After a series of delays, this is the first step towards overcoming some of the obstacles to mobility.

We hope that the directive will be adopted quickly. However we are aware that the proposal will not solve all problems. It must be improved during the discussions by the European Parliament and by the Council.

EUROCADRES, who, for several years, has made suggestions in this area, will propose improvements to the Commission's draft. In particular, the vesting periods required in certain countries contradict the principle of free movement stipulated in the Treaty. The future directive should establish that no new vesting periods should be created and that there should be no increase in existing vesting periods which, in fact, should be progressively diminished.

In addition, we call for a meeting of a « forum » or « coordinating group » on supplementary pensions. It should be connected to the existing advisory committees and should be composed of representatives from Member States and from the European social partners. This is necessary in order to find solutions to the remaining difficulties and to facilitate further progress.

Brussels, 14 October 1997

(EUROCADRES press release 14/10/97)