Key priority for 2006: implementation of economic reforms

In preparation for the March Spring Summit, EU finance ministers, meeting today (14 Feb), will look at the key challenges and opportunities for 2006. Implementation of the reforms for growth and jobs will be the number one priority.

The ECOFIN ministers will discuss the state of play of the relaunched Lisbon strategy on the basis of a paper tabled by the Austrian Presidency. 

The paper (which includes questions for the debate) starts by emphasising the need for sound public finances and more effective economic policy coordination. It builds on the Commission’s Communication “Time to move up a gear” and the National Lisbon Reform Programmes.

The Austrian Presidency recommends:

• continue and speed up labour market reforms;
• foster productivity growth;
• reduce energy consumption and increase diversification and
• open up Europe to reap the benefits of globalisation.

Implementation of the reformed Stability and Growth Pact and of the priorities put forward in the National Lisbon Reform Programmes are the key priorities for 2006, the report states in its conclusion.

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