A delegate from the Directorate General Employment, Christopher Sharp, led a discussion session at the European Commission’s (EC) Scottish office on the EC’s ‘Renewed Social Agenda’ proposals. Similar events took place in each of the Commission's 35 representation offices across Europe.

The legislative proposals launched by the Commission cover a broad range of social reforms from anti-discrimination measures to healthcare and education.

Included in the package is anti-discrimination legislation on access to goods and services which could, Sharp said, make it illegal for example to refuse service on the basis of religious symbols.

Another notable proposal is for an EU directive on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. This is designed to clarify the right of the patient to access healthcare in another EU country while ensuring quality and safe cross border healthcare across Europe. It could allow people within the EU to claim reimbursement for health treatment received in another member state if that treatment was not offered in their own state or if they would have to undergo undue delays to receive it there.

The proposals will now go through the EU legislative process including the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Sharp estimated that any final legislation would probably come into force in around five years’ time.

Speaking at the briefing Sharp said:

“This is an ambitious and all encompassing package of measures. But why this package of initiatives and why now? Because we wish to ensure that social policies in the European Union keep pace with all the many significant changes which are happening in Europe including globalisation, ageing populations across Europe and considerable technological advances. People are living longer and better lives but we want to make sure that everyone can live longer, better lives with greater opportunities and equal access to services.”

Neil Mitchison, the European Commission Representative in Scotland commented:

"Whilst the work on the EU treaties will continue, the European Commission wants to focus on the things that affect people in their everyday lives and that is what this package addresses."

The issue of the European Social Fund was raised with Sharp during the discussion with concerns voiced by some that Scotland would lose out in the coming years to less developed member states.

Sharp assured attendees that he would report the issues and concerns raised at the meeting back to the DG Employment in Brussels at a feedback meeting on Friday.