High-level expert group launched to discuss industrial change
Published: 27 January 1998
In January 1998, the European Commission launched a "high-level expert group" to analyse industrial change in the European Union. The group was formed in response to one of the European Council's conclusions [1] at the Employment Summit [2] held in Luxembourg in November 1997 (EU9711168F [3]). The European Council considered that "particular attention should be given to sectors undergoing major industrial change". More specifically, it called for the setting up of a high-level expert group to analyse likely industrial changes in the Community and to look into ways of anticipating them better, so as to ensure a positive and coordinated approach to their economic and social consequences.[1] http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/elm/summit/en/papers/concl.htm[2] http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/elm/summit/en/home.htm[3] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/undefined/employment-summit-agrees-limited-package-of-measures-to-combat-unemployment
In line with the conclusions of the Luxembourg Employment Summit in November 1997, the European Commission launched a high-level expert group charged with analysing industrial change and its impact in January 1998. Members of the group were selected on the basis of their experience with large-scale industrial restructuring.
In January 1998, the European Commission launched a "high-level expert group" to analyse industrial change in the European Union. The group was formed in response to one of the European Council's conclusions at the Employment Summit held in Luxembourg in November 1997 (EU9711168F). The European Council considered that "particular attention should be given to sectors undergoing major industrial change". More specifically, it called for the setting up of a high-level expert group to analyse likely industrial changes in the Community and to look into ways of anticipating them better, so as to ensure a positive and coordinated approach to their economic and social consequences.
The new group will be chaired by Pehr G Gyllenhammar who is currently the chair designate of Commercial Union plc and senior adviser to Lazard Frères & Co Commission PresidentJacques Santer and social affairs Commissioner Pádraig Flynn, in agreement with industry Commissioner Martin Bangemann, have appointed the members of the expert group with the aim of representing a cross-section of people centrally involved in industrial restructuring, who have in-depth experience in anticipating and responding to the social and economic consequences of restructuring. The group includes former ministers, academics, and individuals from business and trade union backgrounds.
The group will be responsible for analysing industrial change and the impact of this change across the range of industrial sectors. From this analysis, the group is expected to make recommendations for measures or policy instruments which can deal effectively with the changes, while at the same time promoting the key goals of employment, competitiveness and economic growth.
The group will also examine the contribution of the social dialogue and the impact of public policies (such as structural funds and state aids) in accommodating and alleviating the social and economic impact of industrial change.
After consultation with the social partners, a first report is expected to be submitted to the Council for subsequent submission to the Cardiff European Council in June 1998.
Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.
Eurofound (1998), High-level expert group launched to discuss industrial change, article.
