PRESS RELEASE No 130/2004

27 October 2004

"WITHOUT CITIZENS INVOLVEMENT, LISBON BUBBLE UNLIKELY TO WAIT TO 2010 TO BURST"

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) sends clear message to European Council. Ahead of Kok Report EESC Plenary concludes there is a risk of failing to apply sufficient determination to economic, social and environmental reforms while continuing to believe strategy can be delivered.

During its Plenary Session on 27 October the European Economic and Social Committee adopted an Opinion on the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy as it had been asked to do by last March's European Council. The representatives of the various economic and social components of organised civil society in Europe sent a clear and unambiguous message to EU Heads of State and Government which sets out a view of progress on the Lisbon Strategy which has not been said explicitly until now :

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  In the past Member States have favoured debates on objectives already set rather than carrying out a vigorous evaluation and application of reforms already underway. The have multiplied new aims and commitments but have failed to act. As a result "there is a failure of applying sufficient determination to the necessary reforms whist believing the strategy can be achieved. Such a Lisbon bubble would be unlikely to wait until 2010 to burst".
  
  

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  Civil Society in Europe is ready to commit to the Lisbon reforms but has so far been little involved. "The Lisbon objectives will not be achieved without Civil Society being informed, alerted, involved and mobilised.
  
  

Speaking after the debate Anne-Marie SIGMUND the newly elected President of the EESC called on the European Council to create a framework in which organised civil society in Europe can take on its responsibilities for the Lisbon objectives. She said the EESC was ready to play a full part in any partnership for reform programme. This message would be delivered to the President of the European Council and to other EU Heads of State and Government in the next few days.