"(...) However, the PES ministers are disappointed about the lack of concrete proposals to balance social, employment and budgetary objectives. Nicolas Schmit, Luxemburgish Minister for Employment and Chairperson of the PES Social Ministers Network, explained: “We have proposed to introduce a separate employment and social scoreboard to be able to assess the performance of Member States on reducing inequalities. Unfortunately, Barroso and other conservative Commissioners are blocking this proposal. In a detailed proposal for a Social Union we have developed concrete measures to strengthen the social dimension of the EMU, to adopt a Social Progress Pact and to introduce common social standards, for example a living wage for all Europeans. With the introduction of a genuine EMU, the time is ripe to introduce a Social Union. We call on the conservative governments in the European Council to take up these ideas and to finally propose the necessary measures to improve the life of all our citizens. We as PES Ministers for Social Affairs and Employment, in close cooperation with Commissioner Laszlo Andor and the S&D Group in the European Parliament will continue to push for a more social Europe.” (...) Following a concerted strategy, PES ministers will meet again on 3 July, in order to prepare the round table on youth unemployment, convened by Angela Merkel in Berlin. This will be the next chance to make real progress on reducing youth unemployment and giving the EU a more human face."
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:22:23 +0000