ESC doet negen aanbevelingen voor beter Europees werkgelegenheids-beleid (en)

Nine recommendations for a more efficient employment policy

In its own initiative opinion on the EU employment policy after enlargement, the EESC makes nine concrete recommendations to improve EU employment policies. This opinion is also of particular importance for the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy

The own initiative opinion that was prepared by Mr Wolfgang Greif (Group II, Employees, Austria) was adopted with a big majority by the EESC February plenary session. It formulates nine concrete proposals, notably a better and coherent coordination between the employment and economic policy coordination.

1. Dovetailing of content in economic and employment policy coordination
2. Better integration of the social partners and enhancing the value of the macro-economic dialogue
3. Effective cooperation between the specialised Councils of Ministers with respect to promote the Lisbon objectives
4. Complementary macro-policy and structural reforms
5. Supporting the job-creating role of SMEs
6. Optimising implementation in the Member States themselves
7. Taking more account of the enlargement aspect with respect to European Employment Strategy
8. "Lisbonisation" of the EU budget
9. Strengthened dialogue with civil society and role of the EESC within the impact analysis of European initiatives

The Lisbon strategy introduced the notion that performance and competitiveness were to be achieved above all by fostering innovation and improving the rate and quality of employment. Investment in human resources, research, technology and innovation was therefore given the same priority as labour market and structural policies. The EESC deplores that despite some initial successes, Europe is still far from reaching its ambitious targets.

The Committee considers that the slowdown in growth of the past few years was due mainly to macroeconomic factors, and less so to structural ones. It has therefore repeatedly urged that this fact be reflected in the recommendations of the European broad economic policy guidelines.

To retain the target of creating more and better, the most important thing is to boost the economy and promote sensible structural reforms. That is the only way to raise the impact and acceptance of reforms. Macro-policy and structural reforms must be mutually supportive, not mutually exclusive.

The Committee emphasises that giving a substantial boost to demand, is the only way to offset Europe's weak buying power and this bringing the economy back on track.

More account should also be taken of the Commission's reform proposals steering the Stability and Growth Pact more towards growth, and also the removal of strategic investments from the deficit calculation. The Committee demands a noticeable revival of the demand components, as well as intelligent planning of structural reforms.

Priority should also be given to promoting employability, overcoming skills deficits and integrating disadvantaged groups in the labour market rather than calling for more and more labour market reforms.

The Committee's opinion also makes clear that the Lisbon objective is not to create jobs at any price: it is also about employment as the best way to prevent poverty and exclusion. Europe's path to full employment must therefore be tied to consummate wages, social security and high standards of labour law.

The EESC is prepared, in the context of European employment policy, to offer its specialised knowledge and its contribution to full understanding of the Lisbon Strategy and its necessary communication to the public.

For more details, please contact :
Vasco de Oliveira or Christian Weger at the EESC Press Office.
Rue Belliard 99, B-1040; Bruxelles
Tel.: 02 546 9396/9586; Mobile: 0475 753 202
e-mail : press@esc.eu.int

Website: http://www.esc.eu.int/press/index_en.asp