The Institut Jacques Delors has published a report on the future of social Europe, based on the opinions of experts and policy makers which were shared at the seminar 'A New Impetus for Social Europe'.
The seminary was co-organised by the Institut Jacques Delors and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy in Luxembourg, the latter of which requested the publishing of the report.
"The threats of disintegration and conflict, socialm exclusion, long-term unemployment and the rise of euroscepticism are real," warned Jacques Delors, Founding President of the institute, in the report's foreword. "A strong impetus for Social Europe could help on all these subjects. I would like out European leaders to become aware and overhaul, with determination, EU architecture to ensure the achievement of common social objectives. Otherwise, the lack of progress on the road towards a social union could be very expensive."
The report was centered around three axes: an investment strategy in human capital as the basis for growth and competitiveness based on social inclusion and resilience; increased and fairer mobility of labour between Member States to create a genuine European labour market; and a reform promoting the convergence of European economic governance to reconcile social and macroeconomic goals.
"This report makes it possible to generate debate to progress towards a social Europe," commented Nicolas Schmit, Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy. "The Luxembourg Presidency made the revival of n active social policy one of the priorities of its programme. It is urgent to give new impetus to Social Europe, not only in words but also in concrete policy measures."
Both Jacques Delors and Nicolas Schmit have contributed to the report, which was edited by researcher David Rinaldi.
