World Summit for social development (Copenhagen 1994): the European Union's follow-up

The Committee adopted a report by Inger SCHÖRLING (Greens, S) on the follow-up of the World summit for social development (Copenhagen 1995). The Committee called for the formulation of a clear strategy which would encourage all Member States to set explicit social development objectives. The Committee stressed that social and economic development is linked to peace, security and ecological balance as well as to the respect of human rights. Member States should therefore implement the conclusions of the Rio, Vienna, Cairo, Beijing and Istanbul conferences. According to the Committee, the fight against poverty and social exclusion should be a top priority at the union level. Appropriate measures should be financed from the European Social Fund. In addition, the Commission should consider legal instruments for combatting poverty and exclusion. The Council should adopt the fourth poverty programme as soon as possible. At the international level, the Committee called for stronger cooperation among international bodies working in the field of social development. Furthermore, Member States and the Commission should initiate a global tax on international currency speculation. The funds would then go into a "Global Fund for Human Security" and to debt reductions for the poorest countries. The Commission and Member States should actively promote social and ethical regulations in international trade.�