EU – Working together for job-rich growth

Collective efforts to pursue economic integration and promote strong and sustainable economic growth, social cohesion and employment were the main focus of the Tripartite Social Summit held in Brussels on 18th October, in preparation of the 18-19 October European Council. The Summit brought together the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias – for the Presidency of the EU’s Council of Ministers – and László Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, with representatives of European workers and employers (including ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME). Eamon Gilmore, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, which holds the Council Presidency in the first half of 2013, also contributed to the debate. The Summit also reviewed progress on implementing the Compact for Growth and Jobs and discussed the social partners’ key role in EU governance, including their important contribution to restoring jobs and growth.

President Barroso said “Europe needs to accelerate the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs. The fiscal consolidation efforts must be balanced with structural reforms and competitiveness and growth-enhancing measures including targeted public investment. A wide array of measures has been proposed by the Commission, but progress in adopting and implementing them is too slow. Immediate and decisive action is now needed to get back on track towards a job-rich and sustainable growth as well as social cohesion. Record levels of youth employment drastically underline the urgency and I expect the European Council to deliver on the promises made. I also call on Member States to engage in a constructive discussion on the next steps for a genuine Economic and Monetary Union.”..
Social Summit: working together for job-rich growth and enhanced economic governance | Invest in EU
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