Commission work programme sees 2006 as 'critical year' for Lisbon action
The European Commission adopted its work programme for 2006 on 25 October, describing next year as a critical one for turning words into deeds under the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. The work programme argues that the fierce debate surrounding the EU's future Financial Perspectives must not divert from the pressing need for action to promote European competitiveness. 'We can best show what Europe can do by delivering action and by giving citizens tangible proof of what Europe has to offer,' it continues. According to the document, the Union's updated competitiveness agenda will enter a critical phase in 2006. 'The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs will enter a key implementation phase. The scene will be set for a new generation of programmes in areas like the Structural Funds [...] innovation, research and education.' The overall work programme is structured around the four strategic objectives identified at the start of the current Commission's mandate: prosperity, solidarity, security and Europe as a world partner. The Commission had input from the Parliament and Council when defining the document, based on their reactions to the Annual Policy Strategy for 2006, which defines the underlying objectives of the work programme. Under the 'prosperity' strategic objective, the Annual Policy Strategy noted that particular emphasis would be placed on establishing conditions to boost investment in research and development (R&D), innovation, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). In the work programme, this is translated into a number of concrete initiatives. For example, the Commission will table a proposal for the establishment of a European Institute of Technology (EIT), but only if the Spring European Council asks for one after consideration of a report by the Commission on the subject. The Commission will also publish a communication on defence industries and markets in order to encourage the competitiveness of the European defence sector. Substantial research and development (R&D) programmes will be a key tool to achieve this objective, states the work programme. Finally, as part of the implementation of Commissioner Viviane Reding's i2010 initiative, DG Information Society will propose an action plan for 2006-2010 for eGovernment related activities, which it hopes will be widely supported by Member States and other Commission services working in this area.