Conference "Europe at a Crossroads"
ILO: "Economic and social dimensions of European integration are slipping out of balance"
Europe’s response to the different crises has left many Europeans wondering what happened to the vitally important social dimension of the European project, Gilbert Houngbo (ILO) warns.
At the conference “Europe at a crossroads. Which way to quality jobs and prosperity?” a top-level panel composed of László Andor (EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion), Pierre Moscovici (EU Commissioner-designate for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs), Martin Schulz (President of the European Parliament), Gilbert Houngbo (ILO Deputy Director-General), Helge Berger (advisor European Department IMF), and Claude Rolin (MEP, Group of the European People's Party), discussed which road the EU should take towards a genuine process of reconstruction.
ILO Deputy Director-General Gilbert Houngbo opened the plenary panel by referring to the European economic integration project, set in motion after the two world wars, with a steadily strengthened social dimension over the years.
“Europe’s response to the different crises has left many European citizens wondering what happened to the vitally important social dimension of the European project” Houngbo said. “The economic and social dimensions of integration are slipping out of balance, and the consequences are serious for Europe and its global partners”, he warned.
“Europe is indeed at a crossroads. It has to choose whether to carry on down a road in which social priorities are pushed below a search for financial rectitude, or to seek a new balance in which a focus on more and better jobs works hand in hand with fiscal and monetary policies.”
“Recovery is in danger of stalling”, Houngbo warned, “It is essential in the ILO’s view to take the social and employment road.” It is only by working together that Europe can move from the current crossroads towards a sustainable and job rich growth and recovery, he concluded.
ILO Deputy Director-General Gilbert Houngbo opened the plenary panel by referring to the European economic integration project, set in motion after the two world wars, with a steadily strengthened social dimension over the years.
“Europe’s response to the different crises has left many European citizens wondering what happened to the vitally important social dimension of the European project” Houngbo said. “The economic and social dimensions of integration are slipping out of balance, and the consequences are serious for Europe and its global partners”, he warned.
“Europe is indeed at a crossroads. It has to choose whether to carry on down a road in which social priorities are pushed below a search for financial rectitude, or to seek a new balance in which a focus on more and better jobs works hand in hand with fiscal and monetary policies.”
“Recovery is in danger of stalling”, Houngbo warned, “It is essential in the ILO’s view to take the social and employment road.” It is only by working together that Europe can move from the current crossroads towards a sustainable and job rich growth and recovery, he concluded.