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Brussels, 03.07.2002

The Convention must ensure Europe for all citizens

The Constitution must grant the capacity to act in the area of social affairs

Luxembourg / Brussels, 03-07-2002
In a conversation with Prime Minister Jean-Claude Junker, the European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) welcomed the increasing political work carried out by the Convention on the future of the European Union. With the background of the clearly visible difficulties of the European Council in reaching a consensus on important questions of European Policy (for example the agricultural policy) in the last meeting in Seville, the hearing of the representatives of the civil society with regard to the convention or in the European Economic and Social Committee provided a positive counterpoint.

In the areas of social affairs, the environment, human rights, development, university, working groups, culture, as well as regional and local bodies, both the social partners and representatives from the corresponding NGOs made it clear that they want more Europe, not less. The EUCDW is involved in this debate on the Forum that is created by the Convention. Together with the other organisations of the European People's Party, it demands that the reformed European Union not be merely reduced to a domestic market. If it wants to be accepted by all citizens in the long term, it must also have greater powers of action in the area of social policy.

Therefore, the Charter on Fundamental Rights is an important element that must be included in the contract as a basic, legally binding requirement for all citizens.

Furthermore, in the international or supranational dimensions, the Union must also be capable of playing a more active role in social, environmental and healthcare policy, as well as in fighting discrimination.

With respect to employment policy, the Union co-ordinates the policies of the Member States according to the procedures of European employment policy guidelines, by which the responsibility for tackling unemployment ultimately lies with the Member States.

The main responsibility for social security lies with the Member States themselves. The EUCDW welcomes the fact that the Member States are exchanging their experiences and "best practices" at the European level. According to the principle of subsidiarity, the Union must also assume responsibilities in this area, which the Member States cannot fully address on their own.

The European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) consists of 23 workers' organisations from 15 countries and is an association of the European People's Party (EPP).

responsible: Luc Delanghe, President.

EUCDW
European Union of Christian Democratic Workers
c/o EPP, Rue du Commerce / Handelsstraat 10
B-1000 Brussels

E-mail: EUCDW

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