Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Maija Perho
at the Ministerial meeting in Oulu:

Encouraging social security is a prerequisite for a balanced economic development (July 9 1999)

Stable economic growth is a prerequisite for good social security, but even vice versa: good and encouraging social security is the prerequisite for a balanced economic growth, as stated by the Finnish Minister of Social Affairs and Health at the meeting of European ministers of labour and social affairs in Oulu today.

It is the desire of Minister Perho that an open European debate should be conducted on issues related to the welfare of citizens so that it would increase citizens' interest in developing the social dimension of the European Union.

- In view of the equal development of Europe is is of vital importance that the social dimension is developed simultaneously with the economic integration, Perho said.

She is satisfied with the fact that the previous countries in Presidency have raised on the agenda social questions in a diversified way. The Netherlandss stressed the interaction of economy and social security, Austria and Germany for their part the primary importance of work by taking up the status of young people and people with disabilities.

- These theme areas deal in a way of another the links between economy, employment and social security. Welfare and working life are too often regarded separately. By improving the well-being of all people of working age we improve the well-being of the whole of society.

- Employment is the primary means of preventing social exclusion. Employment brings about welfare. It has to be remembered, however, that all citizens do not cope equally well on the labour market, and therefore special efforts are needed to support those having been excluded or at risk of being excluded from the labour market.

According to Minister Perho it would be consistent to take into account in promoting employment the sociopolitical considerations closely related with it. Activating social security, care services and measures in support of work ability play a vital role.

- It would be a good thing if social considerations could be taken into account at all levels and that they could be linked in the right way to the employment guidelines. No such economic solutions should however be made at the Community level that prevent carrying on the countries' national social policy.

 The Informal Meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in Oulu deliberates solutions to for instance how the knowledge and skills, work ability and willingness to work of both those in employment and the unemployed can be maintained and improved. The theme of the meeting has been divided into four subthemes: reorganisation of work, work ability, social security and age discrimination. The debate is conducted on the basis of the discussion paper prepared by Finland and the questions included in it. The role of the social partners is important for the discussion about the theme area. The representatives of social partners and European Parliament attend the morning session on 9 July 1999.