Brussels, 21/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - “Modernising the European Social Model Initiative” to help EU countries move forward in a world in constant evolution. It was on this theme that Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla explained his views at the 2005 Jean- Jacques Rousseau Lecture of the Lisbon Council, on 20 May in Brussels. Mr Spidla believes the European social model is not “necrophilic” but is all for life. He sees it as being synonymous with freedom, a bearer of change, upholding human dignity and equal opportunities, and providing effective aid to persons in difficulty. “Our potential of equal opportunities comes from a humanist notion but also contributes to our competitiveness at global level”, Mr Spidla said, considering it is of the greatest value to place emphasis on job security rather than on preserving every single job. “Rather than individual jobs, we should be maintaining a worker's ability to find a job (…). Our efforts have to be focused on people, (…). Lifelong learning is our social model's driving force”, Mr Spidla stressed, concluding: “I am convinced that there is enough work but not enough jobs. Converting work into jobs is one of the key factors that will determine the future of our labour markets”.
The Lisbon Council is a Brussels-based non-profit policy network dedicated to making Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, as set out in Lisbon in March 2000. (Information: http://www.lisboncouncil.net ).