Barroso and the Commision's work programme for 2005

Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, addressed the February plenary session of the EESC during which he presented the commission's work programme for 2005 and the strategic objectives for 2005-2009.

Barroso described the progamme as a partnership for European Renewal highlighting the importance of Council, Parliament and Commission working together on three strategic objectives - prosperity, solidarity and security.

However, as on previous occasions, while referring to the revived Lisbon Agenda reference to the social and environmental aspects was lacking while the main focus was on economic growth and "putting Europe back on the path to long-term prosperity".

Comments and questions raised from the members reflected growing fears that the programme for 2005 lacked a strong commitment to the social and environmental aspects of the European social model.

Solidarity, respect, diversity, and social inclusion need to be prioritised to create the necessary balance for real growth.

Reference to Barroso's words earlier in the week to 'his three sons' was also made as the need for 'daughters' to be included reflected the need for a strong strategy to improve equality between men and women.

These are the issues we need to communicate about with the European citizens as they are their concerns.

Social NGOs, deeply concerned at the shift in the revived Lisbon Strategy, have reiterated that if all policies are aimed at increasing jobs and growth alone, the number of working poor will increase, those unable to work will be left behind and the number of people living in poverty and social exclusion will increase.

The European Women's Lobby also expressed its disappointment that the Commission Communication on the Social (Policy) Agenda weakens prior EU commitments to achieving equality and lacked a strengthened Gender Equality Strategic Framework for the next five years as the current Community Framework for Gender Equality is due to end in 2005.

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) also released its response to the Commission's communication to the European Spring Council "Working together for growth and jobs A new start for the Lisbon Strategy".

According to EAPN, this communication has caused shock and dismay among social NGOs: "The dropping of social cohesion as a priority objective, the failure to mention the EU Inclusion Strategy and the ignoring of the commitment given by heads of state and government in Lisbon, to bring forward a strategy aimed at making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty in the EU is incomprehensible".