Dublin European Council - 13-14 December 1996
The Heads of State and Government of the European Union's Member States met in Dublin in the European Council on 13 and 14 December 1996. A number of major subjects were discussed, with the focus on the preparations for a single currency and on the reform of the EU. In a debate on growth and employment in the EU, the European Council examined the measures taken in the implementation of the Commission's Confidence Pact for Employment. The Council noted the Commission's plans to present proposals for the closing of the remaining gaps in the Single Market before 1999 and for the simplification of regulations in this area. In the context of growth and employment in Europe, the European Council welcomed the major contribution that the Action Plans for innovation in Europe and on the Information Society will make to the EU's competitiveness. The Council also recognized the importance of the implementation of the trans-European networks (TENs) for European growth and competitiveness.