Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-11-13-Speech-2-034"
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"en.20071113.4.2-034"2
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"Mr President, I am glad that matters relating to growth and employment head the list of the European Commission's priorities for 2008.
This is evidence of an understanding that full employment and preservation of the wide range of social services characteristic of the European social model cannot be achieved without swift and sustainable growth. Unfortunately, the Commission's document is disappointing because it lacks detail. The situation will not be improved simply by repeated reference to mantras such as 'the knowledge society' and 'flexicurity', whilst the Lisbon Strategy remains largely confined to paper.
Specific and more determined action is required, so as to encourage European societies to be more active on the labour market, remove barriers within the single market, notably in the area of the free movement of labour and services, and create more favourable conditions for entrepreneurs.
Europe is a world leader in terms of social and environmental protection. Europe’s potential for growth is too low, however, and will not enable it to retain its position. Action should focus mainly on developing education, and increasing flexibility and readiness for work. We must move away from a paternalistic social policy that perpetuates inactivity towards a social policy that rewards activity on the labour market.
The common currency has an important role to play in the creation of economic competition. I welcome the enlargement of the euro zone to include Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. The discriminatory treatment meted out to certain new Member States endeavouring to join the euro zone should be cause for concern, however. Lithuania is a case in point. Any recurrence of such errors in the future could be detrimental above all for the eurozone.
We trust that the European Commission will present us with specific proposals regarding support for employment and growth, so as to ensure a high and constantly rising standard of living in a united Europe."@en1
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