News
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05/03/2007
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.
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02/03/2007
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.
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01/03/2007
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.
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01/03/2007
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.
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21/02/2007
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.
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19/02/2007
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.
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19/02/2007
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.
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19/02/2007
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.
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07/02/2007
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.
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30/01/2007
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