Besides the emphasis on employment, the Treaty also includes other important provisions relating to the citizen, such as those on fundamental rights, the anti-discrimination clauses, consumer rights and the right to access to information.
Extracts from the Treaty:
(The EU confirms its) attachment to fundamental social rights as defined in the European Social Charter ... and in the 1989 Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers. (TEU, preamble)
The Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to the Member States.
The Union shall respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms... and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the Member States... (TEU, art 6)
The Council ...may determine the existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of principles (of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, and ) ... may decide to suspend certain of the rights (of that Member State) ..., including the voting rights of the representative of the Government of that Member State in the Council. (TEU, art 7)
Any European State which respects the principles (of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law) may apply to become a member of the Union. (TEU, art 49)
(Churches): The Union will respect and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States. The Union will equally respect the status of philosophical and non confessional organisations. (Declaration 11)
(Non discrimination): ... the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. (TEC, art 13)
(Disability): The Conference agrees that, in drawing up measures under Article 100a, the institutions of the Community shall take account of the needs of persons with a disability. (Declaration 22)
(Equality): The Community shall .... promote ... a high level of employment and social protection, equality between men and women, ... the raising of the standard of living and quality of life, and economic and social cohesion and solidarity among Member States. (TEC, art 2)
Parliament's views:
Acknowledges that the Amsterdam Treaty confirms, and in some areas further develops, the European Union as a system of values of a free, democratic, social Community based on the rule of law and solidarity and on shared fundamental freedoms and civil rights;
any "suspension of certain rights of a Member State" shall be subject to control by the Court of Justice and shall under no circumstances affect Union citizens' rights;
progress in the field of equality between men and women at all levels to be implemented resolutely, and evolved further, and active promotion of women's interests to be pursued until full equality of opportunities is achieved.