C 84 E/636 Official Journal of the European Union EN 3.4.2004

(2004/C 84 E/0715) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0607/04 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 February 2004)

Subject: Seasonal work

The freedom of movement within the EU has been providing EU citizens looking for work with a great degree of mobility. Today, thousands of workers emigrate in order to take advantage of job shortages in seasonal work sectors, particularly in agriculture.

Through the press and workers’ associations, I frequently hear of situations in which seasonal workers have been recruited under false pretences and find themselves facing unacceptable working and living conditions, without any legal or social protection.

Given that this situation has existed for many years, is there any Community legislation to regulate work of this kind? What measures has the Commission been taking or does it intend to take to protect the rights and interests of seasonal workers?

Answer given by Mr Dimas on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2004)

Community legislation governing working conditions applies in the same way to seasonal workers as to other workers.

Depending on the precise context in which a seasonal worker is employed, he will be covered either by the provisions of Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (1), or by Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community (2).

(1) OJ L 18, 21.1.1997. (2) OJ L 257, 19.10.1968.

(2004/C 84 E/0716) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0612/04 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 March 2004)

Subject: Support for Portuguese students studying for a master’s degree

In Portugal and in other EU countries, the European master’s degree in Social Sciences and Education is being developed under the heading of European social inclusion prospects.

This pioneering scheme, which involves seven universities from Portugal, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Hungary and Romania, is supported by the Socrates programme.

The way in which the modules are drawn up requires the mobility of students and teachers between the universities of the different countries, but without including specific subsidies for the students. De facto mobility is only guaranteed for teachers. But the fact is that the different circumstances obtaining in each country make it practically impossible for Portuguese students to take modules at other universities, where the master’s degree is even free of charge, unlike Portugal, where it is extremely expensive, despite the difficult economic and social situation of most Portuguese families and indeed of the universities themselves.

Will the Commission inform me as to possible measures and supports for the mobility of students taking this master’s degree, with specific reference to the situation in Portugal?