Definition
The Union and the Member States, having in mind fundamental social rights such as those set out in the European Social Charter signed at Turin on 18 October 1961 and in the 1989 Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers, shall have as their objectives:
the promotion of employment,
improved living and working conditions, so as to make possible their harmonisation while the improvement is being maintained,
proper social protection,
dialogue between management and labour,
the development of human resources with a view to lasting high employment and,
the combating of exclusion.