Commission building a brighter, better Europe Myriad concerns weigh on the minds of Europeans, and growth and jobs are the hot-button issues of our day. For the European Commission, the priority is to fuel growth in the region and create jobs. In 2013 and in the first part of 2014, the Commission will table a package cont... Myriad concerns weigh on the minds of Europeans, and growth and jobs are the hot-button issues of our day. For the European Commission, the priority is to fuel growth in the region and create jobs. In 2013 and in the first part of 2014, the Commission will table a package containing about 50 new initiatives that focus on bridging any gaps that have emerged in the region, as well as introducing reforms to the financial system and providing measures to stimulate the economy. All this will help pull Europe out of the economic crisis and ensure sustainable growth. The new proposals will cover better stability, transparency and consumer protection in the financial sector. The Commission said this is based on a blueprint for a stronger economic and monetary union. Other objectives for the EU are to increase competitiveness through the single market and a coordinated industrial policy, and to slash VAT and invoicing costs for businesses. The Commission also plans to foster solid public-private partnerships in research connecting Europe by freeing up energy networks. Greater broadband infrastructure investment, a revamping of the transport sector and more logistics support for individuals seeking work are also in the pipeline. Better public employment services and greater support for the environment are part of the package, as are sustainable growth policies, climate change solutions, and air quality and waste management improvements. Other components that make up the initiatives include providing Europeans with a safer and more secure place to live by tackling fraud and firearm trafficking. Finally, the Commission aims to boost EU citizenship benefits. It will bolster European interests and values across the board; this will be done through new trade agreements, stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries and increasing development aid to areas that need this support. In order to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives and get the results needed, the Commission will collaborate with the European Parliament, EU leaders in Council, national parliaments and other stakeholders.For more information, please visit:EU affairs:http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/index_en.htmThe Commission initiatives:http://ec.europa.eu/atwork/pdf/cwp2013_annex_en.pdf
