The conference took stock of the current economic governance reform proposals linked to Europe 2020 and criticized the assumptions they rest on and their implications, particularly with regard to the quality of public finances; examining the social and economic implications of fiscal austerity packages for sustainable growth, social policies and public spending in the member states. The conference debated whether the proposals were compatible with different visions of the future of European societies and social policies and discussed possible alternatives.
Key Speakers included László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion who highlighted that “the old business model had failed”’ and that there was a need for a new model, and to ensure that “’no one was left behind”.
Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, also made a rare intervention, breaking ranks with the College of Commissioners by voicing her criticisms of the current approaches to macroeconomic governance being pursued saying that it would lead to “social degradation’’. Other speakers included: Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), John Monks, General Secretary ETUC.
Download also programme of the event.
