European Council of Dublin, 13-14/12/1996

The European Council, during its meeting in Dublin on 13 and 14 December 1996, made some important decisions for the further development of the European Union. Specifically, after two years of work by all European Union institutions, the Dublin European Council notes political agreement on all the necessary conditions for the establishment of the single currency, which is expected to be introduced during the third stage of EMU implementation on 1 January 1999. These conditions concerned the legal framework for the use of the euro, the stability and growth pact to ensure fiscal discipline, and the structure of the new exchange rate mechanism for member states not participating in the euro zone.
The European Council also discussed in detail the strategy for economic growth and employment, based on the joint report of the Council and the Commission on employment, the Commission’s progress report on the “Action for Employment: Confidence Pact” initiative, and the joint contribution of social partners on the Confidence Pact, which they approved in Dublin on 29 November. During its discussions, the European Council took into account the proposals contained in President Chirac’s memorandum for a European Social Model to place greater emphasis on the human dimension of the Union. The European Council, based on the Essen strategy (the European Council in Essen defined, for the first time at European level, short-term and medium-term lines of action on employment), endorses the analysis contained in the joint report and urges Member States to continue implementing this strategy with determination and consistency. It calls for continued support of this strategy from all relevant actors at European, national and local levels, including social partners, and reiterates the importance of equal opportunities.
To underscore its commitment to this strategy, the European Council issued the Dublin Declaration on Employment, which reflects the recommendations of the joint report stating that it is necessary to: continue the macroeconomic strategy for economic growth and employment, in line with the agreed economic policy guidelines – increase efforts to modernize goods and services markets and exploit new sources of employment – focus efforts on labor market effectiveness and investment in human resources – make tax and social welfare systems more favorable to employment – strengthen the interaction between macroeconomic and structural policies in Member States’ Multiannual Employment Programs.
Furthermore, the general satisfaction with the framework of a treaty revision plan submitted by the Irish Presidency, which considers a good basis for the final phase of the Intergovernmental Conference was planned to be concluded in Amsterdam in June 1997. Additionally, it approved a significant series of measures in the field of justice and home affairs, specifically agreeing on methods and means to combat the scourge of drugs, organized crime, including terrorism and sexual exploitation of children. It also reviewed the Union’s action in the field of external relations.
Finally, a meeting was held with the Heads of State and Government and Foreign Ministers of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including the Baltic States as well as Cyprus. A broad exchange of views took place on the present conclusions as well as on justice and home affairs issues, with particular importance given to combating drugs and organized crime.