WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4075/97 by Concepció FERRER to the Commission. SMUs and the extraordinary Council meeting in Luxembourg
C 310/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 9. 10. 98 What action does the European Union intend to take in response to this major problem, particularly in view of the recent decision by the Luxembourg Unemployment Summit, which clearly expressed its determination to take concerted action to reduce unemployment within the EU? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1998) The Commission is perfectly aware of the social and economic importance of tobacco production in Europe, particularly in Greece. It has therefore proposed in its report on the common organisation of the market in raw tobacco (1) that Community aid should continue. The aid scheme is to continue, however it will have to be radically altered to encourage production of better quality tobacco. The Commission will very shortly present to the Council and Parliament a draft Regulation making the changes envisaged in its report. (1) COM(96) 554 final. (98/C 310/13) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4075/97 by Concepcio· Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998) Subject: SMUs and the extraordinary Council meeting in Luxembourg The Commission did not include representatives of small and medium-sized undertakings in the preparation of its guidelines for the extraordinary European Council on employment. SMUs are, however, having to face particular challenges as a result of economic globalization. SMUs also have an important role to play in the Union in job creation. Can the Commission state what measures it intends to take to include SMUs in the preparation of policies concerning them? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (12 March 1998) Several European social partner organisations with small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) membership took part in the process leading up to the adoption of the 1998 employment guidelines. As members of the standing committee on employment, or as part of the employersí delegation to the informal meetings between the social partners and the steering group of the employment and labour market committee, the main European organisationsí representatives for SMEs had the occasion to express their views on the content of the guidelines and their contributions to the process. The social partners at all levels have been given explicit roles in the implementation of the employment guidelines. The Commission communication of 1 October 1997 on the employment guidelines (1), the European Council conclusions from the extraordinary summit on employment in Luxembourg 20-21 November 1997 and the Council Resolution of 15 December 1997 on the 1998 employment guidelines all emphasised that the social partners at all levels will be involved and will have their contribution to make to the implementation of the guidelines, especially those relating to adaptability and employability within the Community. The Member States are currently preparing these employment action plans and the social partners are expected to play an important role in the process. At European level the meetings of the above mentioned committees will continue to provide for a dialogue, and, furthermore the Commission will continue to consult the social partners on policy and legislative proposals in the social policy field including the initiatives emerging from the employment process. (1) COM(97) 497 final