Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-09-02-Speech-2-029"
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"en.20080902.4.2-029"2
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"Mr President, the Commission may have carried out a slick public relations exercise with its 'package' presentation of texts which are very different in nature and quality, but ultimately it has exercised its right of initiative on matters of major importance. It is moving in the right direction and we should applaud that.
So the ball is back in our court and above all perhaps in the Council's. Everyone knows that Parliament will be quite tough and will look to produce innovative texts that reflect the needs of Europe's citizens. Will the same be true of the Council? It is perhaps doubtful, as we know. I hope they will listen to you, Minister.
Bombastic talk that produces only ambiguous and non-binding texts seriously undermines the credibility of the work we do. Let us take three examples among many.
I have long been one of those calling for an overall directive against all forms of discrimination. For that we should take as the basis the Lynne report of May 2008, which is far more ambitious than the Commission proposal.
Second example: works councils. We shall take care to ensure that the text clarifies their international powers and responsibilities. Consultation of the social partners is increasingly crucial in the case of restructuring operations by concerns which operate in more than one EU country. We shall make sure that the workforce is consulted in advance of any restructuring and that works councils are able to give their views on matters which are often highly technical.
Third example: social services of general interest. We have wasted enough time here. Operatives in this field are confused. There is huge legal uncertainty, damaging the quality of services that are essential to cohesion in our societies. And here we are, about to waste another year. It is irresponsible.
To me this is proof that the Commission's work, which appears to cover a broad sweep of areas of activity, is not good enough because it knowingly disregards certain essential points.
I will end by insisting that the social package should be just one step along the way. I am convinced that the open coordination method has gone as far as it can in some areas. We must resolve to go for more cooperation but also more harmonisation, wherever possible."@en1
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