Economics Minister Martin Bartenstein, President of the Council, has welcomed the amended draft Services Directive presented today by the European Commission: "The Commission has responded to the clear signal sent by the European Council under Austria's Presidency. Its text is largely based on the compromise voted by the European Parliament and is a good basis for a successful conclusion of this crucial project for Europe."
With the Commission having presented its draft, the ball is now in the Austrian Presidency’s court. Bartenstein said he intends to do everything in his power to broker a political agreement. He believes the compromise text provides a basis for creating a European market for services, while at the same time excluding wage and social dumping. Not all countries fully support the draft, however, and he said it was now up to the Presidency to bring everybody on board.
According to Bartenstein, the directive presents "a great opportunity for more growth and hence more jobs in Europe". 70% of value added in the EU and more than two thirds of all jobs depend on the services sector. Speedy adoption of the Services Directive would not only benefit Europe’s industry, but it would also be a clear sign that the Member States of the Union are able to solve problems even in difficult circumstances. It would therefore also be an important step towards restoring the citizens’ confidence in Europe.
The minister paid tribute to the contribution of the two main parliamentary groups, the European People’s Party/European Democrats and the Socialist Group, whose efforts to produce a consensus had made the compromise in the European Parliament possible. This compromise had been a great day for European democracy and had opened the door for speedy agreement between the Council and the European Parliament, Bartenstein concluded.
Contact:
Federal Ministry for Economics and Labour
Office of the Minister: Holger Fürst, Tel.: (01) 711 00-5193
Press section: Harald Hoyer, Tel.: (01) 711 00-5130
mailto: presseabteilung@bmwa.gv.at
Internet: http://www.bmwa.gv.at
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