Formulation of the European Employment Strategy for the post-Lisbon period in the context of the economic crisis

The current economic crisis already left traces on the European labour markets and reversed many achievements of employments policies over the last decade within a short time period. This does not question the approach of the European Employment Strategy (EES), but, on the other hand, it is out of question that it is likely to continue on a ‘business as usual’ basis. With regard to the policy formulation of the European Employment Strategy in the post-Lisbon period, a closer look at the effects of the recession, national policy responses and future approaches to prevent or cushion the impact of economic recession on employment in the EU is on the agenda.

This thematic paper investigates and assesses the effects of the current crisis on future labour markets with regard to new structural challenges for the labour markets, differences between the EU Member States regarding the timing and deepness of the impact, the risks of an increase in the diversity in labour markets and social outcomes. It looks at institutional elements, explaining differences in labour market performances across the EU and potential significant new institutional challenges and related policy responses to tackle obstacles and barriers for employment creation.

EEO: Background Paper: Measures to deal with the economic crisis, April 2009 http://www.eu-employment-observatory.net/resources/reports/EEOBackgroundPaper-EconomicCrisisMeasures11April2009.pdf

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