Doc. 9165

4 July 2001

Ratification of the European Code of Social Security

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mrs Ragnarsdóttir and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The European Code of Social Security aims at encouraging the development of social security in all the member states of the Council of Europe so that they may gradually reach the highest level possible. The Code fixes a series of standards which Parties undertake to include in their social security systems.

2.       The Code defines norms for social security coverage and establishes minimum levels of protection which Parties must provide in such areas as medical care, sickness benefits, unemployment benefits, old-age benefits, employment injury benefits, family benefits, maternity benefits, invalidity benefits, survivors' benefits, etc. The Code, and its Protocol which establishes an even higher standard, is thus a major instrument for social cohesion in Europe.

3.       At 28 June 2001, only 18 member states had ratified the Code and 2 had signed but not ratified. The figures for the Protocol are 7 and 6 respectively.

4.        The Parliamentary Assembly strongly urges those member states which have not yet done so to ratify the European Code of Social Security and its Protocol.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed¹:

Ragnarsdóttir, Iceland, EDG

Alís Font, Andorra, SOC

Belohorska, Slovakia, EDG

Brînzan, Romania, SOC

Dhaille, France, SOC

Flynn, United Kingdom, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Kiely, Ireland, LDR

Mitterrand, France, SOC

Provera, Italy, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: 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 a group