The foundation for a new cooperation was laid during the latest meeting of EU officials with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Among others, the signed agreements cover the improvements of working conditions of mine workers in China.

The social responsibility of employers should not remain just a catchword: the European Parliament therefore prepared an initiative report, asking the Commission to develop a joint legal instrument at European level, which regulates the rights of employees along the entire production chain, i.e. from the general contractor up to all sub-contractors in an equal and fair manner.

Based on an Action Plan, accompanied by a proposal of Directive, the European Commission intends to implement a cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable transport system in Europe. So-called Intelligent Transport Systems shall help drivers to find the most efficient route and inform them in advance about congestions, accidents or roadworks.

The so-called Eurovignette Directive for calculating environmental costs in the HGV tolls is being met by a lot of interest among the EU delegates: around 530 amendments have been filed in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament. It also appears, however, that the MEPs have conflicting ideas in some areas. This is one reason why the vote planned for this week in the Transport Committee had to be postponed.

Now the European Commission has also finally let the cat out of the bag. After the past forecasts on economic growth and employment were in some cases clearly off the mark and too optimistic, the Commission is now finally putting the facts on the table. And they look anything but rosy.

A demand which has been coming for many years from workers’ representatives is now finally entering a new phase. The Commission has initiated a public hearing on hedge funds.

While the World Trade Organisation and employers’ representatives mainly emphasise positive aspects of opening up the EU market for service providers from third countries during a parliamentary hearing, trade union representative Waghorne warns about liberalisation with no ifs and buts: it is said that the working conditions for migrants are already poor, and there is pressure growing on the wages. Negotiations will take place only together with the trade unions.

In February 2008, the Council of the Member States and the European Parliament accepted the proposal of the Commission for a 3rd Postal Directive. The Directive provides a time frame according to which the full market opening of the postal sector has to be completed by 31st December 2010 (for some EU Member States by the end of 2012).

Due to its alleged abuse of the monopoly position of Standard & Poor’s (S&P), the European Commission is taking legal action against the rating agency.

 

In May 2008, the AK took part in the DG TREN survey in order to draw up a study on the introduction of longer and heavier vehicles in international transport. In connection with this, the AK filled in an online questionnaire that was aimed at “stakeholders”. In response particularly to the questions “How do you rate this questionnaire in view of the aims of the study?” and “Would you like to make further comments or other suggestions?”, the AK expressed the following opinion.