Summary: February 10-11, 2005: Speech by Mr. Vladimir Špidla, Member of the European Commission responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, to the Commission for Social Development, 43rd session - Review of further implementation of the World Summit for Social Development - High Level Plenary Debate (New York)
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to participate in this plenary session of the Commission for Social Development, which marks the tenth anniversary of the Copenhagen Summit and the review of the way its action plan has been implemented. As the Member of the European Commission responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, I would like to offer a view that reflects both the way that the Copenhagen guidelines are implemented in the Union's internal policies and how they are incorporated in
its external ones.
The Lisbon strategy and the Social Agenda
First of all, I would like to emphasise that the guidelines proposed at the Copenhagen Summit in 1995 are very close to those the Union has set itself in the Lisbon strategy, which is the keystone of its development model. But it should also be stressed that, ten years on, the world's economic and social landscape has changed greatly.
Globalisation has established itself as a powerful force for change. The increasing pace of change and keener competition have transformed the conditions of economic and social development, creating a new situation in which we all have to work.
The Lisbon strategy is based on complementarity and solidarity between economic, environmental, employment and social policies. These policies are interdependent and mutually reinforce each other with a view to creating growth, full employment and greater social cohesion. This strategy has enabled considerable, albeit insufficient, progress to be made.
Last week, the European Commission confirmed this strategy, placing the emphasis on two key areas where considerable added value can accrue for the Union: promoting growth and employment up to 2010 by supporting innovation, making Europe more attractive for investment and creating more quality jobs.
In the past, Europe has been able to build a dynamic economy on a unique social model, combining social partnership, effective social protection systems, and education and equal opportunities for all. We must update and fine-tune this model to ensure that our continent enjoys sustainable development.
In Brussels yesterday, I therefore presented the Commission's new Agenda for the Union's social policy for the period 2006-2010. It is designed to both promote employment and to offer new opportunities to everybody. The Commission intends in this way to get young people into work more effectively, enhance mobility in Europe and encourage cross-border collective bargaining. It is also keen to combat discrimination and poverty by looking at the contribution minimum income systems can make or by
setting up a Gender Institute to promote equality for men and women. It will also highlight the role played by social services of general interest. Finally, it will soon launch a wide-ranging debate on the economic and social changes that demographic developments in Europe will set in motion, so that everyone can have their say.
Promoting the social dimension in both our external and internal policies
The World Commission for the Social Dimension of Globalisation has highlighted the interest in Europe's Lisbon strategy throughout the world and, in particular, in its integrated approach and the priority it accords partnership. The European Union does not seek to export its development model but thinks that its experience could be useful for the countries outside the Union.
Several regions are keeping a close eye on these developments in Europe. At a preparatory seminar which was held in Brussels in January, we had an opportunity to talk to and exchange notes with international organisations and representatives of non-member countries and regional organisations, especially from Africa and Latin America. The European Employment Strategy, the open method of coordination on matters of inclusion and social protection, the social dialogue, corporate social
responsibility and equal opportunities are also areas in which our experience may be useful.
The Union must ensure that there is consistency between its internal and external policies. The integrated economic and social approach which has proved to be effective within the Union must therefore also underpin our external activities. It is essential, for example, to give priority to the employment dimension and decent work in our development policies. By the same token, it is crucial to tackle the social dimension of globalisation, both within the Union and in its external policies.
The Commission is adamant that the declaration adopted at the end of the week's discussions should clearly refer to the promotion of decent work and the social dimension of globalisation as key elements in social development.
These aspects will also have to be taken into consideration this autumn in the run-up to the Millennium Declaration.
The Union intends to make a firm contribution to implementing this Declaration. It will make practical proposals for development policy, which will require a greater level of involvement and effort.
Conclusion
The world has not yet achieved the objectives set ten years ago in Copenhagen because:
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