Taoiseach sets out Irish Priorities for the Spring European Council

"Europe will be judged by the living standards of its people.", the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., said today when setting out Irelands priorities for the Spring European Council, which will take place in Brussels on 21 March.

The annual Spring European Council primarily reviews progress on the EUs economic, social and sustainable development reform programme: this integrated approach is known as the Lisbon Agenda. The Irish Priorities Paper, which was agreed by Government earlier this week, reaffirms the Governments commitment to the Lisbon Agenda and its belief that it affords the best opportunity for the development within and across Europe of flexible, strong and open markets.

The Irish Priorities Paper highlights issues that the Government believes must be given added impetus by the European Council at its annual meeting to discuss progress on the Lisbon Agenda.

"The reforms that lie at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy are aimed at improving competitiveness and increasing employment opportunities for all EU citizens. The Paper sets out those areas where the Government believe delivery and implementation are now required, three years into the Lisbon Strategy and in the light of the European Commissions recent Synthesis Report.", the Taoiseach said today.

Priorities covered in the Paper, include macroeconomic policy, employment, competitiveness, research & innovation, education and the knowledge economy, social cohesion and sustainable development.

The paper also indicates that the Irish Presidency next year will press forward with the Lisbon Agenda. Irelands overall approach will be to support and promote the structural reforms necessary for the EU to achieve its strategic goal. In particular, Ireland will aim for a focused agenda drawing from the key areas of employment; competitiveness; social cohesion; sustainable development; and education.

LettertoMrKonstantinosSimitisPrimeMinisteroftheHellenicRepublic.rtf (10 KB)

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