On 12 December 2003 the Executive Board and the Board of CESI held their meetings in Brussels. Besides the work programme for the year 2004 several opinions were adopted.

• In response to a communication from the European Commission on the portability of occupational pension rights the CESI pronounced itself in favour of a directive of the Council which would provide a reliable framework and should cover all forms of occupational pensions. An essential precondition is however the solution of the problems relating to taxation law.

• In a resolution on employment policy the CESI demanded increased efforts for the year 2004 in order to reach the goals of Lisbon. From the point of view of CESI the key lies in the promotion of qualification and alternative models for working hours. An uncontrolled cutback in social investments must be prevented.

• Furthermore, the CESI welcomed the action plan 2004-2006 of the European Commission on language learning and linguistic diversity. It supports the recommendation to study at least two foreign languages and the encouragement of lifelong learning. The mobility of teachers and students should be fostered even more. The CESI doubts however, that the financial means provided for all actions will be sufficient.

• Finally, opinions of the USSP/CESI (public sector) concerning "Customs authorities and EU enlargement", "Stress at the workplace" as well as the "Liberalisation of the railways" were presented to the Executive Board.

For the first time the Polish trade union forum FZZ participated in the Board meeting as a full member. The FZZ, which represents about 420.000 members from different sectors, had become a member of CESI on 1 October 2003.

"In 2003 the CESI has had a positive development and has reached a number of political goals", says the General Secretary of CESI Helmut Müllers. "This gives us motivation for the year 2004 where we want to further strengthen our position in Europe. The main goal remains the participation in the social dialogue."