Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-03-11-Speech-2-136"
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"en.20030311.6.2-136"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I do not think I am in danger of being complacent, as figures are not really open to interpretation. I might only be looking at one side of the coin, however. Nonetheless, it is pleasing to note that the number of people unemployed in the European Union has fallen dramatically. The total stood at 17 million in 1997 but by 2002 it was down to 13.5 million. The scenario and pace are now quite different.
Of course, I have to admit there is another side to this coin. A hard core of 7.4% of the unemployed have never actually worked, have lost their job, or face major obstacles in getting back into work. In general, these are older people. At least, they are likely to be too old to benefit from schemes for the young, and too young to be considered for early retirement. Alternatively, they might be young and lack the necessary experience and training.
I have already referred to two groups in particular need of protection or initiatives, namely the young and older people who have lost their job. Turning to a third such group, on 8 March we celebrated International Working Women’s Day, and its memory should still be fresh in our minds. Women also need support. It is important to honour the commitment given at the Lisbon Council, namely to ensure that over 60% of women are in employment by 2010 at the latest.
The proposal we are debating today encompasses three main objectives. These are to increase the rate of employment, to improve job quality and to open up the labour market to the most disadvantaged groups in society. 2003 is the year of the disabled, and this should be in the forefront of our minds. In addition, the horizontal policies so frequently referred to in the House must permeate all our activities. It is difficult to rank these horizontal policies, but health and safety in the workplace, equality and sustainable development are certainly amongst the most important. It is also vital to ensure the involvement of society as a whole and of all levels of administration, regardless of how close they might be to the citizens. The enlargement countries will be watching our activities with interest too.
Mr Mann’s report takes account of all these considerations. The report is to be commended in its original version, and also as it now stands following the improvements made in committee. I congratulate Mr Mann and call for a vote in favour of this report."@en1
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