EAPN just released a new briefing note comparing the new European Employment Guidelines 2008-2010 with the 2003-2008 ones.
The briefing note reveals that the EAPN action as well as the Member of the European Parliament Anne Van Lancker (socialist, Be) report have had some impact: the version finally adopted by the Member States include some positive changes in the narrative part.
The Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States are part of the Lisbon integrated guidelines (Micro-economic, macro-economic and employment guidelines), but are adopted separately by the Council. This year, the guidelines for the next Lisbon cycle for the period 2008-2010 were at stake.
The Commission made a first proposal in December 2007, which was thoroughly debated (see European Parliament Report, and our reaction to the Commission proposal regarding the draft Joint Employment Report and the new guidelines).