The draft report on this issue was problematic for several reasons, not least because it assumed that the solutions to the economic crisis and economic growth and employment in Europe were all solely dependent on the correct implementation of the Services Directive. Moreover, the report’s growth scenarios were, even according to the Commission, extremely over-optimistic.
After lengthy and difficult negotiations, the S&D Group was able to support all the compromises. However, these did not include the S&D Group's amendments focusing on social and employment rights in the services sector or the corresponding amendments from the employment and social affairs committee. All amendments referring to workers' rights, social protection and employment standards were voted down by the EPP and ALDE. Therefore, our Group abstained in the final vote, supported by the Greens and part of GUE. Amendments will therefore be tabled for the plenary.