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EU Employment Commissioner Vladimir Špídla yesterday (4 September) welcomed the deal struck between social partners' on a revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive after months of deadlock and Commission threats to go it alone if no amicable solution was reached.
According to a recent report, a striking gap in working time continues to exist between countries that joined the EU after 2004 and the other 15 members. Among those working longer hours, Bulgaria, Romania and the UK are well ahead of their European neighbours.
Faced with an ever-increasing flow of immigrants towards its borders, the EU has adopted a directive that defines procedures for the return of illegally resident third-country nationals. (read more)
On 22-23 March 2005, the Spring Council discussed the Commission's mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy for economic, social and environmental renewal. (read more)
The EU is eager to attract high-skilled immigrants from outside its borders in order to fill its demographic, labour and skills gaps. (read more)