A Bird’s Eye View: Conclusions about ’Conclusions’
Güncelleme Tarihi:
by Advena Avis
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 28, 2009 00:00
The EU held its spring summit on March 19 and 20. Efforts were made during that summit to tackle the effects of the global financial crisis, particularly in Europe. We hope that the EU is successful for the benefit of humanity. But the "Conclusions" of the summit created some doubts for us. But let us see some aspects of these conclusions.
They start with a first sentence in the preamble that reads as follows: "The European Council expressed confidence in the ability of the EU to tackle the financial and economic crisis." We should stress here to the EU leaders that this confidence is not shared by the EU people whom they are supposed to represent.
Further on, the following is mentioned: "... The European Council calls on the Member States to act in a coordinated manner, in line with the guidelines provided by the Commission Communication of 25 Feb. 2009 and in full respect of competition rules. The Council is invited to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken as well as the overall situation regarding the stability and functioning of financial markets and to report back to the June 2009 European Council." We think June 2009 will be too late. It would be more effective for the council to report on a weekly basis to the heads of state of the EU and also submit a final report in June.
Look at this phrase: "The European Council expresses its confidence in the medium and long-term outlook of the EU economy and its determination to do what is necessary to restore jobs and growth." As we understand this phrase, it means that some of the millions of humans becoming unemployed in the short term may be able to be re-employed in the medium or long-term, which of course does not solve the problem of the remaining unemployed.
Reflection of unemployment
But when it comes to the social impact of the crisis, the EU leaders lose all their confidence. The conclusion mentions: "The rapid increase of unemployment is a cause of great concern. It is important to prevent and limit job losses and negative social impacts. Stimulating employment, in particular by promoting the acquisition of the new skills required by new jobs is also a priority."
Of course, unemployment is a cause for great concern for the EU leaders because in the end, they themselves may become unemployed by the negative votes that they will get from their unemployed people. And what is this nonsense about new skills for new jobs during a time when no new jobs are being created and the old ones are disappearing?
Further on we read: "The Employment Summit to be held in May 2009, will allow for an exchange of experiences on the extent to which the recovery measures that have been taken, have succeeded in supporting employment. It will examine in particular issues such as maintaining employment levels through flexicurity and mobility, upgrading skills and anticipating labor market needs, with a view to identifying concrete orientations." This Unemployment Summit might be useful only because the social partners will participate. Just reading about the daily layoffs by EU companies is a good indication of what is happening.
But to be fair to the EU, it did take some measures. It will give 50 billion euros to eastern European members-states and 75 billion euros in voluntary contributions to the International Monetary Fund.
Ponder our thoughts, dear humans, for your benefit.
Further on, the following is mentioned: "... The European Council calls on the Member States to act in a coordinated manner, in line with the guidelines provided by the Commission Communication of 25 Feb. 2009 and in full respect of competition rules. The Council is invited to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken as well as the overall situation regarding the stability and functioning of financial markets and to report back to the June 2009 European Council." We think June 2009 will be too late. It would be more effective for the council to report on a weekly basis to the heads of state of the EU and also submit a final report in June.
Look at this phrase: "The European Council expresses its confidence in the medium and long-term outlook of the EU economy and its determination to do what is necessary to restore jobs and growth." As we understand this phrase, it means that some of the millions of humans becoming unemployed in the short term may be able to be re-employed in the medium or long-term, which of course does not solve the problem of the remaining unemployed.
Reflection of unemployment
But when it comes to the social impact of the crisis, the EU leaders lose all their confidence. The conclusion mentions: "The rapid increase of unemployment is a cause of great concern. It is important to prevent and limit job losses and negative social impacts. Stimulating employment, in particular by promoting the acquisition of the new skills required by new jobs is also a priority."
Of course, unemployment is a cause for great concern for the EU leaders because in the end, they themselves may become unemployed by the negative votes that they will get from their unemployed people. And what is this nonsense about new skills for new jobs during a time when no new jobs are being created and the old ones are disappearing?
Further on we read: "The Employment Summit to be held in May 2009, will allow for an exchange of experiences on the extent to which the recovery measures that have been taken, have succeeded in supporting employment. It will examine in particular issues such as maintaining employment levels through flexicurity and mobility, upgrading skills and anticipating labor market needs, with a view to identifying concrete orientations." This Unemployment Summit might be useful only because the social partners will participate. Just reading about the daily layoffs by EU companies is a good indication of what is happening.
But to be fair to the EU, it did take some measures. It will give 50 billion euros to eastern European members-states and 75 billion euros in voluntary contributions to the International Monetary Fund.
Ponder our thoughts, dear humans, for your benefit.