By Martin Banks - 28th September 2009
2Our message is put people and the planet first. We want more 'green' jobs and a new economic programme
Roshan Di Puppo
A conference in Brussels on Monday was told that civil society should be "at the very heart" of decisions over future EU priorities.
Speaking at the event, Roshan Di Puppo, director of Social Platform said, "Civil society needs to be not just part of the debate but at the centre of it.
"Our message is put people and the planet first. We want more 'green' jobs and a new economic programme."
The conference was hosted by the "Spring Alliance" the EU's largest civil society coalition, with representatives from 200 civil society organisations present.
The message comes as the EU prepares for the task of deciding its new priorities beyond the current spending period.
The keynote address at the conference, held at the European Economic and Social Committee, was given by commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who pledged "a stronger focus on the social dimension in Europe at all levels of decision making."
He said, "The Europe I believe in is a Europe of ambition, defending and promoting the European interest with vigour, a Europe of values and a Europe that puts people at the heart of the agenda.
"The EU represents a real plus for Europeans as they try to build a better future, and allows them to shape the world we live in with confidence.”
Another speaker at the one-day event was Mikael Karlsson, president of the European Environmental Bureau, who said, "We call for concrete and bold action towards a sustainable agenda for the EU that ensures consumption and production patterns change, giving maximum benefit to people and the environment.
"Simply put: the new commission must propose policies for doing more with less."
Further comment came from John Monks, general secretary of the European Union Trade Confederation.
He said, "Now, we need a new EU social deal, assertive on social and employment policy
"This includes more effective EU financial regulation of financial institutions and more coordination on fiscal policy.
"We also want better protection for the precariously employed, a new European industrial strategy; a rapid, fair and social transition towards a low carbon economy and energetic EU leadership at the Copenhagen conference; and a new emphasis on equality and respect for public services."
Other speakers include environment commissioner Stavros Dimas and Ola Altera, for the Swedish EU presidency.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.