1. Political Developments at European Level
Andreas OGRINZ
German Federation of Chemical Employers’ Associations
Bundesarbeitgeberverband Chemie (BAVC)
Bipartite workshop: “Connecting to EU Level Sectoral Social Dialogue: Lessons Learned and Perspectives for the Social Partners”, Turin, 9/10 December 2009

2. The new institutional architecture of the EU
Overview
The new institutional architecture of the EU
The new European Commission
Social policy items on the European agenda

3. 1. The new institutional architecture of the EU
Lisbon Treaty
The EU is to be more democratic, transparent and efficient.
A single legal personality: on 1 December 2009 the European Community was replaced by the European Union which succeeds it and takes over all rights and obligations.
A President of the European Council: his main task is to ensure the preparation and continuity of the work of the European Council (which becomes an institution in its own right) and to facilitate consensus.
A High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: the “foreign minister” is responsible for steering foreign and common defence policy.

4. 1. The new institutional architecture of the EU
Lisbon Treaty (cont.)
A new European External Action Service: it will work with the diplomatic services of the Member States.
Double majority in the Council: 55 % of the Member States + 65 % of the population of the EU.
Co-decision extended: this procedure (Council and European Parliament) has been extended to some forty fields  strengthening of the role of the Parliament.
A new role for national parliaments: national parliaments will have eight weeks to examine – and to oppose – draft European legislative acts.
Citizens’ right of initiative: a million citizens may sign a petition inviting the Commission to submit a proposal on any area of EU competence.

5. 1. The new institutional architecture of the EU
Lisbon Treaty (cont.)
Social policy
All in all no new competences at EU level
Introduction of the “Open Method of Coordination”
Role of social partners explicitly acknowledged
Articles on social dialogue remain unchanged

6. 2. The new European Commission
Karel de Gucht: Trade
Connie Hedegaard: Climate Action
Günther Oettinger: Energy
Olli Rehn: Economic and Monetary Affairs
Michel Barnier: Internal Market and Services
Antonio Tajani: Industry and Entrepreneurship
Joaquín Almunia: Competition
László Andor: Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

7. 2. The new European Commission
“Political guidelines” of José Manuel Durão Barroso
„Boosting the new sources of growth and social cohesion“
Europe needs new, sustainable sources of growth.
This requires …
a strengthening of its industrial base,
a modern service sector,
a thriving rural economy,
a research and innovation revolution for a knowledge society,
an employment agenda for a changing workplace (e.g. basic social rights),
a Single Market fit for the 21st century.

8. 3. Social policy items on the European agenda
Maternity leave directive
Revision aims to improve health and safety for pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding
Extension of minimum length of maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks
Free choice concerning the non-compulsory portion of the leave
Principle of payment of full monthly salary
Strengthening of protection against dismissal
Co-decision (Council of Ministers and European Parliament): first reading under way
Responsible committees: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM), Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL)
First FEMM reported rejected by the plenary on 6 May 2009
EMPL vote expected on 27 January, FEMM vote on 23 February, plenary vote at the beginning of March 2010

9. 3. Social policy items on the European agenda
European Works Councils (EWC) directive
Revision aims to strengthen EWCs and to give employees more information and consultation rights on company decisions at European level
Adopted on 23 April 2009 by the Council of Ministers (co-decision with the European Parliament)
Basis: common position of European social partners (Summer 2008)
Transposition into national law until June 2011

10. 3. Social policy items on the European agenda
Working time directive
Revision aims to establish clear rules on working time (e.g. maximum weekly working time) in Europe
Conciliation procedure between Council of Ministers and European Parliament failed on 28 April 2009; main reasons:
Opt-out
On-call time
New Commission proposal to be expected in the first half of 2010

11. 3. Social policy items on the European agenda
Other items on the political agenda
Anti-discrimination directive
Consultation on “EU 2020” strategy
Political activities on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at different levels
Revision of the Seveso directive
Legislation on nanotechnology?

12. Thank you for your attention
Andreas OGRINZ
Head of European Affairs
German Federation of Chemical
Employers’ Associations (BAVC)