By Martin Banks - 18th September 2007
Renewable energy and other expanding industries must feature "much more strongly" in the EU’s new guidelines for national reform of economic and social policies.
That was the key message to emerge from a meeting in Lisbon on Tuesday, organised by the Party of European Socialists (PES).
The meeting gave some of Europe's top Socialist politicians the chance to put forward their proposals ahead of next year's expected review of the Lisbon strategy.
Participants included the former German finance minister Hans Eichel, who said that the new Lisbon guidelines, which have to be adopted next year, should give a much more prominent place to sustainable industries and investment in skills and training in these areas.
“Renewable energy and energy efficiency can create new jobs and economic growth,” he said.
“But this potential is not currently acknowledged in the EU’s national reform strategy. Now is the time to update the strategy to reflect the commitments on climate change made at recent European summits.
“It is not only in sustainable energy where there is potential for growth and a need for training” added Eichel.
“Childcare is a necessity for the 21st century family and services are being expanded in several, but not all, member states. This too should be better reflected in the new guidelines.”
At the gathering social democrats put forward a series of proposals for updating the EU’s stance on the Lisbon strategy, generally acknowledged to be Europe's top priority.
These include references to the environmental and social impact of national reform and environmental and social standards in public procurement policies.
The event also recommend the development of more childcare facilities and more support for new skills and life-long learning.
The meeting was attended by over 40 delegates, including Portuguese minister for labour and social solidarity, José Vieira da Silva, and Bulgarian deputy finance minister, Georg Kadiev.
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