SOC Section: Conference - The European social model

JOINT CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE (EESC) AND THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO)

THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL MODEL

26-27 JUNE 2006

EESC HEAD QUARTERS
BÂTIMENT JACQUES DELORS, RUE BELLIARD 99, 1040 BRUXELLES

PRESENTATION OF THE CONFERENCE

This first joint conference of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva is the first concrete step in the implementation of a protocol of cooperation between the two organisations signed on 1 st December 2005. Both parties believe that a better understanding and appreciation of the European Social Model as an integral part of European society is of utmost importance not only for the European Union but for the whole world. This is particularly true when it comes to issues like social justice, social protection, equal opportunities and minimum social and labour standards – all of which are crucial for people's well being and sustainable economic progress. Many of these values are reflected in the international labour standards of the ILO. The second objective of the conference is to contribute significantly to the substance of the EESC's biennial conference on "European Identity" which will take place on 18 and 19 September 2006 in Brussels . As the Committee promotes awareness that the cultural and the social dimensions, built on typical European values, objectives, institutions and practice, play a key role in forging and strengthening European identity, the outcome of the conference is of particular interest The premise is that one can indeed speak about a "European Social Model" despite the fact that within the European Union there are a number of distinct national welfare systems. These differences represent a rich "biodiversity" which contributes to Europe's high capacity to deal with change and new challenges in a flexible and creative manner. European "diversity in unity" is based on shared concepts of European society and policy-making. Among these, of particular importance are the notions of fundamental economic and social rights, social justice and solidarity, social integration and social cohesion, decent work as a means to secure economic and social progress, services of general interest and social market economy, as well as those of dialogue, participation and good governance. Europeans believe that there is an intrinsic positive correlation between social investment and economic performance and that the quality of social protection, education and working conditions largely determines the success of the economy. This is an integral part of European sustainable development strategies in which the well-being of people, the protection of the natural environment and the preservation of opportunities for future generations must be the overall objectives of policies. The European social model provides the evidence and a guiding example to the rest of the world that policies for balanced economic and social development generate sustainable growth and progress at all levels. In spite of the prevailing problems and challenges it is confronted with, the strong and dynamic social dimension of the process of European integration has been a cornerstone of an advanced society which promotes productive employment, decent work and social protection as the most effective ways of combating poverty and social exclusion. The preservation and consolidation of this European model is crucial, not only for the continued welfare of European citizens but also for the promotion of socially responsible policies in other parts of the world. The originality of the conference lies in the fact that the "European Model of Society" with its specific social values and its particular identity will be examined critically from a European perspective as well as from the outside. The differences in perception and judgement will be of special interest and stimulate further ideas and debates. The central guiding questions will be "What can Europe be particularly proud of?" and "What, beyond economics, can Europe contribute to the development and cohesion of the world?"

Programme:

CONTRIBUTIONS

Anne-Marie Sigmund	Opening address
Kari Tapiola	European Identity and the European Social Model - The global perspective, in the light of the report of the World Commision on the Social Dimensions of Globalization
Evelyne Pichenot	Comments
Kari Tapiola	Strenghtening the European Social Model as a productive factor - the role of international labour standards
Dirk Jarré	The European Social Model seen from the outside
Friedrich Buttler	Perspectives
Henri Malosse	Can the European Social Model become an asset for Europe?
Ernst Erik Ehnmark	Conclusions

DISCUSSION GROUPS

Dominique Peccoud	Access for everyone to decent work?
Vladimíra Drbalová	Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Eva Belabed	European socio-economic performance in a globalized world
Jan Olsson	Governance, dialogue and participation

OTHER DOCUMENTS

European Social Model (EESC own-initiative opinion adopted on 6 July 2006)
Rapporteur: Ernst Erik Ehnmark