RESOLUTION B3-0770 AND B3-0796/92

Resolution on employment in the European aerospace industry

The European Parliament,

A.recalling that 40 000 jobs in the European Community depend upon the European Fighter Aircraft project,

B.recalling further that the project involves companies from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK,

C.believing that projects of this type are essential if Community firms are to keep abreast of the latest technological developments which have implications for competitiveness across all sectors of the European economy,

D.whereas the aerospace industry, with its concentration of human skills, high technology, high value-added and research capabilities, represents a key element in Europe's industrial future,

1.Is concerned that the assets of the aerospace industry should not be lost to Europe as a result of reduced defence spending;

2.Recognizes that the profound changes in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, leading to the end of the Cold War, have transformed Europe's defence needs;

3.Notes that the changed security position has led to a review by the German Government of its order for the EFA to be supplied to the Federal Airforce;

4.Urges the German Federal government, in considering its continued participation in the project, to take account of its importance in terms of employment, technology and pan-European cooperation as well as the budgetary implications and the future structure of the German armed forces;

5.Urgently calls for a Community strategy for conversion and diversification of defence-oriented production towards civil uses;

6.Believes that in the absence of an adequate and realistic industrial policy response from the Community and Member States, many more jobs in the defence sector will be at risk in coming years, with no prospect of alternative civil employment;

7.Calls on the Member States whose armed forces have placed orders for the EFA to initiate discussions with the companies concerned and with workforce representatives on the economic and technological options compatible with the future competitiveness of the European aerospace industry and the preservation of jobs in a post-Cold War setting;

8.Calls on the Council to authorize a Commission work programme, to be drawn up in cooperation with the European Parliament, to develop an industrial strategy for conversion and diversification of the defence sector, to preserve and enhance its skill base and technological capacity;

9.Reaffirms its belief that the success of joint ventures and the development of high-technology products are essential to the future competitiveness of European companies in advanced technology;

10.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and the European Trade Union Confederation.