Brussels, 21/04/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a press release the European Confederation of Trade Unions (ETUC) has called for an increase in the EU budget for “preserving social policy and respecting commitments” of the Union (enlargement, Lisbon and Gothenburg strategies). The ETUC believes that the level of resources proposed by the European Commission for the new financial framework (2007-13) is insufficient and is concerned by the elements figuring in the draft report by Reimer Böge MEP (EUROPE 8921 and 8918). According to the ETUC, the report only skirts around the issue of social policy, which is “in contradiction” with the European Commission's proposals and conclusions from the last European Council on the relaunch of the Lisbon Strategy. The ETUC said that social policy is one of the pillars of European construction and subsequently has to be provided with sufficient financial resources in view of maintaining and strengthening the European social model. The ETUC is also increasing efforts to “stimulate growth, jobs, competitiveness and sustainable development”.