Brussels, 28/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - Given the worries about the delays in practical implementation of the Lisbon summit strategy of March 2000, concerning employment and sustainable development, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted a resolution during its plenary session of 27 February (see EUROPE 26 February p 17. The resolution makes a strong appeal for the European Spring Council of 21 March to make sustainable development one of the EU's priorities, stressing the interdependence between sustainable development and economic growth and employment, as highlighted in the Gothenburg Summit. The EESC also highlights the "crucial role research and development for sustainable development and implementation of the Lisbon Strategy". The EESC is also calling for: 1) Member States, European institutions, the regions, social partners and civil society, together, for a much stronger commitment to the Lisbon objectives; 2) the Lisbon objectives are still relevant. According to the EESC, more efforts should be made to rebuild European citizens' confidence and guarantee a fairer distribution of wealth.
In a press statement, the EESC explains the reasons for its worries: 1) the economic situation. According to the EESC there is a need for better targeting of the EU's Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, which should also be made more stable and clearer. 2) It is also emphasising full employment, quality and productivity, as well as cohesion and "a more inclusive labour market"; 3) sustainable development: the EESC believes that "one of the most important challenges still facing the EU is to fully integrate sustainable development into the Lisbon Strategy".