Restructuring
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- Agriculture in the Europe of 25 portal
This website of the Directorate General for Agriculture is a portal providing up-to-date information on the agricultural situation in the new Member States. Access is given to documents, studies and reports, fact sheets, country information and conference proceedings. This portal takes over the function of the still existing ‘Agriculture and enlargement’ website that will no longer be updated.
- Analysis of support measures for business creation following restructuring
Traditionally, restructuring processes were considered to be mainly about job losses. However, in recent years, increasing attention has been paid to new business creation following restructuring. This report analyses, in detail, the critical elements that positively and negatively affect business creation and entrepreneurship following economic restructuring. It also provides examples of and strategies for business creation initiatives following restructuring in companies in six European Union Member States, identifying some important lessons to be learnt from these case studies.
- Automation and integration of production processes in shipbuilding
The report investigates how the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding industry could be increased with a new organisation of production, in particular rationalisation as well as horizontal and vertical integration, and with new production technologies, especially automation. It also attempts at making short- as well as long-term suggestions.
- Business creation as a result of restructuring processes
‘Business creation as a result of restructuring processes’ is the theme of the forthcoming EMCC company network seminar, which will be held at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in Dublin, Ireland, on 17-18 November 2005. The seminar will highlight the findings of a recent EMCC study, which explored alternative and socially responsible ways of carrying out restructuring processes. It will focus on innovative practices leading to job creation, sustainable business strategies and partnership-based approaches. Four company case examples will offer an insight into unconventional restructuring procedures covering different companies, sectors and regions.
- Business creation as a result of restructuring processes
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discussed the topic of business creation arising from restructuring processes. The seminar was held at the Foundation’s Conference Centre in Dublin, Ireland on 17-18 November 2005. Some six companies - JT Morgan (UK), Valnalón (Spain), Otto GmbH & Co KG (Germany), Kluwer & Compotex (Netherlands), Pomerania Shipyard Ltd (Poland) and France Télécom (France) - offered an insight into their restructuring procedures, which had led to the creation of start-up businesses and hence succeeded in offsetting negative employment effects. In an active and lively debate, 48 participants from a range of European countries exchanged experiences and knowledge of job creation initiatives as a result of business restructuring processes.
- CSR Magazine
An online quarterly magazine on issues relating to corporate social responsibility, produced by CSR Europe, the business network whose aim is to promote CSR among companies. Its contents include articles on the latest developments, with profiles of particular companies and their policies and reviews of recent books.
- Car sector portal
This portal by the European Commission’s DG Competition provides a comprehensive overview of legislation related to car sales and servicing. In particular, it focuses on regulation 1400/2002, commonly referred to as new motor vehicle block exemption, and car price differentials monitoring within the EU. The portal links to official legal texts, explanatory notes, press releases and relevant research and studies.
- Chemicals portal
This portal by the Directorate General Enterprise serves as a hub for a wealth of chemicals-related information. Of particular note are the links relating to legislation, databases and the 'Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals’ (REACH) programme. Included is the text of the White Paper outlining the European Commission's proposal for regulating the chemical industry within the EU.
- Collective Bargaining Europe
A website managed by the European Trade Union Institute, which provides information on recent developments in collective bargaining in Europe. It contains country reports on bargaining developments from all EU countries and some of the candidate countries.
- Company restructuring: Ericsson Microwave Systems
In 2003, Ericsson Microwave Systems faced the situation of a predicted sharp decline in activity in the period ahead. The company’s business model was based on the development and manufacture of sensors, services and information network solutions for the Swedish National Defence, alongside its selling of proven products and services to the export market. The first activity was strongly linked to national defence expenditure, which was expected to decline steeply in 2004-2005. The Ericsson Microwave Systems’ division had the challenge of reducing its employee numbers by 25%, which meant cutting 500 of the 2,000 jobs that existed in 2003. This case study analyses how, in 2003-2004, Ericsson Microwave Systems created and implemented a ‘competence shift process’, which aimed to reduce the total headcount of the division by almost 25%, without using traditional large-scale lay-off methods.
- Company restructuring: The Danish Steel Works
Iron and steel production belong to the traditional industries in Denmark, although this industry has not been a dominant player in the European market. Nonetheless, changes in the sector at European level over the last 20 years have negatively impacted on the industry in Denmark and contributed to the poor economic situation of the Danish Steel Works at the beginning of this decade. In June 2002, it became evident that the company would have to cease operations. This case study documents the context and details of the closure of the Steel Works, including actions taken at local and national level, and presents the restructured enterprise, DanSteel, that subsequently emerged.
- Company restructuring: The Danish Steel Works
Iron and steel production belong to the traditional industries in Denmark, although this industry has not been a dominant player in the European market. Nonetheless, changes in the sector at European level over the last 20 years have negatively impacted on the industry in Denmark and contributed to the poor economic situation of the Danish Steel Works at the beginning of this decade. In June 2002, it became evident that the company would have to cease operations. This case study documents the context and details of the closure of the Steel Works, including actions taken at local and national level, and presents the restructured enterprise, DanSteel, that subsequently emerged.
- Competitiveness of the chemical industry sector in central and eastern European countries
This study reviews how the industry in the candidate countries, Bulgaria and Romania, will be able to cope with the competitive pressure of EU membership. The study encompasses a national review of the chemical industry in 10 central and eastern European countries. The national reviews provide a profile of the chemical industry, and data on privatisation and foreign direct investment in the respective countries.
- Consolidation in the financial sector
This report on restructuring in the financial services sector and its potential effects covers the 11 G10 nations plus Australia and Spain. It addresses the key aspects of financial consolidation and the potential effects of consolidation on monetary policy in a variety of areas including financial risk, monetary policy, competition and credit flows, and payment and settlement systems.
- Construction portal
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission is entirely dedicated to construction. The main EU objectives for the construction industry are the improvement of competitiveness through sustainable development and provision of support to acceding Members States. The portal provides access to several sections, including: CE marking; internal market and competitiveness, all in turn leading to relevant research, publications and legislation.
- ConsultingCentral.com portal
ConsultingCentral.com is a commercial portal targeted at the consulting industry and offering publications on sale from Kennedy Information. Available documents include newsletters, research reports, conferences, the consulting magazine, books and directories. Although these products are expensive, executive summaries are often accessible for free.
- Corporate social responsibility in France, Germany, Hungary and the United Kingdom
These 12 case studies look at how European companies are developing models of best practice in the field of working and employment conditions and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The companies selected are from four countries - France, Germany, Hungary and the United Kingdom - and cover sectors as diverse as the automotive, chemical, financial services, post and telecommunications, petrochemical and steel sectors. Restructuring and subcontracting were two specific issues highlighted in all case studies.
- Corporate restructuring and research and development: A panel data analysis for the chemical industry
This study deals with the effect of restructuring on research and development investment in the chemical industry. It is based on data collected between 1987-1997 from 535 companies of Europe, Japan and North America. According to the results, restructuring is an important component in changes in research and development (R&D) spending in the chemical industry, although variations across the chemical industry’s segments exist.
- Corporate restructuring and R&D: A panel data analysis for the chemical industry
This study deals with the effect of restructuring on research and development (R&D) investment in the chemical industry. It is based on data collected between 1987-1997 from 535 companies of North America, Europe and Japan. The main finding is that restructuring is an important component of changes in R&D spending in the chemical industry, although variations across the chemical industry’s segments exist.
- DG Enterprise, European Commission
Within the European Commission, the Enterprise Directorate-General is responsible for developing policies and action designed to help create a favourable climate for business and entrepreneurship in the European Union. DG Enterprise has a special focus on SMEs and follows developments across a wide range of sectors.
- Digital delivery of business services
This OECD paper looks at the digital delivery of business services including the business consulting services, recruitment and human resource development. Software and IT services are the leaders in digital delivery, but all other business services use it as well, mainly for document exchange and customer service. Some services have a high potential, but the speed and extent of their development will depend on technological, educational and governmental factors.
- ECaTT - Benchmarking progress on electronic commerce and new methods of work
An information project funded by the European Commission which provides information about new working methods in electronic commerce, with a special focus on practices, projects and schemes across the European Union.
- EMCC dossier on the crisis in the steel sector
On 13 February 2003 the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution on the crisis in the steel sector and the measures to be taken at Community level. This was against the background of Arcelor's announcement of restructuring plans throughout the group's continental sites. The Parliament calls on the Commission and EU Member States to promote innovation in this sector and to develop new actions aimed at specialisation as well as quality. This EMCC dossier outlines the background to the EP resolution through a series of links providing a wide range of information on the crisis, its developments, as well as some case studies of the sector.
- EMCC dossier on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) - Additional sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) that may be of interest to the reader.
- EMCC dossier on the European food and beverage sector - Further sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on the European food and beverage sector that may be of interest to the reader.
- EMCC dossier on industrial restructuring
Industrial restructuring is a striking feature of Europe's economic landscape today. There is wide agreement among employees, social partner organisations and policymakers at all levels that the way industrial restructuring is managed can, and must be improved. A rich body of policy initiatives, conceptual material and practical experience is available, identifying the main issues and challenges governing industrial restructuring. This EMCC dossier aims at presenting a selection of relevant data sources in a systematic way. It reveals the principles of, and various approaches to, corporate restructuring. A series of links provide access to a wide variety of relevant information sources.
- EMCC dossier on the European food and beverage sector
The European food and beverage sector is faced with an unprecedented number of challenges today, leading to an increase in restructuring activity across the EU. These developments are primarily driven by the need to enhance competitiveness and address local and global changes affecting the industry. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping the sector. The information is mainly drawn from recent and original EMCC research, including a sector mapping report, company and cluster studies, future scenarios and foresight work.
- EMCC dossier on the financial services sector
The recent financial crisis has brought to light the serious challenges that the European financial services sector is facing. What are the prospects of a viable, more resilient financial industry emerging from the crisis? To answer this question, we need to look at the economic trends in the banking and insurance industries and examine the results of the debate on the regulation of financial markets. Also, a look at the business models that are applied in the different segments of the financial sector as a response to the crisis can help to map the future of the sector. From the present viewpoint, it appears very probable that different approaches will compete in the near future and there will be no clear decision about which is the superior model. The coming years will be a period of testing at the business level as well as at the level of public regulation.
- EMCC dossier on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS)
The so-called ‘knowledge economy’ has given way to a whole range of new professional activities and occupations referred to as Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). This emerging sector is regarded as a fundamental contributor to EU competitiveness, largely due to its key role in providing non-core services to companies across the economic spectrum. Although a relatively young and unknown sector, its contribution to employment and growth across the EU in the coming years is expected to be paramount in the context of achieving the goals of the Lisbon Agenda. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping KIBS and draws mainly on recent and original EMCC research, including a sector mapping report, company and cluster studies, future scenarios and foresight work.
- EMERGENCE project
3-year research project into the shifts in the location of employment in ICT between EU regions and globally funded under the Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme of the European Commission's Fifth Framework Programme.
- Employment effects of mergers and acquisitions in commerce
This report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) served as the basis for discussions at its tripartite meeting on the ‘Employment effects of mergers and acquisitions in commerce’, held in Geneva on 7-11 April 2003. The report examines the key factors and characteristics of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the commerce sector worldwide. In particular, it looks at the effects on employment and social dialogue, citing a number of recent cases of M&As in the European commerce sector.
- Energy sector reform and macroeconomic adjustment in a transition economy: The case of Romania
This 2003 discussion paper, by the International Monetary Fund, reviews the issues faced during the transition process while describing the major features of the Romanian energy sector. It then analyses their macroeconomic dimension and proposes improvement measures to existing pricing and subsidy policies, and to collection and financial practices.
- Euro-Telework
Euro-Telework is a website which contains more than fifty contracts and collective agreements in the area of telework across the European Union. The database provides the full texts of agreements and other documents in their original language and gives access to background papers and other resources in the area of telework.
- European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies is a partnership between the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe, other international organisations, national governments, and academic bodies. Its portal provides access to a wide range of health-related information, including newsletters, news, articles, books, studies, reports and policy briefs. Its Secretariat is based in the WHO Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries
Based in Brussels, Belgium, and established in 1976, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (Eurofer) represents European steel companies and national federations that account for almost entire steel production at EU15 level. Besides representing the common interests of its members in the dialogue with European and international institutions, Eurofer produces publications, position papers and statistics on steel.
- European transport forum
The European Transport Forum (ETF) is an initiative promoted by an independent consulting group. Started in 2003, the ETF portal provides access to a wide range of information, strictly related to the European transport industry and including official documents by European institutions, news, statistics, studies and reports. Information may be retrieved by aggregation on a transport mode basis.
- European eBusiness market watch
eBusiness W@tch is measuring eCommerce among enterprises, sectors and countries. It is a sectoral tool, monitoring and assessing the maturity of electronic business in 15 European industry sectors. The findings are published in regular sectoral reports and newsletters, while a database of key eBusiness indicators allows for sector and country comparisons. Particular emphasis is given to the SME dimension of eBusiness.
- Europe’s Information Society portal
This European Commission portal by DG Information Society constitutes the gateway to information related to Information Society issues. Through a thematic structure, it provides links to news, projects, publications, policies and activities on all priority sub-sectors of the eEurope action plan, namely: eGovernment; eBusiness; eLearning; environment; eHealth; communications, content and research.
- European Investment Bank papers
The European Investment Bank (EIB) papers are the result of detailed research carried out by EIB staff together with contributions from external scholars and specialists. The papers date back to 1996 and are a reliable source of analysis and data with regard to the past, present and future of the European financial environment. Each study is subdivided into different chapters addressing various aspects related to the main theme.
- European Commission trade issues portal
This trade-dedicated portal by DG Trade contains information and links about multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and agreements, DG Trade being responsible for the implementation of the external trade policy of the European Union. The portal provides in depth information on all relevant issues, such as globalisation, key developments in selected sectors and their implications for external trade.
- European Trade Union Institute
The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) is a research institute founded in 1978 on the initiative of the European Trade Union Confederation. The ETUI provides research findings in the areas of europeanisation of industrial relations and employment, labour market and social policy.
- European contractors survey
This survey includes information on the construction market forecasts. Its sources are Euroconstruct, the pan-European construction forecasting body, and the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC). It includes: key economic data; a survey of the leading European contractors; region by region information and a review of the previous year based on the headlines made by the construction industry.
- Framework agreement on telework
This European-level framework agreement on telework is a landmark achievement in social dialogue, heralding a new form of work organisation. The declared goal of the agreement is to achieve a balance between flexibility and security. This is the first agreement between the European social partners to be implemented by national member organisations.
- Future of Europe's aerospace industry
This document is a conference report on the future of the European aerospace industry, which was organised by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) in May 2003. The conference dealt with current challenges, such as restructuring, and with the future prospects for the European aerospace industry.
- Gentlemen's dispute or bar room brawl?
This report by PricewaterhouseCoopers analyses the consequences of the block exemption regulation (BER) governing the way in which vehicle manufacturers distribute their products in Europe. The regulation will affect every sector of the European automotive industry: carmakers; dealers; technology suppliers; spare parts producers; repairers; used cars as well as consumers.
- Gibt es einen europaspezifischen Entwicklungsweg in der Automobilindustrie?
This dicussion paper, published by the Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB), examines the hypothesis of a distinctive European-based model for the automotive industry. It assesses the supporting and undermining arguments of such a model, and concludes by agreeing on the course of action taken in the restructuring of the supplier industry. While acknowledging that the recent positive developments in Europe’s automotive sector owe much to this restructuring process, the article points out some of the risks associated with it.
- Globalisation of the automobile industry - traditional locations under pressure?
This study analyses how globalisation - in the form of increasing integration of low-income countries in Asia, Latin America, and southern and central Europe into the global division of labour - has placed increasing competitive pressures on traditional automobile producing countries such as Germany, Japan and the United States. It also looks at the effects of these pressures.
- ICT and eBusiness in the food, beverages and tobacco industry
According to the first eBusiness Market Watch newsletter of July 2002, the EU is the world’s largest producer in the food industry. Major changes in the industry are expected from deregulation, food safety and antitrust laws, biological production and new standards for genetically modified foods. Concerning eCommerce in the industry, company websites are marketing-oriented with a limited interactivity while new eBusiness solutions for the food industry are being enforced backwards from the big retailers.
- Internet in a transition economy: Hungary case study
A comprehensive report on the telecommunications sector in Hungary, focussing on the Internet market, its origins, developments and main features in terms of content, tariffs, access and regulations. The report also reviews the degree of incorporation of information technologies in government, education, health and eBusiness activities.
- Job rotation: European models
A report, based on a recent Finnish survey on job rotation in the European Union, examines the operating environment of job rotation and the implementation of projects in 14 Member States. The survey was carried out within the framework of the 'Renewing professional skills through job rotation' (Potkuri) project and partly financed by the 'Adapt' initiative.
- Key developments in the agri-food chain and on restructuring and privatisation in the CEE candidate countries
This report provides an overview of recent developments and trends within the food industries of eight new Member States and two candidate countries, Bulgaria and Romania. It is structured into three main parts: a comparative analysis of trends related to the structure and performance of the sector; country profiles; and a tabular presentation of a wide range of indicators, with 1999 values and trends over the period 1995-1999.
- Labour market and social policies in the Baltic countries
This OECD report analyses and provides recommendations on the restructuring of labour law, labour market policies, pension reform, long-term care of the elderly and social assistance benefits in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Although they have successfully moved on to an open market, the three Baltic states still face problems with restructuring, the main difficulty, according to the report, being in the appropriate choice of sequencing and timing of reforms.
- Lavoro flessibile: Che cosa pensano davvero imprenditori e manage
The report 'Lavoro flessibile: Che cosa pensano davvero imprenditori e manage' (Flexible work: What do entrepreneurs and managers really think?) presents the results of a research survey on labour flexibility carried out in Italy on the basis of interviews with 500 businesses. It offers a different perspective on flexible work organisation, looking at the characteristics of flexible work and the reasons for using this kind of labour, through a direct approach to entrepreneurs and managers.
- Long-term Consequences of Displacement and Extraordinary Labour Market
What are the long-term effects of extraordinary labour market policy at plant closure? What are the long-term consequences of involuntary job loss? Those two main research questions are underlying a research, done by Donald Storrie, Marcus Eliason and Henry Ohlsson, focusing on the follow up of mass redundancies in the companies LKAB-Malmfälten mine and Uddevalla shipyard in 1987-88.
- Main policy areas in eBusiness and ICT portal
A major goal of the Directorate General Enterprise of the European Commission is to create a favourable environment for eBusiness. This portal is fully dedicated to eCommerce and ICT. It presents and discusses the main policy areas of the EU concerning the promotion of eCommerce. It also contains links to news, documents, studies and reports and to other European Union eCommerce related sites.
- Managing large-scale restructuring: Barclays
Increasing competition in the financial services sector means that many banks are at risk of closure or are being forced to merge with other financial institutions. One of the leading financial services companies in the world, Barclays has managed to stay competitive in a difficult market, due to the development of the organisation's global strategy and operating model. For Barclays, this strategy involves minimising costs and improving customer services, which has led the company, since 2003, to offshore many of its back-office posts to lower-cost countries, such as India. This case study describes the driving forces to offshore in a corporate and socially responsible way, as well as the implementation of the offshoring agreement in Barclays.
- Managing change in EU cross-border mergers and acquisitions
The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions organised a company network seminar on November 29–30, 2007, hosted by Santander at its corporate headquarters in Madrid, Spain. In intensive discussions over the two days, 32 representatives from companies, trade unions, universities, research organisations and the European Commission discussed the management of change in EU cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M& A). The context was set by a presentation from Roderick Meiklejohn from the European Commission’s Directorate General of Economics and Finance, giving the latest evidence of trends in M&A in Europe. This was followed by detailed presentations of their M&A strategies by representatives of Air France / KLM (France, Netherlands), Impress (Netherlands, UK), Danske Bank / National Irish Bank (Denmark, Ireland), Schneider Electric (France) and Santander /Abbey (Spain, UK)
- Managing large-scale restructuring: The cases of Danone-Saiwa and Moulinex
Under pressure from economic and financial globalisation, French-based food group, Danone, and electrical household appliance manufacturer, Moulinex, announced large-scale restructuring in 2001. Danone decided to rationalise its European biscuit production facilities which led to the closure of the Saiwa factory in Locate Triulzi, Italy, while Moulinex filed for bankruptcy following an unsuccessful company recovery plan. The two case studies explore the decision-making process accompanying the restructuring, outline the positive aspects and highlight the initiatives underway for economic redevelopment of the regions concerned.
- Managing large-scale restructuring: Michelin Stoke-on-Trent
Tyre production is not an industry traditionally associated with the Stoke-on-Trent industrial area of the West Midlands in the United Kingdom. However, following the arrival of the French-based tyre manufacturer Michelin in the late 1920s, the company soon became one of the region's major employers. In the 1980s and late 1990s, Michelin recognised the need to restructure its Stoke manufacturing plant, aiming at reducing production costs and remaining competitive. However, in August 2000, the French mother company announced the closure of operations at Stoke, due to high overheads and deteriorating market conditions. This case study documents the restructuring process and its implementation, leading to the closure of the Michelin Stoke plant. It also looks at the social and economic measures taken by the company to manage the closure in a socially responsible way.
- Managing restructuring report
This policy paper by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) analyses the restructuring process of the European metal and machinery industries, and makes suggestions on how to manage it in a socially acceptable manner. It calls for an active involvement of workers and their trade unions in all phases of the process.
- Managing restructuring: the Vermondoise Group of sugar refineries
In light of the abolition of quotas and the opening up of the European sugar market to poorer sugar-producing countries, EU sugar producers have to readjust their market strategy. The French Vermondoise Group of sugar refineries has tried to anticipate these changes since the end of the 1990s, by announcing a restructuring of its operations. This case study of the Vermondoise Group of sugar refineries outlines the context and details of the closure of its Beauchamps refinery in northern France, including actions taken at local, regional and national level.
- Managing large-scale restructuring: Swedish Postal Services
Few industries have experienced such fundamental changes as the postal services since the 1990s. This case study examines the downsizing strategy of the Swedish Postal Services, Posten AB, which is an example of a long-term and ongoing restructuring process. It focuses on the development of the Futurum Programme in 2000, a separate outplacement service of Posten, which aims to facilitate a faster and smoother restructuring process. There are clear benefits to each participating employee and hence the negative effects associated with long dismissal notices are minimised.
- Measuring Globalisation 2001
The impact of FDI on jobs, sales and trade
- Mergers in Europe (DOME) database
The DOME database was created at the Kiel Institute of World Economics in order to improve the data source for empirical research on mergers in Europe. The database contains information on more than a thousand merger cases, which have been under examination by the European Commission since 1990.
- Milk and milk processing industry in Lithuania: An analysis of horizontal and vertical integration
This paper analyses the evolution of the restructuring and re-orientation processes of the Lithuanian dairy sector, focusing on the two aspects of product quality and chain management. Major developments in production, consumption and foreign trade since the beginning of the 1990s are summarised, tendencies towards vertical and horizontal integration of the milk processing industry segment are reviewed and case studies presented.
- New market opportunities for construction: summary
This is a summary of the Euroconstruct analysis of June 2003, produced by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies and its European partners. According to it, housing and business construction will continue to drop until 2004 and will recover in 2005. Despite bleak prospects new opportunities are developing for the European construction industry due to the new Members' strong growth in the construction of new transport infrastructure.
- OECD trade directorate portal
This is the OECD website dedicated to trade. OECD aims at a strong framework of international rules for trade, which will contribute to further trade liberalisation. This portal offers links to statistics, country information and numerous publications categorised as follows: consultation with civil society organisations; export credits; trade and agriculture; trade and competition; trade and environment; trade policy; and trade policy dialogue.
- Offshore outsourcing of business services
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored corporate strategies related to the offshore outsourcing of business services. The seminar ‘Offshore outsourcing of business services - threat or opportunity?’ was held in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17-18 March 2005. Four companies - Elcoteq-Personalijuht (Estonia), Siemens Business Services (SBS, Ireland), T-Systems (Austria) and ABN AMRO (the Netherlands) - presented their company strategies and an assessment of their experiences with offshore outsourcing. In an active and lively debate, 45 participants from 16 EU Member States discussed the conditions, impact, limits and policy implications of this business strategy.
- Open Society Institute
The Open Society Institute (OSI) is a private foundation based in New York, United States. It was established by George Soros in 1993 to support the democratisation process of eastern European countries and of the foundations previously established in this region. OSI and the developed network of foundations promote programmes and activities in several sectors including economy, education, human rights, media and communications, public health, arts and culture.
- Overview of the leather industry
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission, provides an overview of the leather industry, including: statistics (structural data, external trade, live animals); industrial and trade policies; directives; a discussion about the impacts of EU enlargement; industry specific contacts with links; as well as relevant documents and publications.
- Partnership-based approaches to learning in the context of restructuring - case studies from the European steel and metal sectors
This paper describes the concept of ‘learning partnerships’ aimed at increasing workers’ skills in the European steel and metal sectors. Recent years have seen a considerable increase in the number of these partnerships as a consequence of restructuring in the European steel and metal industry. This, in turn, resulted in increasing requirements for employee skills. The article is based on research conducted in seven European countries.
- REACTE
Information collected as part of the REACTE programme co-financed by the European Commission to support SMEs under the European Structural Funds.
- Regional development in the Nordic countries 2002
This report offers an analysis of current regional developments and policies in the Nordic countries, providing a comprehensive picture of recent policy trends and initiatives It also includes an assessment of the impact of EU-funded cross-border, interregional and transnational co-operation programmes on the economic and demographic development of the different countries.
- Regulatory authorities in south-east Europe
This report is part of the stability pact for south-eastern Europe, and focuses on the role of the regulatory systems within the restructuring of the energy and telecommunications sectors of south-eastern European countries. Both policy and institutional issues are addressed; an overview of the utility sectors in these and other OECD countries is provided, together with a description of existing regulatory authorities in terms of resources, independence, accountability and coordination.
- Regulatory reform in Poland: From transition to new regulatory challenges in the postal and energy sectors
This report is one of a series prepared by the OECD within the framework of its regulatory reform programme. It provides an overview of Poland’s postal and energy sectors. The latter is analysed in four segments: oil, coal, electricity and gas. This country review also includes recommendations for the future development of the competition framework of these sectors.
- Restructuring for growth and job creation
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored company strategies for business growth and how these are related to job creation. The seminar ‘Restructuring for growth and job creation’ was held in Stockholm, Sweden on 11-12 June 2003. Four companies from France, Italy, Norway and Sweden, representing different sectors (pharmaceutical, construction, graphic arts, transport logistics), presented their approach and experience to an audience of 25 participants from eight different EU Member States.
- Restructuring of large companies in Slovakia
This study investigates how and why the majority of large Slovak companies successfully restructured without the help of foreign investors or a government restructuring programme, despite the fact that many of these companies were initially classified as 'non-viable loss makers'. The study is based on 21 case studies of large Slovak companies.
- Shipbuilding and ship repair sectors in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia
This study, published around 2000, assesses the effects of European Union accession for five of the then acceding countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) and evaluates the present and future competitive advantage of the shipbuilding and ship repair industries in these countries.
- Slovakian health insurance system and the potential role for private health insurance: Policy challenges
This paper by the OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs reviews the Slovakian healthcare system and its restructuring process. It also provides a preliminary assessment of the impact of government reforms, in particular on the health insurance system, and discusses conditions that may lead to the development of private health insurances.
- Strategy for the electronic industry until 2010
This report by the Polish Ministry of the Economy describes the Polish government’s strategy for the electronics industry, adopted in 2003. The report provides a detailed description of the electronic sector in Poland and describes the government’s objectives and proposed course of action for the development of the sector.
- Strategy-based lean production systems in the motor industry
This discussion paper analyses the present situation and future prospects of the Japanese automotive industry. Particular attention is paid to lean production systems (which have been identified as a reason for the success of the Japanese automotive industry), adaptation to environmental changes (such as globalisation) and the future of production technology and work organisation.
- Structural changes in the German metalworking and electrical industries
This study assesses the profound structural changes affecting work in the German metalworking and electrical industries and examines the ways in which employers and employees have responded to them. The study is based on a representative survey. The website provides a brief summary of the study (in German), the full study being available through the ‘Gesamtmetall’ public relations department free of charge.
- Success stories: Profiles of projects in Europe
A website of the European Commission containing over 500 examples of economic and social development projects that have been carried out with the support of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.
- Textiles portal
This is the World Trade Organisation (WTO) portal on textiles. Trade in textiles is experiencing major changes, the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) - the import quota system which has been valid since the 1960s - is being lifted as of 1 January 2005. The WTO textiles portal presents a historic overview of trade agreements on textiles, links for basic trade information, links to reports and documents on the sector and to existing disputes.
- Textiles and clothing strategy group
This is an overview of the textiles and clothing industry by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It contains basic information about the industry and useful links for the leather, carpet, footwear, textiles and clothing sectors. The site also provides links to two interesting studies on national strategies as well as a comparative review of the British and Italian industries.
- Textiles and clothing industry portal
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission provides an overview of the textiles and clothing industry, including: statistics (structural data, external trade); industrial and trade policies; and directives. It also offers a discussion about the impacts of EU enlargement, industry specific contacts and links, as well as a number of relevant documents and publications.
- The Basel II accord
This article summarises the Basel II accord and the eventual financial impact on business structure in Continental Europe. The Basel II accord will force companies in financial difficulties to generate financial resources on the equity market.
- The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Banking and Insurance Sector
A report of a conference in 2000 organised by UNI-Europa Finance Sector
- The Observatory of European SMEs
A series of reports on SME-related issues published periodically carried out by ENSR (the European Network for SME Research)
- The World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance and consists of five distinct institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
- The energy sector reform and macroeconomic adjustment in a transition economy: The case of Romania
This paper, while describing the major features of the Romanian energy sector, reviews the issues faced during the transition process. It then analyses the macroeconomic dimension and proposes improvement measures to existing pricing and subsidy policies, and to collection and financial practices.
- The future of telecommunications - still in Europe?
Anticipating change in the telecoms sector, and the implications for employment, was the subject of a two-day workshop, organised by the European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) in Montpellier, France, on 26-27 May 2005. Policymakers and representatives from the social partners attended the event, which benefited from significant participation from the new Member States. Led by expert speakers, the participants examined the sector’s key drivers and trends, and looked at scenarios likely to shape future development. Assessing the possible implications for the industry’s structure, as well as for employment and working conditions, the workshop highlighted a number of issues for private and public sector actors.
- The impact of best available techniques (BAT) on the competitiveness of European industry
The Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive requires Member States to issue operating permits based on the availability of certain best available techniques (BAT). This paper by the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) discusses the effects of BAT on three industries by comparing the competitive situation of plants that have adopted the BAT required for the industry with those that have not.
- TransFair and HVB Profil: The internal organisation of Hypovereinsbank’s placement and temporary work agency
This case study examines the decision by HypoVereinsbank (HVB) - one of Germany’s leading banks - to set up the internal placement and temporary work unit, known as TransFair, and to introduce HVB Profil GmbH as a subsidiary, as part of its restructuring activities. Reduction in personnel has been particularly linked to both internal restructuring and to rationalisation measures that evolved, following the merger of two German banks to form the HypoVereinsbank and its subsequent merger with the Bank Austria Creditanstalt, in 1997 and 2000-2001 respectively.
- Transnationale.org
An online service reporting on the behaviour and activities of multinational corporations around the world
- Transnational Corporations Observatory
Transnational Corporations Observatory is a non-profit organisation based in France which provides information on 9500 companies around the world with a focus on their environmental and social behaviour.
- UNICE
The Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations in Europe (UNICE) represents member organisations from 27 European countries. Founded over 40 years ago and based in Brussels, UNICE is the main horizontal European organisation of employers' federations.
- White Paper on the strategy for a future chemicals policy
The document contains proposals for the development of a future EU chemicals policy, with the main focus on sustainable development. Key points addressed include: chemical properties, chemical control (REACH system), the role of the industry, and the classification and labelling of substances.
- Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored sustainable strategies related to the implementation of new forms of work organisation. The seminar ‘Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work’ was held in Bologna, Italy, on 27-28 June 2005. Four companies - Volvo Cars Ghent (Belgium), HERA (Italy), the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (the Netherlands) and Grundfos (Denmark) - presented their company strategies and assessed the experiences they had made in terms of workplace innovations. In an active and lively debate, 48 participants from 15 EU Member States discussed the conditions, impact, limitations and policy implications of changing work systems.
- World Trade Organisation
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was established in 1995 as a successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Its objective is to ensure free, fair and predictable trade. It is a multilateral forum to negotiate trade agreements and a place for settlement of trade disputes. The WTO agreements constitute the legal ground-rules for international commerce.
- eEurope+: Final progress report
The eEurope+ Action Plan is a collective action launched in 2001 by the then 13 candidate countries, mirroring the same priority objectives and targets as the eEurope Action Plan launched in 2000. The report summarises progress made under eEurope+ and makes recommendations for the future. All new Member States have made significant progress in ICT infrastructure and usage since 2001 but they are still well below the current average level of the EU15 Member States.
EMCC is a project of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.
Page last updated: 12 October, 2010