TITLE VIII

Social policy, education, vocational training and youth ( * )

( * ) Title as introduced by Article G( 32 ) TEU.

CHAPTER1

SOCIAL PROVISIONS

Article 117

Member States agree upon the need to promote improved working conditions and an  improved standard of living for workers, so as to make possible their harmonization  while the improvement is being maintained.

They believe that such a development will ensue not only from the functioning of the  common market, which will favour the harmonization of social systems, but also  from the procedures provided for in this Treaty and from the approximation of  provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action.

Article 118

Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Treaty and in conformity with its  general objectives, the Commission shall have the task of promoting close  cooperation between Member States in the social field, particularly in matters  relating to:

employment;
labour law and working conditions;
basic and advanced vocational training;
social security;
prevention of occupational accidents and diseases;
occupational hygiene;
the right of association and collective bargaining between employers and  workers.

To this end, the Commission shall act in close contact with Member States by  making studies, delivering opinions and arranging consultations both on problems  arising at national level and on those of concern to international organizations.

Before delivering the opinions provided for in this Article, the Commission shall  consult the Economic and Social Committee.

Article 118a

1. Member States shall pay particular attention to encouraging improvements,  especially in the working environment, as regards the health and safety of workers,  and shall set as their objective the harmonization of conditions in this area, while  maintaining the improvements made.

<70>