Novi dopredsjednik Inicijative Pakta o stabilnost

22.05.2003.

Brussels, 21 May 2003
PRESS RELEASE
Belgian Member of European Parliament New Co-chair of Stability Pact Social Cohesion Initiative

MEP Miet Smet has been appointed Co-chair of the Social Cohesion Initiative, which was founded in 2000 to address the social dimension of the reform process in South Eastern Europe. A Minister of State and a former Minister of Employment and Labour in the Belgian Government for two terms (1992 - 1999), Mrs. Smet is currently Member of the European Parliament. Mrs. Smet is also a member of the Committees of the European Parliament on Social Affairs and Employment and on Women Rights and Human Rights.  She was Rapporteur of the Committee on Social Affairs and Employment on the enlargement issues.
Mrs. Smet's candidature was presented by Mrs. Anna Diamantopoulou, Member of the European Commission responsible for Employment and Social Affairs, and has received the support of the Belgian Government. The Swiss Government has generously pledged initial logistical support.
The objective of the Initiative for Social Cohesion (ISC) is to address social issues that affect the daily lives of citizens in the countries of South Eastern Europe (SEE), with a particular attention to the most vulnerable groups, emphasising a regional approach while prioritising the strengthening of institutions and enhancing access to social rights and social dialogue. Social cohesion and development are essential factors to lasting political and social stability as well as economic development in the SEE countries.  High unemployment, low living standards, and poor social infrastructure are common in many of these countries and can contribute to social and political instability.
The ISC aims to better incorporate the social dimension in economic development and reconstruction efforts in the region while respecting the principle of financial sustainability.
The Initiative is co-chaired by Mrs. Jela Bacovic, Director of Multilateral and Regional Co-operation, Ministry for International Economic Relations of Serbia and Montenegro. Mrs. Smet takes over the position of the Co-chair from Mr. Olivier Villey, Deputy Head of the International Affairs Department of the French Ministry of Employment and Solidarity, who worked with enthusiasm and dedication during his two-year term.
For further information on ISC, please check: http://www.stabilitypact.org/stabilitypactcgi/catalog/cat_descr.cgi?subcat=1&prod_id=63
Point of contact: Patrizia Mauro, Tel: +32 (2) 401 61 59

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