Brussels, 24/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - “The section in the conclusions dealing with improved governance of the Lisbon strategy leaves many questions unanswered in relation to how the European Union leaders will ensure an adequate focus on meeting the social cohesion objective”, lamented Fintan Farrell, the Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), in his reaction to the results of the European Council of 22 and 23 March.
He was particularly congratulatory of the President of the European Council Jean-Claude Juncker “for achieving agreement that the Lisbon strategy remains focused on the three dimensions, economic, social and environmental and that social cohesion remains part of the overall objective of the Lisbon strategy”, and Mr Farrell also welcomed the commitment in the Council conclusions to “pursue a European Union Social Inclusion strategy based on a multi dimensional approach”.
Mr Farrell now expects that in the coming months, the EU social agenda will be developed in more detail and the a proposal will be made with a view to strengthening the Open Method of Coordination in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. “Without such concrete actions to follow from the Spring Council conclusions the result will be increased disillusionment with the EU project”, the EAPN Director concluded.