EMPLOYMENT and social welfare are to come under the spotlight of a new working group to the Convention charged with drawing up blueprints for a new constitution for the EU after enlargement in 2004 after members responded to pressure from unions, welfare groups - and a few far-sighted politicians.
The decision, announced by Convention president Valerie Giscard d'Istaing, was taken after a broad consensus emerged amongst Convention members to support a cross-party call for the working group.
London4s Green MEP Jean Lambert welcomed the decision. "This is fantastic news," she said. "Greens in Europe have been seeking the views of employers, unions and organisations working on social issues for some time, and we have heard the same message over and over again - if it is to be more than simply a market any new constitution must give the European Union a human face by placing social issues and workers' rights on a level footing with trade liberalisation and employers' interests.
"This is not only excellent news for the thousands in Eastern Europe who will suffer job losses and social upheaval in the name of efficiency and closer integration, but for the EU as a whole.
"By responding to pressure to include the social dimension in its constitutional review, the Convention stands a chance of restoring public confidence in a union that risked losing touch with its citizens."
The new working group is due to be rubber-stamped by the Convention's 'Presidium' and could begin hearing evidence from unions and citizens' groups before the end of the year.
ENDS
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