President Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité roept EU op met één stem te spreken op top G20 (en)

PRESS RELEASE No 40/2009

1 April 2009

EESC President Sepi calls upon EU to speak with one voice at G20 summit

In a declaration issued today, 1 April 2009, EESC President Mario Sepi called upon EU leaders to speak with one unified voice to the G20 summit in London, and to put in action it's own recovery plan rapidly.

The European Union will be heavily represented at the G20 Summit, occupying more than one third of the seats. Now, more than ever, it is essential for Europe to speak with one voice, to act in unison.

There is at least a clear consensus on the need to restore global order to the financial markets, to rebuild efficient and effective international, national and Community regulation and supervisory structures. This is essential in order to ensure stable and transparent financial markets for consumers, public regulators, investors and other stakeholders, and to utilise financial resources for growth objectives.

Europe should also act as one in putting into action its own Recovery Plan. Possible difference over the actual size of the fiscal boost should pale away when instead we focus on the prime need to put the stimulus programmes into rapid and good effect. The real economy, jobs and solidarity must remain Europe's focal point. All efforts must be on ensuring that lending and spending flows are used to invest in production, services, jobs and wellbeing. This is our immediate core business, without which Europe risks descending into a social crisis as grave as the 1930's. Recession must not turn to depression.

Europe should stop punching beneath its weight. All together, we can have an impact. All social and economic actors need to gather around a Programme for Europe, a new European deal anchored in the real economy, real jobs, real training and real social action. European instruments must be created to direct European savings towards productive investments. Pre-financing of job-intensive projects, infrastructural development and social services must be facilitated by responsive and agile Community mechanisms and funds. Flexibility at work must go hand-in hand with security in the job, re-skilling and modern labour practices and social partnership capable of responding effectively to new demands. We must keep Europe afloat and keep people in jobs, ready for the upturn that will occur.

In short, this is the time for Europe's social market model to make its mark and to give rise to a new model of qualitative development. The G20 summit is an opportunity not to be missed.