91998E3179

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3179/98

by Herbert Bösch (PSE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Social clauses for PHARE

The PHARE programme has become an instrument for providing support for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in preparing them for accession.

It would seem appropriate to ensure, when this programme is implemented, that the funds are used in accordance with European social policy and that they respect fundamental social rights, within the meaning of the Social Charter, on the basis of the acquis communautaire.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. What means are there for ensuring compliance with fundamental social rights when PHARE programmes are granted?

2. What would happen if there was found to be a contravention; i.e. what procedures would be activated?

3. Have there been any instances of problems of this nature occurring?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 1998)

1. One of the prime concerns of the Phare programme is adherence to basic social rights which are part and parcel of the acquis. Hence not only those areas in which there are explicit regulations on labour law, social dialogue, equal treatment, social protection, public health, health and safety at work and for migrant workers, but also in those "soft law" areas of European social legislation derived from the social charter, are part of the accession driven re-oriented Phare strategy. Whenever draft programmes or individual projects within Phare are received for approval, due consideration is also given to conformity with the wider definition of the social acquis of the Community.

There are also Phare programmes which deal exclusively with the social acquis in a more narrow sense. Consensus deals with social security reform in the Central and Eastern European countries, and the Lien and Partnership programmes deal with non governmental organizations in the spheres of minority and disadvantaged groups and of socio-economic operators respectively.

The accession partnerships also set as a medium-term priority preparation of the CEECs in the area of employment and social affairs. Allocation of funding is linked inter alia to respect of these priorities.

2. and 3. The Commission is not aware of any Phare programme or individual project violating the social acquis of the Community. If it notices or becomes alerted to any such occurrence, the Commission will not hesitate to rectify the situation with the appropriate means without delay.