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Parliament hosts meeting of economic and social policy representatives

115/2005 | 28 November 2005

Assessing the impact of workplace restructuring will be the focus of a seminar today (Monday) at the Scottish Parliament.

Members of the Commission for Economic and Social Policy (ECOS) are participating in the seminar, which will include MSPs and representatives of Scottish groups, in the Main Chamber.

The afternoon seminar, titled ‘Re-localisation of European Enterprises: Challenges for European cities and regions’, will follow a full meeting of ECOS in the chamber in the morning.

ECOS examines local and regional responsibilities in economic, social and employment policies on behalf of the Committee of the Regions (COR), an institution of the European Union.

The afternoon seminar is likely to cover a wide range of themes, including the work of local and regional agencies in Scotland in providing support to redundant workers; restructuring case studies from around Europe, and detailed examinations of globalisation, relocation and outsourcing.

Split into two sessions, the first session – ‘Local and regional perspectives of EU policy’ – will feature the following speakers:

• Mr Nicolas Thery, Adviser to the Director General, DG Enterprise, European Commission;
• Ms Irene Oldfather MSP, ECOS Commission, Rapporteur of the CoR’s opinion;
• Mr Alain Hutchinson MEP, Rapporteur for the European Parliament report on Re-localisation.

The second session – ‘Best practices to promote restructuring and to meet the challenges of globalisation at local and regional level’ – will feature the following speakers:

• Nicol Stephen MSP, Deputy First Minister
• Sir Albert Bore, First Vice-President, Committee of the Regions;
• Mr Gabor Bihary, President of the European Integration and Foreign Affairs Committee of the General Assembly of the Capital;
• Ms Lena Celion, Municipal Commissioner of Gotland Municipality.

The seminar will include time for delegates to make their observations from the floor.

Background Note

The sitting of the EESC at the Scottish Parliament is one of several Europe-related events to take place at Holyrood during the UK’s EU Presidency.

Other events have included:

• A meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) - a non-political body which allows representatives of Europe’s socio-occupational interest groups a formal platform to have their say on EU issues. Members of Scottish civic society took part in a debate with EESC Bureau members in the event.
• A visit from the President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, earlier this month;
• A visit from Douglas Alexander MP, the Minister for Europe and MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, in September.

Photo and broadcast opportunities

The Parliament’s photography team will be taking pictures throughout the day. Images can be obtained free of charge from the team on 0131 348 6269.

Footage of the afternoon debate will be available to broadcasters. Any requests for footage should be addressed to the Parliament’s Broadcasting unit on 0131 348 5148.

The Parliament's media contact is:

Sally Coyne Tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk