Brussels, 05/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - In their reply to the summary of responses to the European Commission's consultation exercise on the EU2020 strategy, social, environmental and non-governmental organisations have been highly critical.
The Platform of European Social NGOs says that the EU2020 strategy is a backward step for social cohesion and social inclusion in Europe, and that it will increase inequalities. Another point that concerns the Platform is the re-appearance of the growth and competitiveness paradigm on the agenda, even stronger than in the revised Lisbon Strategy in 2005, as if lessons had not been drawn from the current crisis. Additionally, the Commission working document fails to present any implementation mechanisms or targets. The Platform offers four proposals for inclusion in the strategy: (1) go beyond a short-term exit strategy: transform the EU economic strategy to serve people and planet; (2) go beyond jobs as the only social answer: put the commitment to fighting poverty into practice and propose a European strategy to reinforce social protection, guarantee access to services and a minimum income for all; (3) go beyond flexibility and self-employment: propose a European employment strategy that genuinely contributes to more quality jobs for all; (4) go beyond a vision of people as mere consumers: make participation, citizenship and fundamental rights matter.
Environmental organisations appreciate the Commission's recognition that in the next decade “conserving energy, natural resources and raw materials” have to be central to the EU2020 strategy. What is less to the liking of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is that “the Commission puts this entirely in the context of the 'future competitiveness of our industry and our economies'”, says its Secretary General John Hontelez. He goes on to add that “this is a narrow and dangerous approach, making us the hostage of business lobbies who will insist that only those measures which bring immediate profits are acceptable”.
The Confederation of Family Organisations in the European Union (COFACE) calls on heads of state and government, who will meet in Brussels on 11 February, to discuss the EU2020 strategy, bearing in mind three key points needed for a cohesive society: (1) growth and jobs cannot be seen as aims by themselves; (2) social cohesion and inclusive societies cannot be achieved solely via education and lifelong learning; (3) to tackle the demographic challenge and to promote solidarity between generations, it is crucial to invest into quality, accessible and affordable care services. (G.B./transl.rt)