Economic and social progress and constant improvement of living and working conditions are fundamental objectives of the European Union. The experience of the last five decades shows clearly that economic integration (removing barriers that slow down the economic and social progress and constant improvement of living and working conditions are fundamental objectives of the European Union. The experience of the last five decades shows clearly that economic integration (removing barriers that slow down the free movement of goods, services, capital and people) offers Europe significant opportunities to create jobs and generate sustainable growth.

The European Union is working to create more and better jobs, notably through the European Employment Strategy. 

The European Commission offers the combined efforts of national governments, with input from unions, employers, local authorities and other partners.

The objectives of employment, social policy and equality of opportunity are summarised in the promotion of a modern European social model – innovative and sustainable – and in creating more jobs of a better quality in a society based on integration and equality of opportunity. These principles fall under the European Employment Strategy which, for its part, is in line with the Lisbon Strategy. This strategy was drawn up in the year 2000 and relaunched in 2005, with the aim of achieving a high degree of competitiveness and, therefore, being able to adapt at the highest level to an ever more globalised world and to the demographic changes it is undergoing.

The Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs covers the following areas of activity:

• Intensify research, development and innovation.
• Stimulate the economic environment.
• Invest in human capital.
• Find a balance between the economy and the environment.

Since the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Employment was relaunched, the member states have submitted annual progress reports to study in a specific way the measures that countries have taken to increase their competitiveness.

In Spain these reports, as well as coordinating the National Reform Programme, depend on the permanent unit in Lisbon.

To contact the permanent unit in Lisbon:

pnresp@presidencia.gob.es

For more information:

http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs/index_es.htm

Lisbon Strategy:

http://europa.eu/lisbon_treaty/index_es.htm