Mr Rasmussen was commenting as the European Commission today released its long trailed ‘Europe 2020’ strategy paper. The communication emphasises the need for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, but is light on details on the instruments and measures used to implement these objectives. The social dimension is particularly weak, due to a lack of concrete legislation proposed in this field.
“As expected, Mr. Barroso has not matched the aspirations with the reality of a strong political vision”, Mr. Rasmussen continued. “As he has shown in the ponderous reaction to the Greek crisis, there is a lack of political boldness”.
The PES President had already stated in an open letter to all Commission Members that the economic, social and environmental dimension needs to be well balanced. Additionally, regulating the financial markets and improving macro economic coordination need to become a fourth political priority. “The markets should serve the real economy. Unless we do this, the other three priorities defined, cannot be fulfilled”, Mr. Rasmussen emphasised.
There is a clear desire from the PES family that the successor to the “Lisbon Strategy”, which covered the period 2000-2010, is a long term and sustainable way out of the crisis. Prioritising exclusively a swift consolidation of public budgets without recognising the positive contribution of fiscal stimuli will be counterproductive. A balanced approached is the best route towards labour market and economic recovery.
From the PES perspective the points missing in the proposal are:
- A balance of demand and supply measures
- A lack of incentive for Member States to commit to investment and jobs creation strategies
- A failure to recognise the economic advantage of strong welfare systems and better social standards
- A real understanding of the causes of social inequality, and the pathways out of it
- A ‘fair transition’ for workers to a smart green economy
- A genuinely integrated, economic, social and environmental approach to the needs of European Citizens
Please read here PES position paper on Europe 2020 Strategy
For further information please contact Brian Synnott on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)
