EESC steunt reddingsplan van de Commissie (en)

CES/08/110

5 December 2008

EESC debate on growth and jobs with Commission President Barroso: targeted, timely and temporary action is needed

On 4 December 2008, during the EESC's plenary session, EESC i president Sepi and Commission President Barroso agreed to the recovery plan and called for Europe to act together using the three "t"s: targeted, timely and temporary. Both presidents agreed that in crises lie new opportunities. Mr Barroso's statement also focused on the re-launching of the Lisbon Strategy during the debate on the exploratory opinion by Ms Susanna Florio (Employees' Group, Italy).

Mr Sepi began by pledging the EESC's full support for the recovery plan and said "We are facing the worst financial crisis since the European Union came into existence. Now, more than ever, Europe must speak with one voice. The Lisbon Strategy can guide us in our action, even in these difficult times. Concrete measures must be proposed to Member States on how to best protect the most vulnerable and invest in infrastructure, education, innovation, and the greening of the economy."

Mr Barroso said that "The recovery plan, which takes its full meaning in the context of the Lisbon Strategy, is based on two main elements: short-term measures to boost demand, save jobs and restore confidence and "smart investment" to yield higher growth and sustainable prosperity in the longer term. The plan's basic principle is social solidarity. Action can be taken to lessen the human cost of the economic downturn." In order to achieve the recovery plan's aims, Mr Barroso highlighted the need for a close connection between fiscal stimulus and actions in the four priority areas of the Lisbon Strategy: people, business, infrastructure and energy, and research and innovation.

"More than ever, I would like to thank the Committee for being, from the beginning, heavily involved in monitoring the Lisbon Strategy. I need the Committee's support and its unique ability to mobilise the economic and social actors in Member States and civil society. More than ever we must show our determination to address the current crisis", concluded Mr Barroso.

Presenting her opinion, Mrs Florio stated that "The message the Committee wants to stress is the importance of participatory democracy and the strengthening of civil and social dialogue. Through this opinion, we present an idea of governance that underlines the responsibility of different government and administrative levels." Regarding the recovery plan, Ms Florio emphasised that "The goal must be the creation of millions of job opportunities, more support for companies and more investment, research, education and universities."

During the debate, Mr Staffan Nilsson, President of Group III, stressed the importance to support the Lisbon Strategy and focus on long term projects, involving more all parts of the civil society. Mr Henri Malosse, President of Group I, stated that we have to face the current crisis at both national and international level, and called for investments in infrastructure and partnership with private companies. Mr Georgios Dassis, President of Group II, underlined that many workers and their families had been or would be hit by the crisis. The risk was not only about losing jobs but concerned future pensions. He called for bold and firm initiatives. All the Presidents thanked Mr Barroso for the recovery plan and assured him of their full support.

Ms Florio's opinion was adopted by 100 votes to seven.

To consult the agenda of the plenary session and the draft opinions, please visit:

http://www.toad.eesc.europa.eu/EESCAgendas.aspx?body=PLEN