Brussels, 04/04/2005 (Agence Europe) - The proposal by CDU member Reimer Böge to reduce sums earmarked for competitiveness in the 2007-2013 financial perspectives failed to meet with the approval of Eurochambres (see EUROPE n° 9818). In a press release, the Secretary General of the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Arnaldo Abruzzini, calls on the European Parliament not to go along with its rapporteur, but to support the proposals of the European Parliament. Mr Abruzzini criticises the Böge report for its “ambivalence”, welcoming the fact that it seems to support the focus on the economy and the emphasis on research, but criticises the suggestion that resources given over to improving European competitiveness should be reduced. “The financial perspectives are a moment of truth for Europe's priorities”, Abruzzini said, adding that “revitalising the economy and competitiveness must be the overarching priority for the next financing period”. He believes that this is all the more important following the publication by the Commission of the spring economic forecasts for 2005-2006 (see other article). These forecasts point to growth in the region of 2%, but this upturn can only be taken in an international context, Abruzzini warns, pointing out that growth is around 4% in the United States and even higher in China. Unemployment estimated at 8.7% in 2006 is not acceptable, says Mr Abruzzini, who concludes: “3 million new jobs by the end of 2006 is good news but not good enough!”