• EU Reform Treaty: Statement by the ETUC

    EU Reform Treaty: Statement by the ETUC

    Lisbon, 17-18/10/2007 1. The ETUC regrets the unambitious nature of much of the EU Reform Treaty. There was a real opportunity to revive social Europe by extending qualified majority voting and by extending the competences of the Union to control the dark side of globalisation and rampant financial capitalism. What we have instead is a series of modest adjustments to the EU’s framework of rules, which will have only a limited impact on the process of deepening Europe’s capacity to act decisively in the world.
    Document Published on 26.10.2007
  • On the Communication "Global Europe: competing in the world"

    On the Communication "Global Europe: competing in the world"

    Brussels, 7-8 December 2006 I. Introduction 1. On 4 October 2006, the Commission published a Communication entitled "Global Europe: competing in the world", welcomed by the General Affairs council of 12 November 2006. That text proposes that EU external trade policy be reoriented through a number of initiatives to be given effect late in 2006 and early in 2007. The ETUC wishes to set out in this resolution the position it has already expressed in a press release and at two conferences organised by the Trade Commissioner.
    Document Published on 06.12.2006
  • The European Qualifications Framework

    The European Qualifications Framework

    Brussels, 18-19 October 2006 Introduction The European Commission has recently adopted a proposal for a ‘Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF)'. The EQF is designed to create common references to help the Member States, enterprises and citizens to compare the certifications issued by the various European education and training systems.
    Document Published on 31.10.2006
  • Social Services of General Interest (ETUC response to the Commission's communication)

    Social Services of General Interest (ETUC response to the Commission's communication)

    Brussels, 18-19 October 2006 1. On 26 April 2006, the Commission published its communication “Implementing the Community Lisbon programme: Social services of general interest in the European Union” (COM (2006) 177 final). The communication is a follow-up to the White Paper on Services of General Interest (COM (2004) 374) of 12 May 2004 and the survey that followed.
    Document Published on 27.10.2006
  • Restructuring - ETUC's comments: Anticipating and accompanying restructuring in order to develop employment: the role of the European Union

    Restructuring - ETUC's comments: Anticipating and accompanying restructuring in order to develop employment: the role of the European Union

    Brussels, 14-15/06/2005 {{ {Introductory remarks } }} In its Communication, the European Commission deals with the questions of restructuring and employment and at the same time launches the second phase of consultation of the European social partners on company restructuring and European Works Councils.
    Document Published on 06.07.2006
  • Europe needs a better monetary policy regime

    Europe needs a better monetary policy regime

    Brussels, 06-07 June 2006 ETUC resolution on monetary policy, economic recovery, wage and labour market flexibility in the euro area 1. Background. The euro area is finding itself in a challenging economic and social situation: - While business confidence indicators have shown improvement over recent months, the consensus amongst economic forecasters (IMF, Commission, OECD) is that growth will weaken again in 2007 and will remain too modest.
    Document Published on 08.06.2006
  • A priority for the European Union : Access for all to Quality Healthcare

    A priority for the European Union : Access for all to Quality Healthcare

    Brussels, 09-10 October 2002 {{1. Current landscape: health care systems in the European Union and the candidate countries are increasingly affected by policies carried out at European level }}{{ { } }}1.1. Although health care systems are considered as a national competence, especially as regards their organisation and financing, they are increasingly affected by “European policies”. 1.2. It is not our intention to review all European policies having an impact on health care systems, however we wish to underscore the following points:
    Document Published on 09.10.2002