“We want a better Services Directive, not one based on the discredited country of origin principle but one which respects collective agreements, labour law and services of general interest,” said ETUC General Secretary John Monks.

Mr Monks added: “The original Services Directive was careless politics by the previous Commission. Far from developing the single market, it has increased the risks of protectionism by making people fear that companies from abroad can arrive for work and disregard environmental, labour, consumer protection and other standards. A better Services Directive can correct these impressions.”

ETUC President Candido Mendez also welcomed the moves by Chancellor Schüssel to revive the EU Constitution and wished him well with the process.

The ETUC delegation comprised Mr Mendez, Mr Monks, Mr Fritz Verzetnitsch of the ÖGB and Ms Maria Helena André, Deputy General Secretary of the ETUC.