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This week, the first debate on the EU 2020 Strategy with Employment Commissioner Andor took place in the European Parliament. In the introduction to the new Strategy, Commission President Barroso speaks of ambitious but achievable goals. Andor was harshly criticized for it. MEP Richard Falbr even referred to the EU 2020 Strategy as a “catalogue filled with hot air”.

This week, László Andor, the new Employment Commissioner, was the first to have the opportunity to defend the new EU 2020 Strategy in the Employment Committee of the European Parliament. He commented that the EU 2020 Strategy was simpler, more efficient and more target-oriented. In addition, he addressed the three priorities of the strategy - smart, inclusive and sustainable growth. The priorities in turn are associated with five EU core objectives. In order to underpin these, the Commission proposes seven flagship initiatives to ensure that progress can be made within these priorities. Andor only addressed the initiatives relevant to employment and social policy: combating poverty, the agenda for new competences and new employment possibilities as well as youth employment.

One of the first MEPs to speak was Richard Falbr (Social Democrats), who started by harshly criticising the expiring Lisbon Strategy, which in his opinion only resulted in fewer and less well paid jobs. The EU 2020 Strategy was shorter, said Falbr, had less content and was a catalogue filled with hot air. Harsh words, which Andor found difficult to reply to. He tried to bring the crisis into play and the loss of many jobs associated with it. He warned, however, against throwing out the baby with the bath water.

Other MEPs missed a number of relevant topics in the EU 2020 Strategy. Liz Lynne (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats) for example mentioned that discrimination was not mentioned at all. Evelyn Regner (Social Democrats) came out in favour of the Austrian model of dual education, in particular in connection with youth unemployment. The EU 2020 Strategy focuses predominantly on 20 to 64 year olds. The MEPs also addressed the subject of “green jobs”. In his concluding words, Andor promised to take more concrete steps with regard to the employment policy as soon as the heads of state and government had agreed on the EU 2020 Strategy.


Further information:

The Commission Proposal on the EU 2020 Strategy

AK position paper on the Consultation on the future EU 2020 Strategy