Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-07-04-Speech-2-194"
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"en.20060704.28.2-194"2
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".
Mr President, the feelings of those who lose their jobs need no explanation. It does not take much imagination to understand the hopelessness, the fear of the future and the financial worries they go through, day after day. In that, Parliament stands united: across the political parties, across the European countries there is support for the European social model and the support of the workers and the unemployed.
When it comes to what concretely should be done, our opinions differ greatly. I firmly believe it is a serious mistake to try to protect jobs by preventing modernisation, restructuring and globalisation. It may be good for today, but it is disastrous for tomorrow. Our answer to globalisation must not be evasion and conservatism but to embrace it and prepare our citizens for it. It must not stop restructuring from happening but make the transition for those affected easier.
That is the starting point for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Parliament when addressing the challenges presented to us by industrial restructuring and globalisation. We believe that the European Union can and should play a role, but one of facilitating transition rather than one of obstruction. We are not against change. We are for change. Otherwise, in ten years we will have all our jobs in China or other nice regions outside Europe. We are for cooperation, education and economic growth, but they should be brought about with social and environmental responsibility. That is our task in Parliament.
There are a number of issues where we need European politics, not only to keep but to create new jobs all over the Union. At the very heart of that we find the Lisbon Agenda. First and foremost it is about strengthening the individual. Europe can help by encouraging and funding programmes for lifelong learning, language skills and cultural exchange, to mention a few examples. They help prepare for a labour market in transition where few jobs can be guaranteed for life. There are no jobs for life anymore but there could well be work for life.
Secondly, it is about strengthening European industry to be competitive in the 21st century. By giving access to an even greater internal market supporting European research and innovation, we open new opportunities that will eventually create new jobs.
Thirdly, to accomplish that, we need strengthened social dialogue addressing issues of change such as the need for companies to facilitate transition for those losing their jobs, and environmental rules for sustainable economic development.
It has a lot to do with European leadership, about explaining the challenges we are facing and about doing what we can to facilitate the journey into the future by preparing individuals and businesses; but not about making false promises, protecting jobs and hoping for short-term political gains.
That is the Liberal answer to the challenges of globalisation and industrial reform."@en1
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