56. Stresses that the current proliferation of private certification systems is hindering access to the market for some in the sector, and that those systems are not helping to improve the communication of product characteristics to consumers; calls on the Commission to promote the mutual recognition of private certification systems in order to limit that proliferation and exclusion from the market of quality products; sees a need for Community guidelines to be drawn up that contain aspects those systems cannot regulate, such ‘statu ...[+++]s-enhancing’ references, which should be defined on the basis of objective, scales and circumstances;

This concern to ensure that these rules are compatible with the specific characteristics of what is a new type of contract between a European institution (Parliament) and assistants chosen by individual Members to assist them during their terms of office formed the basis for a number of the amendments set out in the report, namely: the amendments to Recitals 3, 4, 6, 8 and, in particular, 9 (where it is pointed out that the special relationship between assistant and Member needs to be taken into account for the purpose of incorporating this category of contract into the CEOS); the amendments to Recital 11 and Article 5a (which define th ...[+++]e relationship between assistant and Member, based on mutual trust); and the amendments to Articles 126(2), 127 and 128(1) (which deals with the application by analogy of the provisions of the Staff Regulations, with due respect for the specific characteristics of the employment relationship in question).

To achieve the objective of strengthening reciprocal knowledge and understanding, the bodies must be deeply acquainted with the cultural and historical characteristics of the regions concerned.

Its universal features include the fact that it is supported by authority and incentives, recognizes interdependence of maleness and femaleness as a public dimension, defines eligible partners, encourages procreation under specific conditions, and provides mutual support, not only between men and women but also between them and children.

Its nearly universal features, common to all large-scale societies and all world religions, include durability, mutual affection and companionship, family or political alliances, and an intergenerational cycle, the link of young and old.

pluralism and the variants of ‘European’ ethics: pluralism is inherent in the European Union. It reflects the richness of its traditions and entails an additional need for mutual respect and tolerance.