THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 13 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [OJ C 177 E, 27.6.2000, p. 42],

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament [Opinion delivered on 12 October 2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal)],

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [OJ C 204, 18.7.2000, p. 82],

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions [OJ C 226, 8.8.2000, p. 1],

Whereas:

(1) In accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, the European 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 all Member States and it respects 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, as general principles of Community law.

(2) The principle of equal treatment between women and men is well established by an important body of Community law, in particular in Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions [OJ L 39, 14.2.1976, p. 40].