A delegation from the European Trade Union Confederation will meet Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende on Monday (19/07/2004) at the start of the Netherlands’ EU Presidency. ETUC President Candido Mendez, ETUC General Secretary John Monks, Ton Heerts, from the Dutch Confederation of Trade Union (FNV) and Rienk Van Splunder from The National Federation of Christian Trade Union in the Netherlands (CNV) will present the trade unions’ ten key points for action between now and the end of 2004.

“The Dutch Presidency is taking place at a turning point for the EU, and thus at a difficult time,” said John Monks. “It can either choose to press ahead with more integration or it can seek to achieve less ambitious objectives.”

Among its priorities, the ETUC is calling for:
· Measures to meet the Lisbon objectives, and a review of the Stability Pact;
· A firm foundation for the European social policy agenda 2006-2013;
· An acceptable framework for services of general interest in the single market;
· Rapid revision of the European Works Council and Working Time Directives, including an end to the ‘opt-out’ clause on working time;
· Urgent adoption of the delayed Temporary Agency Work Directive;
· A common EU migration and asylum policy that prioritises human rights.

The Presidency also has to create favourable conditions for the Member States’ ratification of the new European Constitution.

A tough battle is now underway between the countries in favour of closer European integration, and others trying to put a brake on the EU project. Traditionally, the Netherlands has been among those aiming for a deeper Union, although in recent years Euroscepticism has grown. The ETUC will call on the Dutch leadership not to let national disagreements get in the way of promoting Europe’s common interests.

“Numerous social objectives feature on the agenda, and we would urge the Dutch Presidency to strive towards achieving them,” said John Monks. “The future Commission and the EU must be more attentive to the current and future economic and social concerns and aspirations of workers and citizens alike.”

Memorandum