The Social Agenda 2005-2010. A social Europe in the global economy. Jobs and opportunities for all

Summary:

The past few decades have seen remarkable progress in the development of the European model of society. In many ways it is unique in the world. It builds on both economic growth and the creation of good jobs. It ensures a high level of social protection and education. And it is based on partnership, especially between employers and trade unions.

Europeans have grown up with the benefits of this social model. But to preserve our prosperity and solidarity we need to step up our efforts to adapt to the economic and social changes which come from globalisation and the ageing of our populations.

By putting forward the EU's revamped Lisbon strategy, the Commission declared growth and jobs as its top priority.

In a move to strengthen the social dimension of this strategy, a new Social Agenda was adopted in February 2005. It contains a road map for European social policy up to 2010. This new impetus reflects the intentions of the EU's draft constitutional treaty and appears against the backdrop of exciting EU policies which supplement Member States' action in the employment and social field.

This introduction sets out the key challenges and the background of the new Social Agenda, which is reprinted in this brochure from page 17 onwards.