Council: March social affairs Council

Employment and social policy ministers met on 7 March 2002 to discuss a range of issues, including progress so far on the proposal for a European statute for cooperative societies and a proposal updating an existing Directive on protection against exposure to asbestos.

Ministers held a wide-ranging debate in preparation for the Barcelona economic and social Council, which was held on 15-16 March (EC: Barcelona Council adds to Lisbon and Stockholm goals). At the end of the debate, conclusions were drawn up and forwarded to the Barcelona Council.