Brussels, 11/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - "Implementation of the Lisbon strategy in the Member States will only be successful if it is perceived as the solution for the economic stagnation we suffer in Europe. Governments need to be aware that the Lisbon strategy is the only way to achieve a better and prosperous Europe".
This was the appeal made by the Secretary General of UNICE (European employers), Philippe de Buck, at last Thursday's presentation to the Press of reports, drawn up by fifteen national business organisations which are members of UNICE, and assessing the Lisbon strategy in each of the Member States, giving concrete examples of reforms to be carried out in each country.
The same exercise has been carried out in Norway and Turkey, UNICE added in a press release.
The following priorities have emerged from the national reports:
1) market opening in Member States;
2) access to finance, particularly for SMEs;
3) reduce tax pressure for companies;
4) stimulate innovation to improve competitiveness;
5) improve labour market to combat unemployment;
6) modernise social protection, taking into account changes in the economy;
7) adapt education and training to enhance people's skills and employability;
8) dismantle unnecessary regulation to decrease the burden on companies;
9) reconcile sustainable development and competitiveness.
In its press release, UNICE stresses that politically, it is crucial to restore confidence among market participants, including consumers, producers and investors. The signal could be sent out in the form of a serious commitment by the Member States actually to implement the Lisbon strategy.
Policy-makers must clearly show that they are willing to deliver sound reforms- especially in the labour market- because existing rules are not appropriate for today's dynamic economic conditions. This would positively influence employment prospects and hence consumer confidence", the association concludes.
At national level, these reports add to the conclusions drawn by UNICE in its report for Europe of last December, which exposed shortcomings in entrepreneurship, innovation, the single market, human resources and sustainable development.