President sets out Commission's vision for future of EU social policy
Veröffentlicht: 13 February 2005
Speaking to the European Parliament on 2 February 2005, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, set out his vision for the future of European social policy and in particular the development of the EU’s employment strategy.
In February 2005, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, addressed the European Parliament, setting out what he believes are the social and employment priorities for the coming five years. These include reworking the Lisbon strategy and focusing on internal market proposals.
Speaking to the European Parliament on 2 February 2005, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, set out his vision for the future of European social policy and in particular the development of the EU’s employment strategy.
President Barroso outlined the progress made under the Lisbon strategy, launched in March 2000 (EU0004241F), maintaining that Europe has achieved many things of which it can be proud. These include more open markets in telecommunications and energy, the creation of a 'single European sky' and the development of trans-European transport networks. However, he also stated that much more needs to be done and that the Lisbon process needs re-energising, particularly as the current potential for economic growth in the EU is 2%, compared with 3.5% in the USA and even more in Asian countries such as China and India. He therefore stated that the EU 'must give a new and stronger focus to the Lisbon strategy'. Jobs and economic growth need to be created by: 'making Europe an attractive place to invest and work; placing knowledge and innovation at the heart of European growth; and shaping the policies that allow our businesses to create more and better jobs'.
The President also stated that the EU internal market needs to work more efficiently and made specific reference to two proposals. The first is the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulation (REACH) proposal for the chemicals industry, which is aimed at improving the internal market in this sector. However, it has caused some controversy among the social partners in this industry (EU0312202N).
The second proposal is the controversial draft Directive on services in the internal market, which has sparked major protests among trade unions (EU0407206F). Mr Barroso stated his belief that 'service markets must be at the core of the internal market. An effective internal market for services can give a tremendous boost to growth and employment, and bring benefits to consumers in terms of price and choice'. However, he assured the European Parliament that 'on both proposals, my Commission is ready to work constructively with you, the Council and other stakeholders to find the right approach, taking account of all the aspects of both initiatives and without losing sight of their main aims'.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has reacted positively to this statement, with its general secretary, John Monks stating: 'It is a good decision by the new Commission to rework the [services] Directive and we look forward to working with them on producing a new text which recognises workers and trade union concerns.'
Eurofound empfiehlt, diese Publikation wie folgt zu zitieren.
Eurofound (2005), President sets out Commission's vision for future of EU social policy , article.
