Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on: the 'Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on certain Community measures to combat discrimination', the 'Proposal for a Council Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation', the 'Proposal for a Council Directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin', and the 'Proposal for a Council Decision establishing a Community Action Programme to combat discrimination 2001-2006'.