The unheard of EU agreement that matters in our lives

I am sure that most Europeans have never heard of the so-called “intergrated guidelines” despite the fact that they are essential in the coordination of the 28 EU countries’ economic, employment and social policies. They are currently being revised and will be adopted in the coming weeks: four economic guidelines and four employment ones, which also include a guideline on social inclusion, poverty and equal opportunities.

Most people have never heard of them because they are not debated publicly; the European Commission produced the first draft, then member states will endorse them and for the first time the European Parliament’s report on them – to which we have submitted amendments – will have a real chance to be taken into account. Beyond European circles and far away from Brussels, they will have a real impact on our lives:

  • People will hear from their governments the need for structural reform of social spending, public services and the labour market. This is enshrined in the integrated guidelines and the Commission will monitor each country’s actions to ensure these reforms. We are concerned that ill-conceived reforms will undermine the EU’s recovery in both economic and social terms.
  • We know from experience that, once adopted, the integrated guidelines will determine the key actions to be taken by the Commission, the Parliament and member states. The guidelines are going to be the blueprint for any EU action in the economic, employment and social spheres.

This is why, despite the fact that they are not publicly debated, we want to influence them – for a socially just recovery. We have made and will continue to make an extra effort to ensure that our key priorities are included in the guidelines. This includes “quality” employment, social inclusion and combatting poverty, the universality of services as well as their affordability, accessiblity and quality – especially at time when more and more people need them and have fewer financial resources. We want to make sure that social protection systems are there to promote the social inclusion of all and their ability to participate in society.

The European Parliament will present its amendements to the guidelines in July and the Council – through the Employment Committee (EMCO) -will then consider them. Even if people don’t hear about the integrated guidelines, we know that they are important and we will fight for better policies for the benefit of all.

Let’s engage!

Pierre Baussand