In the framework of the regional policy of the EU, the plenary session of the EP approved two reports that reaffirm the guidelines for future strategy on the regional dimension, especially in view of enlargement. The Strasbourg assembly calls on the Council to promote a better coordination of policies in the sector, by favouring the participation of the local authorities in the decision-making process and confirming the need to maintain competence for local development also at the Community level. On the implementation of the Agenda for social policy inserted in the Lisbon Strategy, the EP criticises the Commission and member states for the lack of effectiveness and inadequacy of the measures taken so far. In particular it urges the Council and the executive to present projects to combat social exclusion and reduce poverty rates. These projects should include the protection of new forms of work, incentives and aid to the development of the social economy, the drawing up of a Green Paper on illiteracy and social exclusion, concerted efforts to stem the black economy, a directive to combat discrimination based on handicap, and investments for crèches and kindergartens with a view to facilitating female employment.
