Press release, 28 August 2002

The Foundation Forum 2002 : Setting clear goals for a common European social model

'As a European social model emerges, issues ranging from regulation and the state's involvement to job creation need to be addressed. The Foundation Forum is a platform where such issues can be discussed in an open and frank manner,' says the Foundation Director Raymond-Pierre Bodin. 'The increasingly important role of the social partners as drivers of legislation in regard to living and working conditions needs also to be addressed.'

Over 200 high-level European policy makers and politicians will gather at Dublin Castle on August 29-30 for the Foundation Forum 2002, "Europe makes a difference - Challenges for the European Social Model". The Foundation Forum 2002 draw together decision-makers, relevant thinkers and other key speakers in the socio-economic policy field to discuss how to tackle issues like globalisation, enlargement, and technological change challenging the European social model.

The Foundation Forum 2002 is organised by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the Dublin-based EU agency, with support of the Irish Government. The event will be inaugurated by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern TD, EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou and Raymond-Pierre Bodin, Director of the European Foundation.

The Foundation Forum will also hear the vision of young people about tomorrow's Europe.

Note to editors

The European Foundation is a tripartite EU body, whose role is to provide key actors in social policy making with findings, knowledge and advice drawn from comparative research. The Foundation was established by Council Regulation EEC No 1365/75 of 26 May 1975.

Further information is available from www.eurofound.europa.eu/about/foundatio_forum.htm

The Foundation press officer Måns Mårtensson is available on phone +353-1-204 3124 or +353-876-593 507 or email at mans.martensson@eurofound.europa.eu