18-05-2006

Gerhard Stahl, Secretary General of the Committee of the Regions, observed that national economic differences in EU have been reduced. However, with the EU enlargement differences at regional level have increased. Stahl argued the need for a new partnership between EU institutions, member states, regions and the social partners, which should lead to a "Europe of proximity", with decisions taken closer to the citizens.

Kent Andersson, deputy mayor of Malmö, Sweden, and president of the Eurocities Social Committee, argued the need for a new "procedural thinking" allowing cities to be recognised as actors in the employment policy process. Cities need to be involved because "cities drive growth and jobs both in the cities and beyond".

The 13th Employment Week is centred on the theme "Working together for growth and jobs". Both policy makers, NG0's and practitioners are meeting to discuss trends and policies in European employment. Among the discussion items are the following themes: 

In response to the twin challenges of globalisation and demographic changes (ageing population), the European Council in Lisbon set ambitious employment targets:

The success in achieving the employment goals have been limited so far, and the arrival of 10 new members states in 2004, has not diminished the employment challenge for the EU. The Commission relaunched the Lisbon strategy in 2005, hoping to enhance national ownership of the process by challenging member states to produce national action plans.