Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-01-18-Speech-3-060"
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"en.20060118.2.3-060"2
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"Mr President, Mr Schüssel, you can be certain that, after a presidency that was characterised by stagnation, our expectations of the Austrian Presidency are particularly high. It is up to you, Mr Schüssel, building on the report that is due to be issued during your period in office, to outline perspectives for the future of Europe.
This is not just about the European Constitution, although the fact is that Europe cannot grow any further without it. It is also about Europe’s future prosperity, growth and employment. The Council must set priorities, thus giving true shape to the Lisbon Strategy. That is also how competitiveness is strengthened and the European model of prosperity safeguarded. It is also about the future of the European social model, which Mr Schüssel was right to mention this morning.
Six months ago, Prime Minister Blair was unstinting in his efforts to modernise the European social model. An additional summit was dedicated to it, albeit without any tangible results to show for it. No answer has been found to the challenge of globalisation and no measures have been taken to re-anchor the European social model in a society that is changing and ageing, one in which the number of young people is decreasing, and a society in which borders are no longer borders.
I would urge Mr Schüssel to ensure that his presidency goes beyond fine rhetoric. Let us work together to breathe new life into our European social model, and let us then tackle those who create differences between the market and its smooth functioning on the one hand and social policy – which is so crucial to our citizens’ well-being – on the other.
It is not a matter of doubt that Christian Democrats, too, see the socially oriented market economy as the cornerstone of a society that builds on people. I admit that in my own circles, and among the Socialists too, free market thinking is gaining ground and that one sometimes has the feeling of being a voice in the wilderness. I hope that this presidency, along with the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs which is set to report on this, will manage to put this on a surer foundation. I would thank the President very much for being accommodating in this respect."@en1
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