Brussels, 13/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - Outlining the Portuguese presidency of the EU's policy priorities to the European Economic and Social Committee's plenary on Wednesday, Portuguese Social Affairs Minister Vieira da Silva focussed on the social arm of the Lisbon strategy. The Portuguese presidency wants to breathe new life into Lisbon with the aim of updating the EU's information society, he explained. He said that to stimulate employment, it is necessary to review the EU's social models and the Portuguese presidency would also like to identify the common principles of the common concept of flexicurity this year. The presidency wants to hold a genuine debate to achieve real convergence of ideas and is awaiting the views of the EESC, the EP and other specialist committees and stakeholders on flexicurity. All the contributions will then be compiled into a 'clear message' from the Portuguese presidency to the European Council in December.
Responding to the various speakers, Vieira da Silva stressed the Portuguese presidency's pledge to include all of society, particularly organised civil society, in the process of reforming the treaty. The presidency also wants to get the EESC involved in its work. The minister mentioned the Portuguese presidency's motto: 'We can only be a stronger Europe if we contribute to a stronger world'. (gb)