Europe’s public administrations in flux: public service under threat?
Reply to Recommendation
| Doc. 13717
| 23 February 2015
- Author(s):
- Committee of Ministers
- Origin
- Adopted at the 1220th meeting of
the Ministers’ Deputies (18 February 2015). 2015 - Second part-session
- Reply to Recommendation
- : Recommendation 2050
(2014)
1. The Committee of Ministers has carefully
examined Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 2050 (2014) on “Europe’s
public administrations in flux: public service under threat?” and
transmitted it to the relevant subordinate bodies.
Note
2. The Committee of Ministers agrees with the importance of
the issue raised in the recommendation, aware that in times of austerity,
budgetary restrictions may have an impact on the quality and delivery
of certain public services. It considers that during such difficult
periods, particular attention should be made to ensure that the
obligations regarding economic and social rights are fully respected.
The Committee of Ministers stresses that the most vulnerable population
groups may in particular need more support in achieving their rights.
It would in this respect draw attention to the recent activities
of the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights in this
field, in particular his issue paper on “Safeguarding human rights
in times of economic crisis”.
Note
3. The Committee of Ministers reaffirms its commitment to promoting
social cohesion policies, in particular through fostering equality
and non-discrimination, also crucial elements for a well-functioning
democratic society. It considers that one of the ways to achieve
a cohesive society is to use a human centred approach, fulfilling
more effectively the relevant obligations and standards that member
States have agreed to under the relevant Council of Europe conventions.
4. As referred to by the Assembly, a conference “Social cohesion
– achievement and challenges in times of crisis” was organised under
the aegis of the Committee of Ministers’ Chairmanship of the Republic
of Azerbaijan, on 10 and 11 September in Baku, during which the
New Council of Europe Strategy and Action Plan for Social Cohesion
were reviewed and the Recommendation 2050 (2014) was discussed.
The question of a possible third Conference of Ministers responsible
for Social Cohesion will be examined by the relevant bodies in due
course and in accordance with Resolution CM/Res(2011)7 on Council
of Europe conferences of specialised ministers.
5. Finally, the Committee of Ministers welcomes the commitment
of the Assembly to the questions raised in the recommendation and
its readiness to contribute to the relevant activities.
