Brussels, 24/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 24 November, the European Commission adopted, in Strasbourg, its consultation and discussion paper on the EU 2020 strategy, announced in the political guidelines of President José Manuel Barroso, as being the continuation of the Lisbon strategy which comes to an end in March 2010. The consultation paper presents a vision of the way the EU 2020 strategy will focus on entrenching recovery from the crisis, helping to prevent a similar crisis in the future and on three thematic objectives: creating value through knowledge, empowering people in inclusive societies, and creating a competitive, connected and greener economy. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 15 January 2010. The new Commission will then present detailed proposals to the spring European Council 2010, a press release announces. The consultation document, we would point out, was examined and approved by foreign ministers during their meeting in Brussels on 16 November. For details on the document, see EUROPE 10020.
Presenting his paper, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said: “The EU 2020 means the EU working together over the next decade to overcome some of the toughest economic challenges that Europe has ever faced. A smart economy and a wise society based on strong European values go together. Growth, sustainable public finances, tackling climate change, social inclusion, a strengthened industrial base and a vibrant services sector are not alternatives. They reinforce each other”. He added: “We have set out in this paper the keys that can unlock Europe's potential. At the same time, we can increase our influence in the world and on globalisation by showing our partners that the social market economy is the most efficient and the most equitable”.
Markus Ferber of Germany, who heads the EPP Group, was sceptical about the consultation paper. In his view, according to a press release, the aims of this strategy may be correct but they do not provide any real solutions to current challenges.
Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of Eurochambres, said it was necessary to “shift more attention from the what to the how. Part of the blame lies with the open method of coordination, which leaves implementation to the goodwill of member states. This method should be reviewed in the future 2020 strategy, and include more incentives for member states to deliver on their targets”. He went on to recommend that measures be set in place to guarantee greater commitment on the part of member states.
Jürgen R. Thumann, President of BusinessEurope, said: “Now that institutional issues are resolved, there is a real sense of urgency to push forward an ambitious agenda of economic reforms in Europe. We need a clear focus on competitiveness and on the conditions to stimulate business investment for recovery. Clear targets for the next five years combined with an unwavering commitment by all European institutions to achieve them will be the cornerstone of success”. (G.B./transl.jl).