Economic and Social Committee calls for European employment strategy
The Economic and Social Committee has called for efforts to be stepped up in formulating a European employment strategy, in line with the Portuguese Presidency's strategic objective of making Europe a dynamic, competitive economic area with better and more jobs. In its opinion, 'Employment, economic reform and social cohesion - towards a Europe of innovation and knowledge', the Committee has proposed an agenda for the forthcoming Lisbon Summit. The Committee suggests that social models need to be adapted, including removing barriers to employment, making working hours more flexible and reforming financial structures. Mass training in information society technologies is required, says the opinion, and an enterprise culture should be encouraged with an environment conducive to the formation and development of new companies. To help companies adapt, innovation must apply in all areas of business operation, says the Committee, requiring enterprises to be flexible, adaptable and less hierarchical. The Committee concludes that a new paradigm might be needed for government itself, bearing in mind that the public expects that services are provided properly and efficiently.