2008 'the year to restart social Europe', says French minister[fr][de] 

"2008 will be the year to restart social Europe," Bertrand told MPs, expressing his hope that three key social policy directives would be adopted by the EU under the auspices of his country's presidency.

EU employment ministers meeting in Luxembourg (9-10 June) are attempting to reach agreement over directives on temporary agency workers and working time ahead of Commission plans to present a comprehensive social package in three weeks' time (EurActiv 09/06/08).  

EU countries have thus far been at odds over both directives, with the Commission threatening infringement procedures and even their withdrawal if ministers are unable to reach a compromise during their meeting. 

French Minister Bertrand stressed the importance of finding an agreement on the two directives that is likely to be approved by the European Parliament at second reading. 

Regarding working time, among the main sticking points is a proposal to limit the maximum number of hours worked per week to 48 (with numerous exceptions), opposed by countries like the UK but supported by France and Spain. 

For agency workers, the contentious issue is the length of the 'grace period' before which temporary agency workers are granted equal rights to those of permanent workers. The directive proposes a six-week period but current national legislation on the matter varies widely. 

What's more, Bertrand highlighted the need to find a compromise on the Portability of Supplementary Pension Rights Directive, over which notably the Netherlands and Germany oppose one another. 

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) considers that an EU citizen resident in a different member state to that of his birth should be able to claim a pension in the country where he last worked professionally. But the court failed to stipulate how long a citizen must have worked there for before he can exercise this right. 

Social services of general interest 

Bertrand also said he is "interested in the idea of a framework directive for social services of general interest" (SSGIs), calling for "clear legal guarantees" on their status to be established. 

He suggested that the Commission lead a reflection period on the issue, adding that a stakeholder forum on SSGIs will be organised on 28-29 October. 

EU Social Agenda 

The Commission is due to present a communication on the 'New Social Agenda' for beyond 2010 later this summer. 

Bertrand called on the EU executive to use this opportunity to clearly define what is meant by the term ‘social agenda’. "Does it mean a social pact? Social ambitions? Or fostering European social values?," he asked.