UNICE DISAPPOINTED WITH PROGRESS MADE SINCE LISBON.

• Position: Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe - Lisbon summit - Brief Article

The Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE) have expressed disappointment with progress made on social policy reforms since the Lisbon Summit two years ago. UNICE's declaration on the Lisbon process, which was published on June 14, will be presented to heads of state and government when they meet in Seville for the European Council on June 21-22.UNICE urged EU leaders to take decisions on three issues during the Seville Council:To reinforce work towards a draft Directive on conditions for entry and residence of third country nationals who are seeking employment.- To adopt a Regulation on a Community Patent as soon as possible, and take steps to resolve the outstanding problem of the language regime and court system to use.- To adopt the eEurope 2005 Action Plan proposed by the Commission and to ensure that concrete actions make eEurope a reality.Other issues were also discussed by UNICE's Council of Presidents on June 14:EnlargementUNICE members agreed that substantial progress was made concerning enlargement, but additional efforts are still...