Monday, 20th April 2009
The new Social Europe
It is worthwhile to reflect on the Party of European Socialists’ vision of a New Social Europe. Being a European Union member-country, this innovative PES vision should serve as the basis of a nationwide discussion of the future of the European Union, its relationship with European citizens and the future development of European welfare states and societies. The PES vision takes account of the social problems faced by many European citizens and the risk that many will be marginalized from mainstream society.
These problems include the exclusion of many people from access to good jobs and from opportunities of adult education and re-training; the rate of school drop-outs is still too high in many countries; poor education systems hinder the prospects of many young people; gender equality in work and in other areas of society is still unsatisfactory; many disabled persons need more support for societal integration into working life; the integration into European societies of refugees and immigrants is still poor; marginalization and poverty is still a phenomenon of European societies; the natural resources of Europe are being stretched due to lack of progress in technologies and lifestyles.
In the light of all these social situations and problems, the new European welfare states and societies must aim towards the goals of full employment and full social inclusion; they should have a sound basis of environmental sustainability; they should facilitate lifelong achievement against the background of a knowledge-based society; they have to consolidate the concept of collective rights for individual opportunities and responsibilities; they must further social dialogue and partnership
Ten key principles form the basis of the New Social Europe : (1) The essence of cohesion with rights and duties for all; (2) Full employment as the basis for the future; (3) Investment in people, taking the high road; (4) Inclusive societies where nobody is left behind; (5) Universal childcare as the basis of stronger communities; (6) Equal rights for women and men; (7) Social dialogue which is indispensable; (8) Deriving strength from diversity and integration; (9) Sustainable societies that tackle climate change and energy needs; (10) An active Europe for the people where the full potential of the European Union is realized.
The PES vision is built on three crucial and fundamental elements of the European Union, namely, cooperation between countries, solidarity between citizens, and competition between enterprises. The New Social Europe would be a green Europe with a greater number of better-quality jobs; an inclusive Europe where nobody is marginalized; a learning, an innovative and a cohesive Europe.
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Comments
I will choose Claudette Abela Baldacchino because of these issues.
Today's world is frought with new challenges. The current global economic downturn is allowing poverty and social deprivation to raise their ugly head once again even in Malta. This is a situation which we have a duty to take on. We cannot allow those advocating for a free market and who may find the present economic situation as the ideal platform for pursuing their goal of eroding the rights that workers have gained throughout the years from achieving their objectives.
In this respect, we need to be ever vigilant both in Malta and at European level. We need to understand that all that takes place in Brussels will have a direct impact upon our lives. It is not something we afford to ignore lightly. In this context I think that Claudette Abela Baldacchino's vision for a Social Europe is one which we all should embrace.