Brussels, 06/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - Due to the current crisis, the uncertainty surrounding the structural budgetary situation and long-term forecasts has increased. The deterioration of public finances has greatly complicated the challenges of viability, particularly with regard to the ageing population, the Council notes in conclusions to be adopted on Tuesday 10 November relating to the recent communication of the Commission on this subject (EUROPE 9998). In them, the finance ministers of the EU acknowledge the need to act as a matter of urgency to improve long-term viability, by acting on three fronts: reducing deficits and debt, increasing employment rates and reforming social protection systems. According to the Council, this can be done, amongst other means, by implementing the principles and strategies for overcoming budgetary deficits recommended in its conclusions of 20 October, then targeting medium-term budgetary objectives (EUROPE 10000). The fight against long-term unemployment and reforms of the systems for pension, healthcare and allocations for dependents remain key elements in strategies to ensure the viability of the public finances. These strategies must be reflected in the forthcoming stability and convergence programmes of the member states, the Council insists. (A.B./transl.fl)