European Commission presents ten-year plan for growth and jobs

The European Commission has unveiled its new ten-year economic plan to boost growth and jobs.

The so-called "Europe 2020" proposals include calls for more to be done to tackle social and economic inequalities.

“A major effort will be needed to combat poverty and social exclusion and reduce health inequalities to ensure that everybody can benefit from growth,” the European Commission says.

One of the key targets put forward to achieve this aim is to reduce the number of Europeans living below national poverty lines by 25 per cent, taking 20 million people out of poverty.

This work would be assisted by setting up a "European platform against poverty", allowing everyone to benefit from the push for stronger growth and greater employment.

The platform would involve both public and private organisations to “design and implement programmes to promote social innovation for the most vulnerable, in particular by providing innovative education, training, and employment opportunities for deprived communities,” according to the plan.

One proposal put forward is the development of a common language and operational tool for education/training and work, a European Skills, Competences and Occupations framework (ESCO).

Measures to adapt to an ageing population in Europe are also proposed, with the Commission keen to introduce “active ageing policies” in order to increase productivity.

The strategy also includes specific targets to raise the employment rate of the population aged 20-64 from the current 69 per cent to at least 75 per cent, and to reduce the share of early school leavers from 15 per cent to 10 per cent.

The target of reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels or by 30% following an international agreement is also reiterated as part of the Europe 2020 plans.

“It will take strong leadership, commitment and an effective delivery mechanism to change attitudes and practices in the EU to deliver the results which are summarised in these targets,” the Commission says.

National governments will meet during the Spring Council to decide how to take forward the Europe 2020 proposals.

The Equity Channel will be hosting a timely exhibition and open debate on March 24, just before the ministers are due to meet, to discuss how better health and wellbeing contribute to social, environmental and economic needs in light of these new developments.

For more information about this interactive session, and if you would like to register, please go here.

Registration closes on March 15 and is free to members of the Equity Channel Community.

To access the full EU 2020 proposals, please visit the European Commission Europe 2020 website.

[Image: European Commission]