Danish Presidency: CESI asks for the reinforcement of Europe's social dimension

CESI and Jørgen Jørgensen, Managing Director of CESI's Danish member FF, welcome the efforts announced by the Danish Presidency on Friday to consolidate public finances and revitalise the labour market, which are an economic necessity for long-term growth. However, CESI misses strong political commitments to a more social, cohesive Europe. A new economic dynamism goes hand in hand with a better inclusion of all citizens in the EU social market economy. The quantitative targets for higher participation in the labour market should be coupled with the objective to create quality jobs and an increased solidarity with those who are excluded.

CESI especially deplores the absence of references to the ongoing European debate on services of general interest, which are crucial for Europe's social cohesion. It asks the Danish Presidency to encourage the Union, and especially the European Commission, to make use of its new competencies in this field.

CESI supports stronger regulation and supervision of the financial sector as the basis for a more stable economy. In this area, decisions at EU-level are necessary. CESI urges the Danish Presidency to also strive to gain a broader agreement including other partners, as an international cooperation is necessary to reach an efficient regulation of the financial sector.

Finally, CESI welcomes the statement made by the Danish Presidency that trust in the Single Market must be enhanced through greater respect of workers' rights. In our view, all policies and measures implemented in order to reach the economic recovery goals of the EU should be discussed and negotiated with the social partners at appropriate level to gain in acceptance and in efficiency.

Jørgen G. Jørgensen from FF adds that he looks forward to the Danish Presidency and hopes for a success, especially when it comes to creating a greener Europe which could mean many new jobs all over Europe.