News
EU2020: Social Platform does not buy into the EU2020 agenda; makes four proposals for improvement
[16/12/2009]

Despite its very limited timeframe, Social Platform has decided to react to the EU 2020 consultation. In a letter to President Barroso sent on December 17, we welcome the emphasis on ‘social Europe’ in Barroso's political guidelines and also that “New policies must demonstrably contribute to social cohesion, tackling unemployment and fostering social inclusion while securing well performing labour marketsâ€, as stated in the Europe 2020 consultation.

However, we regret that actions outlined in the paper will not fulfill these objectives. Social Platform considers that the Europe 2020 agenda, as it stands, represents a step back for social cohesion and social inclusion in Europe and will increase inequalities.

We're also very concerned that the growth and competitiveness paradigm is coming back on the agenda even stronger than in 2005, as if lessons from the current crisis were not drawn. Additionally, the Commission working document fails to present implementation mechanisms and targets which must be part of the strategy.

We therefore makes four proposals on how future actions could fulfill Barroso's declaration of intent to make sure “social, economic and environmental objectives go hand in handâ€. Each proposal is detailed with concrete actions in the letter:
  1. Go beyond a short-term exit strategy: transform the EU economic strategy to serve people and planet
  2. Go beyond jobs as the only social answer: put your commitment to fight poverty in practice and propose a European strategy to reinforce social protection, guarantee access to services and minimum income for all
  3. Go beyond flexibility and self-employment: propose a European Employment Strategy that genuinely contributes to more quality jobs for all
  4. Go beyond a vision of people as mere consumers: make participation, citizenship and fundamental rights matter

Making participation matter starts by postponing the adoption of the Europe 2020, as Social Platform requested in a letter on November 19, 2009.