Values

Objectives

Strategy for growth and employment

Principles

Democracy

Policies

 

Strategy for Growth and Employment

The Lisbon Strategy defines the general guidelines for achieving the European Union's objectives. The starting point is to develop the EU economy so that the member states and companies can compete successfully with the United States and other countries

The Lisbon Strategy can be divided into four main areas:

1. Investing in people

The aim is to have a highly skilled and trained workforce. Workers should be free to move easily from one place to another throughout the European Union. Lifelong learning must be given to make it possible for people to react to changing situations.

2. Research, development and inventions

Cooperation between scientific communities, universities and business will be increased. Science and development efforts are supported.

3. Better business environment

In particular, it will be made easier for small and medium-sized firms to borrow money. Efforts are made to improve the business conditions.

4. Environment-friendly economy

Efforts are made to reduce the environmental impact of economic growth by saving energy. New environment-friendly technology is developedand steps taken to slow down climate change.

Since 2006 special attention in the strategy has been given to decreasing unemployment. Efforts are made to improve growth and employment in many ways.

During recessions the European Union seeks to support public construction in order to keep jobs. Also, inventions, new forms of vocational training, energy-saving and development of environment-friendly technology are supported through EU funding.

The new Europe 2020 Strategy is designed to help Europe to recover from the financial crisis. It is hoped to ensure positive economic development. The original objectives have not been forgotten but special efforts will also be made to improve employment and reduce poverty.