WRITTEN QUESTION E-0658/01

by Philip Bushill-Matthews (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 March 2001)

Subject: Lisbon European Council and the open method of co-ordination

The 2000 Lisbon European Council stated that policies for combating social exclusion should be based on an open method of coordination combining national action plans and a Commission initiative for cooperation in this field to be presented by June 2000. What steps has the Commission taken towards presenting such an initiative and when exactly does it envisage making this presentation?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2001)

In response to the mandate of the Lisbon European Council, the Commission adopted on 16 June 2000 a proposal for a decision of the Parliament and of the Council establishing a programme of Community action to encourage cooperation between Member States to combat social exclusion(1). Article 137 (ex Article 118) of the EC Treaty (paragraph 2, subparagraphs 2 and 3) provides the legal basis. The aim of the proposal is to support transnational exchange of good practice and policy-oriented cooperation in the field of social inclusion. The initiative is expected to contribute to the commitment to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty, and the open method of co-ordination. The active involvement of the Member States, regional and local levels of government, as well as the social partners and civil society is envisaged.

Further to the Parliament's opinion on its first reading, the Commission adopted an amended proposal for this Decision on 24 November 2000(2). The Council formally adopted a common position on 12 February 2001(3) which, together with the Commission's comments on it, has been transmitted to the Parliament for second reading.

(1) COM(2000) 368 final.

(2) COM(2000) 796 final.

(3) OJ C 93, 23.3.2001.