ETUC criticises Broad Economic Policy Guidelines 2000

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is not satisfied with the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPG) 2000. According to the Union, this year's BEPG does not sufficiently reflect the commitment of the Lisbon Summit to full employment. The Guidelines "fail to chart the course that member states need to take, on a co -ordinated basis", to reach the objectives. ETUC also regrets that the social parters are not involved in the BEPG process. ETUC is planning a European rally in Oporto on 19 June, the first day if the Feira Council.

The Commission adopted its recommendation for the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines on 11 April 2000. The Broad Economic Policy Guidelines is the reference document guiding the coordination of economic policies in the Member States and the Community. The BEPG lay down both general economic policy guidelines as well as country specific policy guidelines.