Commission presents Work Programme for 1998
The main political aspects of the European Commission's Work Programme for 1998 were presented to the European Parliament on 22 October 1997. The 1998 Programme takes up the broad lines of "Agenda 2000", with the activities of the Commission centering on five main political priorities: - Employment: In 1998, the Commission will concentrate on the pursuit of a sound macro-economic policy, completion of the single market, the development of all union policies to take account of employment considerations, better coordination of national employment policies, closer linkage between employment policy and economic policy, substantial improvements to labour markets, the fight against social exclusion and a firmer basis for the social dimension of Europe; - The euro: The Commission will complete the final technical preparations for the introduction of the euro on 1 January 1999; - Agenda 2000: An immediate start will be made on proposed reforms, in line with the three-point strategy of strengthening and adapting existing policies, making the necessary preparations for the integration of new members and designing a suitable financial framework; - External relations: The main challenge in 1998 will be preparing for enlargement. Priority will be given to collective and coherent action; - Citizens: The main thrust of the Commission's activities will revolve around improving public health. A number of amendments will be proposed to existing directives relating to the environment and agriculture. In addition, the Commission will ensure that all Union policies give greater consideration to environmental factors.