In examining the motives behind the proposal for a directive, it becomes clear that this text, which was something of a surprise to the parties concerned, logically fitted in with the pattern of concerns expressed by the European Community and particularly by the Commission. The Commission notes that a consequence of the development of such undertakings has been that worker information and consultation systems are no longer consistent with the structures of these undertakings. The Directive also wished to make possible information and consultation of employees in a transnational undertaking whose decision-making centre is situated outside the Community but which controls one or more undertakings in the Community. In the context of these procedures, the Directive requires members and former members of bodies representing employees to maintain discretion as regards information of a confidential nature. The European Trade Union Confederation felt the Directive to be essential for the strengthening of democracy in the European economy.