By Brian Johnson - 14th March 2005
Social NGOs have reacted angrily to EU commission chief José Manuel Barroso’s call for a new start to the Lisbon strategy.
Writing in Monday’s issue of the Parliament Magazine, Simon Wilson of the Social Platform says Barroso’s demand for more economic emphasis has angered and dismayed social NGOs.
Arguing that the Lisbon strategy is based upon a balanced social model where social justice goes hand in hand with a strong economy, Wilson called Barroso’s reform strategy a “simplistic and outdated message”.
“What is so disappointing about Barroso’s new reality is that it is not very new at all,” says Wilson.
“Once again, we are being told that the promised ‘greater social cohesion’ must wait.”
“For some, there is never a right time for strong social policies,” suggests Wilson.
“When the economy is weak they tell us we can’t afford to act; when the economy is strong they tell us we should not risk weakening it.”
The scathing attack comes as the commission chief begins a marathon round of speaking engagements aimed at shoring up support for his pro-business economic reforms ahead of next week’s EU spring summit.
EU leaders are expected to support Barroso’s reform programme.
But internal disagreements such as the row over the EU’s controversial services directive and pressure from some member states to back down on the more unpopular measures have led critics to question whether the Portuguese commission chief is destined to be as ineffectual as his predecessor, Romano Prodi.
Barroso will tell business leaders on Monday that although flawed, the services directive is a vital measure in improving Europe’s competitiveness, according to FT Europe.
The paper reports a commission official describing the directive as a key aspect of Barroso’s reform strategy.
“There is a sense of urgency about the need to reform our economy,” said the source.
“And that is what Barroso will be stressing this week.”
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