Press Release
François Biltgen receives a delegation from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

Date of release : 30-03-2005

Policy area : Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs

The current President of the Employment and Social Affairs Council (EPSCO) of the European Union, François Biltgen, the Minister for Labour and Employment, received a delegation from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), led by Mr Henri Malosse, President of the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship of the EESC.

The meeting took place between the Spring Summit and the informal meeting of Ministers for Labour and Employment of the European Union which will be held in Luxembourg from 7 to 9 April 2005.

The discussions focussed on assessing the conclusions of the European Council in March, especially as regards the review of the Lisbon Strategy, with particular emphasis on the European Youth Pact.

François Biltgen emphasised that the review of the Lisbon Strategy prevented it from becoming an exclusively economic strategy and allowed the balance between the three pillars equally important pillars to be maintained, including social cohesion. He also emphasised the importance of better governance, which should be translated into partnerships for change. Only an improved approach in the areas of governance and communication will allow the Lisbon Strategy and the positive results it will yield to be truly visible and acceptable for all European citizens. The EESC, for its part, presented its ideas in the areas in which it will make a particularly significant contribution.

The delegations have continued to map out the state of the difficult task facing the Luxembourg Presidency on the directive proposal concerning certain aspects of the reform of working hours. The upcoming opinions by the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee will be important parameters with regard to defining the orientation of the work of the Presidency from now until the EPSCO Council in June.

Lastly, François Biltgen stated his expectations for the informal meeting of Ministers for Labour and Employment of the European Union next week. The talks will focus on the advance preparation and management of restructuring and will treat in particular the Communication of the Commission on this subject, which will be adopted in principle on 31 March 2005.