French employment minister outlines social agenda for EU Presidency
Published: 27 June 2000
On 26 May 2000, the French Minister for Employment and Solidarity, Martine Aubry, set out the priorities of the French Presidency of the European Council which covers the second half of 2000 (FR0006167N [1]). In her presentation to French MP s and MEP s, she stated that the French Presidency would focus on social affairs. To this end, Ms Aubry proposed a European summit on social exclusion to be organised in Paris with the aim of:[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/french-eu-presidency-sets-out-social-policy-agenda
In May 2000, the French Minister for Employment and Solidarity, Martine Aubry, outlined the priorities for the French EU Presidency which begins on 1 July 2000. Ms Aubry stated that the Presidency will have a social focus and proposed a European summit on social exclusion. She also pledged that the draft Directive to combat racial discrimination would be adopted during the French Presidency.
On 26 May 2000, the French Minister for Employment and Solidarity, Martine Aubry, set out the priorities of the French Presidency of the European Council which covers the second half of 2000 (FR0006167N). In her presentation to French MP s and MEP s, she stated that the French Presidency would focus on social affairs. To this end, Ms Aubry proposed a European summit on social exclusion to be organised in Paris with the aim of:
setting targets in the fight against exclusion;
setting targets for lowering the number of people living in poverty; and
establishing indicators relating to access to healthcare and housing.
Ms Aubry also pledged that the draft Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment in all areas of life, regardless of racial or ethnic origin (EU9912318F) would be adopted during the French Presidency. The European Parliament approved the text with a number of amendments on 18 June 2000 and the Council of Ministers looks likely to be able to make progress in this area quite quickly (EU0005250F).
Ms Aubry also stated that she hoped that Member States' National Action Plans on employment would be improved to focus on the quality of jobs, while tackling job insecurity and ensuring improved working conditions. She also proposed strengthening the EU Employment Guidelines relating to adaptability as a means of providing security for workers involved in flexible working arrangements.
Further, Ms Aubry announced that a report on the development of social protection and retirement schemes will be presented at the European Council in Nice in December 2000.
Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.
Eurofound (2000), French employment minister outlines social agenda for EU Presidency, article.
