MALTESE PARLIAMENTARIAN TO ATTEND A SEMINAR IN STRASBOURG

The Hon. John Vella, MP, Leader of the Malta Parliamentary Delegation to the Council of Europe, will be attending a seminar on the "The Social Charter of Europe". This seminar aimed at the Candidates States to the European Union is the first of a series of three multilateral thematic activities, organised in the framework of the Joint Programme "Promotion of the Charter" between the Council of Europe and the European Commission.

The aim of these multilateral meetings is to deal with issues of common interest for these countries with a view to effective implementation of the rights guaranteed by the European Social Charter or the revised European Social Charter, bearing in mind that the ratification of the Charter and its implementation contribute to establish a link between the legislation and practice of the candidate States and the acquis communautaire in the fields covered by the Charter.

The overall objective of the seminar is to ensure effectiveness of fundamental social rights in Europe.

The seminar will be held in Strasbourg on the 14^th and 15^th December 2000.