Lisbon Agenda

The Portuguese presidency of the EU will feel a sense of ownership towards the Lisbon Agenda, launched in 2000. According to a deadline set by EU leaders then, the Union has 28 months (and counting) to transform itself into the world’s leading knowledge-driven economy.

High on the agenda this year will be moves to make the EU labour market more flexible, the ongoing drive to slash red tape by a quarter, and improved implementation of internal market rules.

The presidency is waiting for a ‘vision paper’ from the European Commission, expected in September, before outlining its strategy. The results of the Commission’s annual progress report, which could be released a month earlier than usual in November, will also influence the debate.

Any contributions from the presidency would feed into the Commission’s strategic review report, which is coming out in December. The report would be signed off by heads of state in spring next year.

The Portuguese presidency of the EU will feel a sense of ownership towards the Lisbon Agenda, launched in 2000. According to a deadline set by EU leaders then, the Union has 28 months (and counting) to transform itself into the world’s leading knowledge-driven economy.