przeglądaj: |
| European Year for Equal Opportunities for All gears up to fuel the debate on diversity Today the 2007 European Year for Equal Opportunities for All (EYEO), which will kick off in Berlin on January 30th at the first ever Equality Summit, launched its new website and published the results of an EU survey on anti-discrimination. The survey - carried out in preparation for the European Year - reveals that over half of Europeans (51%) think that not enough is being done to fight discrimination in their country and a large majority of respondents also feel that discrimination is widespread (64%). Overall, the results confirm that Europeans are ready for change, with a broad majority in favour of adopting measures to promote equal opportunities for all in the field of employment. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF) The opening of economies to international competition brings new opportunities in terms competitiveness and the creation of high-quality jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Winners of the 2006 European Worker’s Mobility Award announced Today, under the banner of the European Year of Workers' Mobility (EYWM), the winners of the 2006 Mobility Awards have been announced at a prize ceremony as part of the official closing event for the Year. In addition to the three main categories: “Individuals”, “Companies” and “Institutions”, a “Special prize of the Jury” for the ‘most promising’ mobility project has also been announced. The purpose of these awards is to reward individuals, companies, and associations who have significantly contributed to improving workers' mobility in 2006, showing the real benefits and challenges of working abroad or changing job. > Przeglądaj: |
| 2006: A boost for workers' mobility, but challenges lie ahead The European Year of Workers' Mobility concludes today with a major event to sum up the achievements of the past twelve months and chart the challenges that still lie ahead. With 2,000 events across Europe, the campaign has raised peoples' awareness of their rights to work in another EU country and how to exercise them, reinforced tools to help them find a job abroad, and highlighted the remaining obstacles to a genuine European job market. The winners of the 2006 European Mobility Awards – which recognise individuals, businesses or institutions that have contributed to geographic or job-to-job mobility during the European Year – will also be announced. As well as presenting the main findings of the Year, the event will examine how to follow them up in 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| Cooperation between employers and trade unions has increasing role in European workplace High quality industrial relations make a significant contribution to economic performance, from company-level to the economy as a whole, says a new European Commission report. The 2006 Industrial Relations in Europe report shows that co-operation between employers and trade unions plays an increasing role in the European workplace and can help to create the right conditions for strong growth. > Przeglądaj: |
| http://ec.europa.eu/eulisses ― information on social security for citizens moving around Europe Maintaining social security rights across European-borders is a central concern of citizens who live and (or) work in a country other than their own. The European Year of Workers’ Mobility 2006 culminates with the launch of the new EUlisses Web portal offering valuable and targeted information on social security pensions. The launch of this new social security portal coincides with the closing conference of the European Year of Workers’ Mobility in Lille on 11–12 December. > Przeglądaj: |
| Forum examines how regions can face up to restructuring Some 400 regional and local leaders, social partners and national representatives have come together in Brussels yesterday and today (4-5 December) to discuss how Europe's regions can make best use of EU funding to adapt to economic change. The third Restructuring Forum – jointly organised by the European Commission and Committee of the Regions – is looking at how dynamic regions can anticipate and embrace change, in particular the crucial role played by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It comes as the European Commission finalises preparations for the 2007-2013 period of structural funding. > Przeglądaj: |
| New employment and social programme aims for PROGRESS Today sees the launch of PROGRESS – the EU's new integrated programme for employment and social solidarity. With a budget of over EUR 700 million for 2007-2013, it will support the goals set out in the Social Agenda and contribute to the Union's wider strategy for jobs and growth. The programme will fund studies, mutual learning, campaigns to raise awareness and support for key actors across five broad areas: employment, social inclusion, working conditions, equality between women and men and tackling discrimination. It also aims to streamline EU spending on social and employment policies while improving their visibility and coherence as a whole. > Przeglądaj: |
| Redundancies at Volkswagen in Forest/Vorst, Belgium – Meeting of the European Commission's Restructuring Taskforce The Commission's interservice "Restructuring Taskforce", chaired by the Employment, social affairs and equal opportunities Directorate General, met today to discuss the job losses announced at the Volkswagen plant in Forest/Vorst. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Špidla meets with Belgian employment Ministers on Volkswagen job losses Today, Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities met with the Belgian regional authorities (*) to discuss how best the European Structural Funds, in particular the European Social Fund (ESF), can offset the negative consequences of the expected decision by the Volkswagen to lay off 4,000 workers. Commissioner Špidla encouraged close cooperation between Commission representatives and the Belgian crisis team. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission launches open debate: Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century The European Commission today launched a broad open public debate on reviewing labour law and adaptation to the modern world of work. The discussion paper will ask Member States, social partners and other stakeholder how labour law at EU and national level can help the job market become more flexible while maximizing security for workers (the 'flexicurity' approach). The consultation will run over a period of four months and its contributions will feed into in the upcoming Commission communication on flexicurity in June 2007. > Przeglądaj: |
| Statement of Commissioners Vladimír Špidla and Danuta Hübner on the redundancies at Volkswagen in Forest/Vorst The Commission is aware of the challenging effect of any large-scale redundancies at Volkswagen plant in Forest/Vorst for the Brussels region and Belgium. Commissioners Vladimír Špidla and Danuta Hübner are especially aware of the difficult situation for workers who loose their jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Corporate Social Responsibility – Benchmarks for Consumers - One-day conference on Monday December 18, 2006 in Brussels Why and how to improve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) testing for consumers? What shared responsibilities come up in ethical consumption? How to articulate CSR and ethical consumption in a free trade economy? > Przeglądaj: |
| OECD LEED Programme (Local Economic and Employment Development ) has launched a call for experts for projects on Designing Local Skills Strategies. The project receives support from the European Commission. Deadline 18th December 2006 > Przeglądaj: |
| EU job situation improves, but new reform push needed to hit 2010 target The employment situation in the EU continued to improve in 2005 despite a temporary slowdown in economic growth, according to the 'Employment in Europe 2006' report, published by the European Commission today. Reforms are producing results. Unemployment in the EU fell by almost half a percentage point (to 8.7% from 9.1% in the previous year) while employment growth almost doubled to 0.9%. Nevertheless, the Union continues to under-perform both in terms of employment and productivity growth in relation to EU targets. A stronger drive to implement comprehensive reforms is a matter of urgency. > Przeglądaj: |
| Europeans ready to meet challenges of job market according to new EU survey A new survey published today reveals that the majority of Europeans have a positive view of the EU's role in employment and social affairs. In addition, three out of four say the European Union impacts positively on access to education and training as well as on job creation and unemployment. The survey results also show that the vast majority [84%] of European workers are confident about keeping their current jobs in the short term, but a similar proportion accepts that a “job for life” is a thing of the past. Most respondents stress the importance of regular training and being able to adapt to a new job. In this respect, many recognise the support of the European Social Fund which helps people to improve their skills and job prospects. > Przeglądaj: |
| The Racial Equality Directive: taking stock The Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) has proved “a major step forward in the fight against racial discrimination across the EU”, according to a new European Commission communication published on 30 October 2006. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU calls on social partners to join the flexicurity debate European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, together with Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and Member States' representatives called on employers' and workers' organisations to participate actively in the debate on flexicurity. The informal Tripartite Social Summit was organised jointly by the Finnish Presidency and the Commission to encourage high-level trade union and employer representatives to examine ways of combining active labour market policies, flexible contractual arrangements, lifelong learning and social protection. It was the first opportunity for the social partners to provide input to discussions on flexicurity at the European level. > Przeglądaj: |
| Five ways to defuse the demographic time bomb Europe's ageing population is an unprecedented challenge for the whole of society, but it is a challenge we must rise to, and we must rise to it now, concludes the European Commission's new Communication on “The demographic future of Europe – from challenge to opportunity". It underlines Member States' ability to meet the challenges of a shrinking workforce and an ageing population. The keys to success are the promotion of demographic renewal, more jobs and longer working lives, higher productivity, integrating migrants and sustainable public finances. > Przeglądaj: |
| Turning European social dialogue into national action – workers and employers implement telework agreement Today, employers and workers representatives – UNICE/UEAPME, ETUC, CEEP- will present Vladimir Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, with the first joint report on the implementation of the framework agreement on telework in Member States and EEA countries. It is the first time that such an agreement has been put in place directly by workers’ and employers’ representatives at national level in an autonomous way (in line with article 139 of the Treaty). Previous EU framework agreements on parental leave, part-time work and fixed term contracts have been implemented by a directive. > Przeglądaj: |
| Corporate Social Responsibility Policies - Promoting Innovation and Competitiveness How can CSR and innovation and competitiveness complement each other ? The Finnish EU Presidency will host on 22nd November 2006 a CSR conference with European experts from government, business and civil society. > Przeglądaj: |
| 'Jobs and Growth' in action – first European-wide Job fair to help citizens exploit new opportunities abroad On 29 and 30 September, over 450 events are taking place simultaneously in nearly 300 European towns and cities as part of the first-ever European-wide job fair. The event, which is being organised under the banner of the EU's European Year of Workers' Mobility (EYWM), will highlight new opportunities for citizens, encouraging them to live and work in other European countries and professions. There will be job fairs in all 25 EU countries, as well as Romania, Bulgaria, Iceland and Norway. Activities include meetings with employers and recruiters, workshops on moving abroad, information points on mobility and access to EURES – the European Job Mobility Portal – and its advisers. > Przeglądaj: |
| The Commission welcomes the launch of the new hospitals' sectoral social dialogue committee Workers' and employers' representatives from the hospital sector - the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers' Association (HOSPEEM) - have launched the 33rd sectoral social dialogue committee with the backing of the European Commission. A growing number of sectors are involved in this partnership approach, contributing to better governance at European level > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission publishes study on ageing and employment What can be done to increase job opportunities for older people and to keep them in employment? A recently published report entitled "Ageing and Employment - Identification of good practice to increase job opportunities and maintain older workers in employment" addresses this issue. The report reflects on good practice, identifies key factors and recommends actions that can be taken at EU, national, company and individual level. The study also gauges the success of the European Employment Strategy, one objective of which is to extend the working lives and increase the employment rates of older workers. > Przeglądaj: |
| ECJ rules against the UK on work time limits The ECJ ruled today (C-484/04) that UK guidelines to explain the application of the Working time directive infringe community law. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Špidla welcomes the Asia-Europe (ASEM) Labour and Employment Ministers debate on fair globalisation Under the German chairmanship, the ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers conference is a first opportunity for Asia and Europe to exchange ideas on the social dimension of globalisation, competitiveness and structural change. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU launches campaign to help prevent asbestos exposure The European Commission is launching a publicity campaign in all 25 Member States to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure. The campaign, which is set to begin September 1, will be accompanied by information and training activities and a practical guide to best practices. > Przeglądaj: |
| Conference: "Workers' mobility – what role for the social partners?" Social partners – as representatives of employers and workers – have a particular role to play in facilitating the mobility of the workforce in Europe, both at cross-industry and sectoral level. In the context of the European Year of Workers' Mobility 2006, the European Commission is organising a one-day conference with employers’ organisations and trade unions in Brussels on 14 September. > Przeglądaj: |
| Diversity truck tours Europe to boost the EU's drive against discrimination The EU's Stop-Discrimination Truck heads off on its third EU tour tomorrow 10 August, travelling through 22 cities in 13 countries to promote equal opportunities in employment. On its four-month journey, the 30-ton mobile information platform will visit job fairs, university career days, youth festivals, and companies to raise awareness of the benefits of a discrimination-free working environment. Among other things, the Truck features a mobile 'Ability Park' which puts visitors' senses to the test to highlight the everyday challenges people with disabilities face. To mark Finland's Presidency of the EU, this year's tour starts in Helsinki. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission is opposed to discrimination against smokers It is a misinterpretation to say that the EU “gives green light to refuse smokers a job”, thinks “discrimination of smokers is ok” or “allows discrimination against smokers” as was invoked by some media. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission wants to hear your experience in requesting information to national authorities on posting of workers If you have been in contact with a liaison office, monitoring authority or other institution in order to get information related to posting of workers, the European Commission wants to hear your experience. You are kindly invited to take a few minutes to answer some questions and possibly give additional comments. Your replies and comments are important for enabling the Commission to assess the situation in all the Member States as regards access to information and administrative cooperation. |
| The European Commission welcomes Italy's decision to lift all restrictions on the free movement of workers Italy decided today to lift restrictions on workers from eight "new Member States". José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission commented” 'I warmly congratulate Italy on its decision to drop restrictions’. > Przeglądaj: |
| 'Jobs and Growth' in action: first European-wide job fair to take place in September More than 250 European towns and cities will take part in the first-ever European-wide job fair on 29 and 30 September. The event, part of the EU's European Year of Workers' Mobility (EYWM), will include a range of activities and opportunities for people to learn about working in other European countries and professions. Jobs fairs will take place in all 25 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Norway, Bulgaria, Romania and Switzerland. Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, will be revealing more details on the fair today, when he will also announce the 2006 worker mobility award. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission adopts key proposals to help
European regions make the most of new Cohesion policy Today in Brussels, Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment Social Affairs and Equal opportunities set out a strategic vision for the new generation of European programmes for the period 2007-2013. The first of two documents, a draft proposal for a Council decision on Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion policy, establishes the priorities for investment under the new programmes in accordance with the European Union's growth and jobs agenda agreed by the Member States in 2005. The second document presented is a Communication on the specific contribution of cities to growth and jobs. In this communication, the Commission offers tools for an integrated urban policy, on the basis of the needs of cities, urban areas and regions. > Przeglądaj: |
| Conference on Long-Term Care to take place September 13th 2006, with a cross Atlantic exchange, to further support the work on challenges and solutions in this field within the Open Method of Coordination on Social Protection Brussels 07-07-2006.As part of the work with long-term care within the Open Method of Coordination on Social Inclusion and Social Protection, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities is organising this conference in Brussels to further support mutual exchange and learning. The conference builds on earlier and ongoing work within the OMC, and the results from the conference will feed into the follow-up of the 2006 National Reports on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion in the autumn. This conference is organised together with AARP, a membership organization for the over 50s, in order to broaden horizons and promote a cross-Atlantic exchange of ideas and experiences in long term care. The conference, which precedes a meeting of the Social Protection Committee (SPC) on the following day, will gather high level representatives and senior officials to highlight common challenges and opportunities, and aim to further develop exchange and dialogue, policy analysis and recommendations. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Commission welcomes adoption by European Parliament of the legislative package for new Cohesion policy Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla welcomed, today in Strasbourg, the adoption of the legal basis for the new ambitious Cohesion policy 2007-2013. The Commissioners called the decision of the European Parliament to adopt the new regulations, a "most satisfying development to the benefit of all European regions; even more so as it is the outcome of hard work through a democratic, inclusive and transparent procedure". The legislation adopted today consists in one general and four specific regulations: the former lays out the common rules in programming, managing, controlling and evaluating the new Cohesion policy; the other four regulations outline specific rules on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund (CF) and the European grouping of territorial co-operation (EGTC), respectively. > Przeglądaj: |
| The Commission welcomes the launch of the steel industry's new sectoral social dialogue committee The steel industry's social partners - the European Metal Workers Federation (EMF) and the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER) - have launched the 32nd sectoral social dialogue committee with the full backing of the European Commission. This new committee will monitor the social, economic and employment consequences of EU policies on the steel sector. It will also examine how structural changes within the steel industry in Europe and worldwide affect employment. > Przeglądaj: |
| 2007 starts today: 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for all' gets green light The European Commission today welcomed the decision by the Council and Parliament to designate 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All'. The year will aim to make Europeans aware of their right not to be discriminated against, to promote equal opportunities in areas from work to healthcare, and to show how diversity makes the EU stronger. The year will have four themes: rights, representation, recognition and respect, with a total budget of €15million for the 12 months' activities. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission promotes 'decent work inthe world' to fight poverty and promote fair globalisation A major push for more action, more coherent policies and better implementation of 'decent work' was launched today by the European Commission. Decent work, meaning more and better jobs with welfare protection, equal opportunities and social dialogue, can help developing countries fight poverty. But it can also help developed countries, improve working and living conditions and pursue appropriate policies as globalisation, technological advances and population trends all change. Today's Commission Communication, entitled ' Promoting decent work in the world', aims to strengthen EU policies and programmes in helping spread decent work both inside and outside the EU. > Przeglądaj: |
| Dutch journalists win this year's 'For Diversity. Against Discrimination' EU press award The first prize of the 'For Diversity. Against Discrimination' journalist award has been won by two Dutch journalists who work for the magazine Vrij Nederland. The winning article deals with ethnic and racial discrimination in the jobs market in The Netherlands. The second and the third prize were won by articles from Poland and Ireland respectively. The award for the photo category also goes to a Dutch journalist of Vrij Nederland. The winners of this year's awards will be officially announced today at a prize ceremony in Brussels by Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission addresses specificities of social services As social services modernise in many EU Member States, often in partnership with the private sector and non-profit organisations, all involved need clarification on how European law affects this evolving situation. A new Communication adopted today by the European Commission addresses this issue and the rapid changes in 'social services of general interest'. The Communication presents for the first time a list of these services' specific characteristics and reviews the support which they receive from various existing community instruments. It also opens up a process of wide consultation, open to all actors of the sectors, Member States, Social Partners, NGOs and operators of social services, through which the Commission will better take into account the specificities of those services when implementing EU legislation. These services differ from country to country, but can include sectors such as social housing, childcare or services towards families and persons in need. However, it does not deal with health services, which will fall under a separate initiative from the Commission. > Przeglądaj: |
| Millions of workers' health to be protected by Europe's first multisector agreement More than 2 million workers in many different sectors across Europe will be covered by the first European multisector agreement to be signed today. It will protect workers exposed to crystalline silica dust, which can lead to silicosis, a potentially fatal lung condition. Silicosis is also linked to other dangerous lung conditions, such as emphysema and lung cancer. Today's agreement aims to reduce workers' exposure to crystalline silica dust through good practice in the workplace. It will be signed by the social partners (trades unions and employers' representatives) in the presence of EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission promotes jobs in services sector: posting of workers – less bureaucratic and quicker The European Commission published today guidance to help Member State governments, businesses and workers understand their rights and obligations when companies post workers from one EU country to work in another. The Communication addresses practical difficulties encountered in implementing the Posted Workers Directive in the Member States. This will help to eliminate any confusion over EU legal requirements and limits when workers are posted and prevent social dumping. > Przeglądaj: |
| Meeting offers last chance to review restrictions on free movement of workers in EU With EU countries just four weeks away from having to decide whether to maintain restrictions on the free movement of workers for a further three years, some of the main players will meet today in Brussels to discuss the issue. EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Spidla, will join representatives of 25 EU governments and national and European trade union and employer representatives (social partners) to discuss the projected decisions, as well as to look forward to how this second phase of restrictions will work. > Przeglądaj: |
| National social partners need bigger role in making Growth and Jobs strategy work, Tripartite Social Summit hears The EU's strategy for more Growth and Jobs needs greater involvement from national social partners (trade unions and employer representatives) the Tripartite Social Summit in Brussels heard today. The Summit, which took place just hours before the European Council meeting of EU leaders, also discussed the social partners new work programme for the next three years in the presence of European Commission President Barroso, Commissioner Spidla, European Council President Schüssel, representatives from the two incoming EU Presidencies, as well as high-level EU and national social partners. > Przeglądaj: |
| EU and Japan discuss globalisation's effects on jobs and workers Meeting the challenges globalisation presents to jobs and workers topped the agenda at an EU-Japan meeting today. Representatives from the European Commission, the Japanese government and social partners (trade unions and employer representatives) discussed how EU and Japanese employment policies and industrial relations can adapt to deal with globalisation's effect on labour markets, restructuring trends and workers' employability. > Przeglądaj: |
| Social Dialogue Conference brings European representatives of 31 sectors together for first time The first sectoral social dialogue conference takes place today in Brussels (Palais d’Egmont), bringing together trade unions and employer representatives from all 31 sectors in the European social dialogue committees. Representatives from sectors such as textiles, agriculture, constructions and chemicals will join Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social affairs and Equal opportunities at the conference. They will discuss the social partners' role in tackling the challenges facing the EU, such as restructuring, skills gaps and changing population trends. > Przeglądaj: |
| Employment and Social Affairs Council Increasing job creation and competitiveness, while safeguarding social cohesion, will be a central theme at the Employment and Social Affairs Council in Brussels on 10 March. Gender equality and the free movement of workers in the EU will also feature on the meeting's agenda. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission to tackle gender inequality with new roadmap and €50 million gender institute Gender inequality in the EU will be tackled by 21 specific activities over the next five years, which are outlined in a new gender equality roadmap published by the European Commission. Proposed Commission activities in the 'Roadmap for equality between men and women 2006-10' include helping set up a new €50 million European institute for gender equality, reviewing all existing EU gender equality law, increasing awareness of gender inequality, ensuring gender equality is considered in all policies and pressing for better statistics. The roadmap aims to, inter alia, tackle the pay gap between men and women, support better work/life balance, eliminate violence and trafficking, support gender budgeting and promote gender equality both within and outside the EU. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission proposes up to €500 million per year for a new European Globalisation adjustment Fund to support workers. EU workers will be helped back to work by a new annual fund of up to €500 million, that could benefit every year up to 50,000 workers in the EU, especially in the regions and sectors hit by major changes in world trade patterns. The new 'European Globalisation adjustment Fund' (EGF), proposed today by the Commission, will provide one-off, time limited individual support for tailor-made services to help, for example, workers affected by globalisation with individual wage allowances, re-training or concrete assistance to find new jobs. > Przeglądaj: |
| Mission to Riga Latvia is another EU Baltic State that can boast of a very high growth (8,5%). However, the overall employment rate (at 62%) remains well below the goals set in the Lisbon Strategy. Due to that Commissioner Vladimir Spidla argued for increased investment into human capital in Riga - next stopover on his "Tour des Capitales”. > Przeglądaj: |
| Mission to Tallin The EU Structural Funds have a major potential to enhance the long-term sustainability of remarkable growth (close to 10%) in Estonia. The investments into human capital represent a key precondition in this field. That was the key message Commissioner Vladimir Spidla presented in Tallin - next stopover on his "Tour des Capitales”. > Przeglądaj: |
| European year of workers' mobility kicks off with one million jobs online Around one million job vacancies throughout the EU will be advertised today on a new job search website, unveiled as part of the launch of the European Year of Workers' Mobility. The website and the Year will be launched by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Commissioner Vladimir Spidla and Austrian Minister for Economics and Labour Martin Bartenstein at the conference 'Workers' mobility: a right, an option, an opportunity?' in Brussels. The year aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of the benefits working in a new country and/or occupation, as well as highlighting how the EU can help workers move. > Przeglądaj: |
| Coherent integration policy needed Commissioner Vladimir Spidla launched new initiative to tackle the ethnic minorities discrimination. To promote their social integration and full participation in the labour market a High Level Group was created. Chaired by Professor Rita Süssmuth, former Speaker of the German Parliament, the group of distinguished experts is to deliver particular policy recommendations by the end of 2007 on how to fight the social exclusion for disadvantaged minorities. The absence of a coherent EU policy in this field, Commissioner Spidla said, is preventing Europe from enjoying the social and economic benefits of ethnic diversity. |
| Commissioner Spidla hosts Ministerial Meeting aimed at strengthening the capacity of public administrations and public services EU Ministers with responsibility for Public Administration and Structural Funds' implementation are meeting today in Brussels to discuss how to avail of European Social Fund (ESF) money to reform and strengthen the institutional capacity of their public administrations and services. The draft ESF Regulation for the period 2007-2013 introduces a new priority which will enable ESF support to be channelled towards improving the efficiency of public administrations and public services. > Przeglądaj: |
| Free movement of workers since the 2004 enlargement had a positive impact A European Commission report published today shows that workers' mobility from the EU Member States in Central and Eastern Europe to EU15 has had mostly positive effects and has been in most countries quantitatively less important than foreseen. Workers from EU10 helped to relieve labour market shortages and contributed to better economic performance in Europe. Countries that have not applied restrictions after May 2004 (UK, Ireland and Sweden) have experienced high economic growth, a drop of unemployment and a rise of employment. As to the 12 EU countries using transitional arrangements, where workers managed to obtain access legally, this has contributed to a smooth integration into the labour market. However, evidence suggests that some of these countries may also have faced undesirable side-effects, such as higher levels of undeclared work and bogus self-employed work. For the EU as a whole, flows of workers have been rather limited. > Przeglądaj: |
| In Prague, on Mobility of Labour The free movement of labour was the main topic of the Visegrad Group Summit held in Prague over the weekend. > Przeglądaj: |
| Mission to Bratislava The European Social Fund has high potential to contribute significantly to ongoing reform of the national labour market. However, Slovakia needs to pay appropriate attention to this financial instrument to get the best of allocated money. > Przeglądaj: |
| Mission to Warsaw The new Polish government faces a real challenge with regard to the social agenda. Major effort is needed to improve the situation on the national labour market. > Przeglądaj: |
| Day in Gironde Commissioner Vladimir Spidla visited the Gironde area in France in order to get a first hand view of projects being carried out at local level with support of European funds, in particular the European Social Fund. > Przeglądaj: |
| Mission to Budapest Hungary made good progress as far as the European Social Fund concerns. However, more effective coordination of the use of EU funds would help to make the best of allocated money. > Przeglądaj: |
| Meeting in Villach EU Social Affairs and Labour Ministers meet informally in Villach to discuss far reaching effects of globalisation, demography trends and technological development on European society. > Przeglądaj: |
| Corporate Social Responsibility fights the unemployment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla launched together with Bill Gates the first Microsoft Project aimed at fighting unemployment in Europe. Starting in Portugal the goal of the project is to provide 20 000 Europeans with new skills by 2010. > Przeglądaj: |
| Transitional Arrangements on the free movement of labour today Commissioner Vladimir Spidla gave an update to the College on the current state of play as regards the assessment of the transitional arrangements on the free movement of labour today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Economic migration in the EU - Commission presents a roadmap on Legal Migration The European Commission adopted today a "Policy Plan on Legal Migration", jointly presented by Commissioner Vladimir Spidla, responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and Vice-President Franco Frattini, responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security. This plan has been developed in order to comply with a request in the Hague Programme, the EU multi-annual work programme in the field of Justice, Freedom and Security. The Hague programme explicitly asked the Commission to present, before the end of 2005, "a policy plan on legal migration, including admission procedures capable of responding promptly to fluctuating demands for migrant labour in the labour market". > Przeglądaj: |
| Finalising the Roadmap To promote the economic independence of women belongs to the key priorities of the actions foreseen within the Roadmap for gender equality Commissioner Vladimir Spidla is finalising recently. Meeting Mrs. Mc Phail, the European Lobby of Women Secretary General, Commissioner Spidla emphasised that the real challenge is to guarantee firm balance between professional and private life of women. > Przeglądaj: |
| Structural Funds in Focus The EU is ready to assist by restructuring Polish agriculture. Any reform in that particular sector has to pay special attention to people. Meeting Mrs. Grazyna Gesicka, Polish Minister for Regional Development, in Brussels Commissioner Vladimir Spidla pointed out just the human resources investments as a key element for any success in this field. Minister Gesicka presented reform plans of the new Polish government, including the simplification of procedures to accelerate money flow between Brussels and Warsaw. |
| Visit to Spain Investing into the human capital represents a crucial factor for growth. This is one of the key messages Commissioner Vladimir Spidla presented in Madrid, next stopover of his Tour des Capitales. Spain experienced major progress in creating new jobs over the last decade. The employment figures increased significantly. However, the unemployment rate still remains above the EU average. To face this challenge successfully three priorities should be met according to Commissioner Spidla: modernisation of the social security system, making labour market more flexible and investing into the human resources. |
| Stop that noise! The European Noise at Work Summit held in Bilbao (Spain) today became the final event of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2005. Giving an opportunity to discuss challenges and future strategies for a better control of noise at work the Summit also provided an overview of the different measures and good practices applied across Europe to tackle this issue. > Przeglądaj: |
| Raising Roma issue to pan-European level An international Conference "Roma Diplomacy: A challenge for the European Union?" was held in Brussels. The 2-days forum organised by ERIO and DiploFoundation in the European Parliament and Committee of Regions premises examined the training options of young Roma rights activists as public diplomats with skills needed to represent their communities. Today, Commissioner Spidla noted in his concluding address to the conference: "The more it will become normal to meet Roma at all levels of society, the more it will be apparent how abnormal and unacceptable it is that so many Roma continue to live at society´ margins." |
| Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, December 8-9, Brussels The Council meeting will take place 8-9 December in Brussels. The Employment and Social Affairs points will be taken on 8 December, beginning at 10h00. The meeting will be chaired by Minister Johnson (working time) and Minister Hutton (all other points). The Commission will be represented by Commissioner Spidla. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission to outline measures to help the 'active inclusion' of people with disabilities in the EU The European Commission will today put forward concrete measures designed to improve the lives of disabled people in the European Union during the 2006-2007 period. The Communication's overall aim is to improve the 'active inclusion' of disabled people through a range of initiatives and measures, including raising disability awareness among small and medium sized companies, reviewing how the European Social Fund can help support employment, training and equal opportunities for disabled people and promoting the concept of independent living for disabled people. These measures will be outlined at European Day of People with Disabilities conference in Brussels. > Przeglądaj: |
| Diversity is fully in line with business Reflecting demographic changes the European business sphere turns towards workforce diversity. Tangible evidence was produced at the UK Presidency Conference "Business Case for Diversity" held in Brussels today. Addressing this gathering of the European business sector high-level representatives Commissioner Vladimir Spidla pointed out that diversity should be understood in all its aspects, including gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion etc. "It is a failure on part of employers if they do not make use of the potential offered by a diverse workforce." Experiences proved that such an approach makes fully commercial sense. |
| 83% of European companies with 'diversity in the workplace' policies see business benefits - Commission report Diversity policies make good business sense say 83% of the companies who have adopted them, a new European Commission survey reveals. The main business benefits include being able to recruit from a wider selection of people, being able to keep better workers longer, improved community relations and an enhanced company image. Yet nearly half of all companies responding to the survey still have to implement a diversity policy. While companies in the north and west of the EU have wider use of and experience in diversity policies, those in southern Europe and the new EU Member States stressed their need for more information on how to develop them. The new report focuses on diversity policies promoting non-discrimination on grounds of ethnic or racial origin, disability, religion or belief, age and sexual orientation in the workplace. > Przeglądaj: |
| Helping economically inactive people back to work Employment may be a viable option even for people inactive due to ill health or disability. Focusing on practical steps at both European and nation levels in this field the conference "Economic Inactivity and Ill Health - Challenges and Solutions" was held in Cardiff. Being one of the key speakers at this two days forum, Commissioner Vladimir Spidla pointed out that this is one of the key aspects in the EU effort to accomplish much greater social cohesion. |
| One year of press activities of Vladimir Spidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Together with the Barroso Commission, Vladimir Spidla completed his first year as Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities today. On this occasion, Commissioner Spidla met the press at an informal reception in Brussels and presented both his achievements so far and plans for 2006. "It is not much about looking back, but about having ambitious plans for the future. Much has been done, but there is much more to be done." > Przeglądaj: |
| ESF Projects Forum In 2000-2006, the federal share of the European Social Fund comes up to some 72 million Euro in Belgium (9%). Today, a special Forum was held in Brussels to present the results of the country programming within this period, including an exhibition introducing all 26 federal ESF projects. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Commission starts the first "Plan D" mission to meet EU citizens in the Czech Republic The European Commission starts the first "Plan D" mission to meet EU citizens in the Czech Republic. President Barroso, vice-resident Margot Wallstrom and Czech Commissioner Vladimir Spidla come together with Czech representatives and citizens in Prague, Pardubice and Most. The visit is part of the "Plan D" project initiated by the Commission to promote the dialog between institutions and citizens of the EU as a follow-up of the referenda on the EU Constitutional Treaty in France and Netherlands. |
| Inter-parliamentary Conference on "Transitional Arrangements for Free Movement of Workers" Commissioner Vladimir Spidla participated in the Inter-parliamentary Conference on "Transitional Arrangements for Free Movement of Workers" held in Prague. As a keynote speaker Commissioner Spidla presented the overall situation within the EU25 and the European Commission role in this area. He said:"The substance of the European integration is the Union of people not objects. Europe where people can not move freely for job remains to be an unfinished business." |
| Under a new European Commission Directive, European citizen can from now on move jobs and country without losing work pension benefits Workers switching jobs or countries will no longer have to worry about substantial loss of work pension benefits under the 'portability of pensions' Directive, proposed by the European Commission today. At present, changing job or country can mean losing occupational pension benefits in some Member States. But today's proposal would mean avoiding major losses and in many cases allowing benefits to transfer with the worker across sectors and countries in the EU. The Directive will help the growing numbers of EU workers who are switching jobs. In the EU15, one worker in three changes jobs every five years and 9% employees change employer each year. > Przeglądaj: |
| New EU report shows active labour policy can increase employment rate despite low growth Economic growth on its own does not increase employment. The right mix of employment and active labour market policies is critical to increase employment rates. The Employment in Europe report published today shows that despite low economic growth the EU's employment rate doubled to 0.6% and its unemployment rate stabilised at around 9% in 2004 on the back of key employment reforms introduced under the European Employment Strategy. Active labour policies are about getting people back into the labour force - they include policies such as lifelong learning, investing in skills and training and personal career coaching. > Przeglądaj: |
| 20 years of European Social Dialogue: Social Partners provide input to the debate on the future of Europe EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso said at today's social dialogue summit in Brussels: "Without solidarity there would not be a European Union. Faced with rapid globalisation, we must work hard, together with our social partners, to renew and strengthen Europe's economic and social models." Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal opportunities, Vladimir Spidla emphasised that the social partners' role has become even more important due to the economic and social challenges facing the EU, such as industrial restructuring and an ageing population. The meeting was an opportunity for the social partners to provide input to the debate on the future of the European social model, which will be discussed at next month's informal EU heads of state summit in the UK. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Spidla kicks off run-in to free labour movement decisions for next three years The process of deciding whether to maintain restrictions on the free movement of workers in the EU for a further three years will begin with a meeting in Brussels today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Directive on optical radiation EU Commissioner for Employment, Social affairs and Equal opportunities, Vladimir Spidla, announced yesterday that he is willing to remove the reference to sunlight from the Directive on optical radiation. The Directive would thus regulate the health and safety of workers only regarding artificial radiation. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Vladimir Spidla signs EU-China agreement EU Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimir Spidla signed the first employment oriented EU-China Memorandum of Understanding with Tian Chengping, the Chinese minister for Labour and Social Security on 5 September. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Commission strengthens dialogue with China on employment and social affairs The EU and China will hold regular meetings and exchanges of information on employment and social affairs issues under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed on Monday, 5 September 2005 at the EU-China summit. The MoU, between the European Commission and the Chinese government, will provide the framework for dialogue on areas such as social protection, social cohesion, labour legislation, employment, labour relations and social dialogue. Each side will visit the other at least once a year in Brussels and Beijing alternately. > Przeglądaj: |
| A better work/family life balance in the EU: either we all help out or we lose out To balance work and family life better, the European Social Model needs to be modernized and the EU's economy needs to pick up. Europe's demographic changes means it needs more children, a higher percentage of working women and care for the increasing number of elderly. The EU can tackle this 'magic triangle' if everyone helps share the burden, through new ways of balancing work/family life. But failure to do so would directly hit Europe's future economic growth, as well as putting a potentially unbearable burden on women's shoulders. President Barroso and Commissioner Spidla will be talking about possible new ways at the Brussels conference 'Confronting demographic changes: a new solidarity between generations', which started today. > Przeglądaj: |
| The European Commission presents the new Community Strategic Guidelines for cohesion, growth and jobs Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, together with Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, yesterday presented a Communication on the Community Strategic Guidelines on economic, social and territorial cohesion. The new Guidelines will establish priorities for the next generation of cohesion policy programmes, helping Member States to focus on key areas for growth and employment. The Commission will propose the Guidelines for formal adoption by Council and European Parliament, once the legal regulations underpinning the new cohesion policy have been adopted. Meanwhile, a public consultation will help to shape the final version. > Przeglądaj: |
| 2006 - the European Year of Workers' mobility The European Commission has named 2006 the European Year for mobility of workers. The year aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of the benefits of both working abroad and in a new occupation. It is the first European year which combines the issues of mobility and workers. > Przeglądaj: |
| Forum on restructuring - Examples of the EU Structural Funds helping people and regions across Europe through the restructuring process. Examples of the EU Structural Funds helping people and regions across Europe through the restructuring process. > Przeglądaj: |
| Signature of the Joint Memorandum on Social Inclusion with Romania Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and the Romanian Minister for Labour, Social Solidarity and the Family, Mr Gheorghe Barbu, today signed the Joint Memorandum on Social Inclusion, the objective of which is to prepare Romania for participation in the European Social Inclusion Strategy. The Memorandum analyses the key political challenges in the social field and makes recommendations for the next steps in the struggle against poverty and social exclusion. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission listens to key actors on a future EU approach to the admission of economic migrants Today the Commission hosts a public hearing on economic migration which will be opened jointly by Vice-President Frattini and Commissioner Spidla. The hearing is a direct follow-up to the Green Paper on an EU approach to managing economic migration which the Commission presented in January this year. The hearing is based on a bottom-up rather than top down approach, bringing together the main stakeholders in this debate, notably trade unions, employers organisations, governments, European Parliament and European Economic and Social Committee, non-governmental organisations, and interested third-countries. > Przeglądaj: |
| 2007 to be "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All" The European Commission has designated 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All' as part of a concerted effort to promote equality and non-discrimination in the EU. The European Year is the centrepiece of a framework strategy designed to ensure that discrimination is effectively tackled, diversity is celebrated and equal opportunities for all are promoted. The strategy is set out in a Communication adopted by the European Commission today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Danuta Hübner and Vladimir Spidla discussed in Luxembourg today the Community priorities for cohesion policy after 2006 European Commissioner for Regional Policy,Mrs Danuta Hübner and European Commissioner, Mr Vladimir Spidla, presented at the Informal Ministerial meeting on Regional Policy and Territorial Cohesion in Luxembourg a reflection paper setting out ideas for future priorities based on the renewed Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs. Today's session covered the Strategic Guidelines for the next generation of regional cohesion programmes for 2007-2013. Tomorrow's session is devoted to territorial cohesion. > Przeglądaj: |
| Austria fails to implement EU race anti-discrimination law The European Court of Justice (ECJ) today ruled that Austria had breached EU law by failing to transpose fully a European Directive prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin (Directive 2000/43/EC). The deadline for EU Member States to transpose this Directive was 19 July 2003 - except for the 10 new Member States, who had to ensure that their legislation complied with the Directives by their accession to the EU on 1 May 2004. > Przeglądaj: |
| French journalists win first EU "For Diversity. Against Discrimination" Award The first prize of the EU Journalist "For Diversity. Against Discrimination" Award has been won by a group of four journalists from France. The winning article "Raciste, l'entreprise?" by the team Pascale-Marie Deschamps, Michel Derenbourg, Claire Aubé and Lionel Steinmann takes a frank look at racial discrimination in the workplace. The second and the third prizes were won by articles from Denmark and Hungary respectively. The three winners will be presented with their prizes of a trip to an EU country of their choice with a tailored journalistic programme by Vladimir Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. > Przeglądaj: |
| Germany has failed to implement EU race anti-discrimination law The European Court of Justice (ECJ) today ruled that Germany had breached EU law by failing to transpose fully a European Directive prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin (Directive 2000/43/EC). The deadline for EU Member States to transpose this Directive was 19 July 2003 - except for the 10 new Member States, who had to ensure that their legislation complied with the Directives by their accession to the EU on 1 May 2004. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Špidla hails launch of "Stop that Noise" Campaign Vladimir Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, today hailed the launch of the Europe-wide "Stop that Noise" campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks of excessive noise at work. New EU rules will set a new, lower limit of 87 decibels for workers' daily exposure to noise from next year. More than 13 million workers, not only in heavy industry but also in sectors such as services, education and entertainment, are thought to have suffered impaired hearing at work. > Przeglądaj: |
| Employment Week The 12th Employment week conference and exhibition in Brussels on April 12-14 will focus on the review of the EU's Lisbon jobs and growth strategy and the European Social Fund (ESF). Taking place at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, the event will provide a one stop shop on employment, economic development and training. > Przeglądaj: |
| Equipping people for change: Commission proposes over 11bn euro to help EU workers and regions affected by restructuring The European Commission aims to allocate up to 11.3bn euro to people and regions affected by economic change. Faced with a future of intense global competition, the European Union needs effective policies in place to equip individuals to cope with change, promote new enterprise in areas affected by economic change and to anticipate restructuring. The Commission has put forward a proposal to strengthen social dialogue, streamline existing policies, increase funding and refocus existing funding. > Przeglądaj: |
| Getting people into work: Commission reveals results from 5.5bn innovation programme at Warsaw EQUAL-Conference On February 25, the results of over 1,300 innovation partnerships were unveiled at the 'Free movement of good ideas' conference in Warsaw. The results were achieved under the EU's 5.5bn euro EQUAL programme, which aims to find new ways of getting people into work by challenging existing obstacles. The European Commission, which co-financed the projects, presented an analysis of the new successful innovations and lessons learned. > Przeglądaj: |
| Social partners strongly support the Commission's Lisbon Strategy The European Commission today received strong support from the Social partners (UNICE/UEAPME and CEEP for the employers and ETUC/CEC/Eurocadres for the trade unions) for the review of its Lisbon strategy, which highlights the importance of jobs and growth in the EU. The European Tripartite Social Summit in Brussels was held together with representatives of the European Commission and of the present and future EU Presidencies. > Przeglądaj: |
| Europe's population is getting older. How will this affect us and what should we do about it? The EU is facing unprecedented demographic changes that will have a major impact on the whole of society. Figures in the Green Paper on Demographic Change launched today by the Commission show that from now until 2030 the EU will lack 20.8 million (6.8 per cent) people (*) of working age. In 2030 roughly two active people (15-65) will have to take care of one inactive person (65+). And Europe will have 18 million children and young people fewer than today. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Spidla and President Barroso meet with the European social partners The European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, and Commisioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla, met with the European social partners (UNICE, CEEP, UEAPME for the employers and CES/ ETUC for the employees) today in Brussels. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commission proposes Institute for Gender Equality Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, today announced that a new European Institute for Gender Equality will be set up to support the EU institutions and the Member States in promoting equality between women and men and combating sex discrimination. > Przeglądaj: |
| International Women's Day 2005: Is the role and perception of Woman in the European Union changing? For the sixth time the Commission will join in with NGOs, the European Parliament and other institutions around the world to celebrate the International Women's Day. > Przeglądaj: |
| Getting people into work: Commission to reveal results from 5.5bn innovation programme The results of over 1,300 innovation partnerships will be unveiled at the 'Free movement of good ideas' conference in Warsaw tomorrow. The results were achieved under the EU's 5.5bn EQUAL euro programme, which aims to find new ways of getting people into work by challenging existing obstacles. The European Commission, which co-financed the projects, will be presenting an analysis of the new successful innovations and lessons learned. > Przeglądaj: |
| Finland and Luxembourg are found guilty of failing to implement EU race anti-discrimination law The European Court of Justice (ECJ) today ruled that Finland and Luxembourg had breached EU law by failing to transpose fully an European Directive prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin (Directive 2000/43/EC). The deadline for EU Member States to transpose this Directive was 19 July 2003 - except for the 10 new Member States, who had to ensure that their legislation complied with the Directives by EU accession on 1 May 2004. > Przeglądaj: |
| Rail transport sector: Vladimir Spidla puts forward proposal on working conditions for railway staff that cross borders Vladimir Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities, this week hailed a proposal for a directive laying down specific rules for working time, driving time and rest periods for railway staff who operate on the rail network of at least two Member States and cross borders during their working day. The directive enshrines an agreement reached last year by EU-level employers' and workers' representatives. > Przeglądaj: |
| The new Social Agenda: an essential pillar of the new growth and jobs strategy The Commission today launched its new Social Agenda for modernising Europe's social model under the revamped Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs. The new agenda focuses on providing jobs and equal opportunities for all and ensuring that the benefits of the EU's growth and jobs drive reach everyone in society. By modernising labour markets and social protection systems, it will help people seize the opportunities created by international competition, technological advances and changing population patterns while protecting the most vulnerable in society. > Przeglądaj: |
| Commissioner Spidla emphasises that the fight for gender equality must go on Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Spidla, today expressed his thanks to the Luxembourg Presidency for organising the Beijing+10 Conference with the support of the Commission. > Przeglądaj: |
| Member States need to embrace reform more decisively to create more growth and jobs, Commission reports show - Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion Progress was made in the last few years to complete the European Union's single market and improve the conditions for business, but much more needs to be done to increase the bloc's competitiveness through sounder public finances, more active labour policies, more productive investment - including in knowledge - and more integrated markets, in order to step up economic growth and job creation whilst protecting our environment. These conclusions were drawn in key reports looking at the implementation of multi-annual targets for the economy as a whole and the internal market, employment and environment in particular. The reports or "Implementation Package", will feed into the forthcoming mid-term review of the EU's Lisbon strategy and the Commission's report to the Spring European Council in March. > Przeglądaj: |
| Member States need to embrace reform more decisively to create more growth and jobs, Commission reports show - Joint Employment Report (JER) Progress was made in the last few years to complete the European Union's single market and improve the conditions for business, but much more needs to be done to increase the bloc's competitiveness through sounder public finances, more active labour policies, more productive investment - including in knowledge - and more integrated markets, in order to step up economic growth and job creation whilst protecting our environment. These conclusions were drawn in key reports looking at the implementation of multi-annual targets for the economy as a whole and the internal market, employment and environment in particular. The reports or "Implementation Package", will feed into the forthcoming mid-term review of the EU's Lisbon strategy and the Commission's report to the Spring European Council in March. > Przeglądaj: |
| Brussels seminar to focus on EU contribution to UN social development debate The European Commission, in cooperation with the Luxemburg Presidency of the EU, is organising the 'Promoting social development for all' seminar in Brussels on 13 and 14 January. The event will help prepare the EU's contribution to the United Nations' forthcoming review of its Copenhagen Plan on social development initiated 10 years ago, which focused on alleviation of poverty, employment and social integration. > Przeglądaj: |