Establishment of a European centre for social cohesion

Motion for a recommendation

Doc. 7870

3 July 1997

presented by Mr Ali Dinçer and others

1.The Assembly is concerned by the important social problems witnessed in all member countries. Deficiencies of our societies such as unemployment, poverty and social exclusion threaten the social cohesion and well-being of the European peoples.

2.Furthermore, in new member countries going through an economic transition, problems are exacerbated by the inadequacy of the necessary institutional infrastructure and legislation.

3.The Assembly is convinced that co-operation and solidarity among European countries is needed to overcome these problems.

4.The Assembly believes that the Council of Europe is the only pan-European organisation which is in a position to organise the appropriate European response to the challenge posed by social problems.

5.In this respect, the Assembly believes that the role of the social Europe in the efforts for ensuring social cohesion as well as respect of human dignity should be strengthened. Representatives of civil society, non-governmental organisations and universities should also be associated with the work of the Council of Europe. The involvement of the Assembly and the Committee of Ministers is necessary in this regard as well. The structures of the Council of Europe should be adapted to this end.

6.In this respect, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers establish a European centre for social cohesion which could serve as a focal point for different activities conducted by the organs of the Council of Europe in the social field with the participation of the main actors in social life of member states with the following aims:

1. to study the different aspects of poverty and social exclusion in member countries, including their consequence on denial of basic human rights;
2. to prepare a set of core principles for a plan of action against poverty and social exclusion be established;
3. to collect pertinent data, analyse processes in question and elaborate recommendations;
4. to assist governments in implementing efficient policies, programme and structures for combating and preventing poverty and social exclusion;
5. to assist civil society through its representatives in taking all initiatives enabling victims of poverty and social exclusion to recover dignity and hope;
6. to promote the ratification and implementation of the pertinent legal instruments, including the Social Charter.

7.The Assembly believes such a centre should be based in a member country which is willing to provide the necessary premises for the Secretariat and appropriate venue for the meetings of the centre.

Signed: (1)

Dinçer, Turkey, SOC

Akçalı, Turkey, EDG

Akselsen, Norway, SOC

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Bartodziej, Poland, EPP

Busic, Croatia, EPP

Domljan, Croatia, EPP

Durant, United Kingdom, EDG

Hegyi, Hungary, SOC

Hooper, United Kingdom, EDG

I.B. Johansson, Sweden, SOC

Karas, Poland, LDR

Kitor, Bulgaria, EPP

Kiratlioglu, Turkey, EPP

Loutfi, Bulgaria, LDR

D. Smith, United Kingdom, EDG

Vella, Malta, EPP

Yürür, Turkey, EDG

Note: 1SOC: Socialist Group

EPP: Group of the European People's Party

EDG: European Democratic Group

LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

NR: Not registered in any political group