Conference on the 20th Anniversary of the Community Charter for Fundamental Social Rights, organized by the European Economic and Social Committee and Notre Europe.

Four panels discussed different topics related to social rights for workers throughout Europe.

The EESC: historical context and its key role
Panel members:

• Marjorie Jouen (advisor to Notre Europe)
• Bruno Vever (ex EESC member, Employers Group)
• Georges Dassis (EESC member, Salaries Group)
• Johannes Jaschick (ex EESC member, Various Activities Group)

The main outcomes of this panel are:

• 11 countries (all EU countries but the UK) adopted the charter in 1989; it was the start of social work on a European scale.
• The social capital in Europe is unequalled.
• Social rights might/will get worse due to the crisis. Anticipated actions should be taken.
• Without the Community Charter the social crisis might have been worse. Before the existence of the Charter employers would lay off workers. Nowadays, with the existence of the Charter companies maintain workers as far as possible.
• Europe has to improve socially but also in terms of civilization.

The impact of the 1989 Community Charter and the social action programme: taking stock 20 years later
Panel members:

• Georges Dassis (EESC member, Salaries Group)
• Vasso Papandreou (ex European Commissioner for Social Affairs)
• Emilio Gabaglio (ex Secretary General of ETUC)
• Michel Mercadie (Social Platform)

The main outcomes of this panel are:

• The first time consumer´s rights were mentioned was in the Coal and Steel Treaty; in the Treaty of Rome no mention was made.
• Demographic changes will bring along that the workforce will decrease; annual economic growth is expected to be cut 50%.
• Citizens´ rights have been implemented in the constitution now.
• The European economy has to be moved towards a green economy.
• Be aware of overlegislation!

Coping with the crisis: moving towards a new European Social Action Programme?
Panel members:

• Göke Frerichs (ex EESC President, Employers Group)
• Evelyn Regner (MEP)
• Jan Olsson (Rapporteur for the EESC opinion)

The main outcomes of this panel are:

• The internal European market should be for everyone.
• The OPINION on "A new European Social Action Programme" is discussed. The complete OPINION can be found under: http://www.socialeconomy.eu.org/IMG/pdf/2008_07_09_EN_avis_ESCE.pdf

The Lisbon Treaty: the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the citizens´ right of initiative
Panel members:

• Staffan Nilsson (EESC member, Various Activities Group)
• Gaëtane Ricard-Nihoul (Secretary General of Notre Europe)
• Tony Venables (Director of ECAS)
• Claude Didry (Director of Research, Cachan)
• Ferdinando Riccardi (Editorial writer for Agence Europe)

The main outcomes of this panel are:

• Differences between the countries should be allowed and further developed.
• How to explain that one state (Czech Republic) claims that the Lisbon Treaty does not apply on its territory?
• The Treaty is an ongoing process.