Future of the social dialogue at European level

The Committee adopted a report drafted by Mr. Helwin PETER (PES, D) on the development of Social Dialogue. Although the detailed results of the Intergovernmental Conference were not available, the Committee decided to proceed with the report in order to influence the Commission while it prepares proposals on the same topic. The Committee will draft a supplementary report later this year in order to take into account the new impacts of the Treaty. Mr. PETER welcomed the incorporation of the Social Protocol to the Treaty and the extension of the codecision procedure to the areas of social legislation which used to be dealt with in co-operation procedure. However, the new Treaty does not recognize Parliament's codecision right within the legislative procedure in the area of social dialogue. According to the Committee, an improvement of the representation of the organizations involved in the legislative procedure on the basis of Articles 3 and 4 of the Agreement on social policy is necessary in order to avoid any legal uncertainties in the future. �