Commissioner László Andor - Questions and Answers Session at the IIEA
Channel: IIEA
Date: 02/06/2011

About the Speaker:

László Andor is the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Prior to his appointment in 2010, he was a member of the board of directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London, where he represented Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia. A distinguished economics professor, currently on leave from Corvinus University Budapest and King Sigismund College, Commissioner Andor edited the progressive journal, "Eszmelet' (Consciousness) between 1993 and 2009. He is also co-chairman of the board of the economic section of the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) and editor of its economic journal "Allaspontok" (Standpoints).

About the Speech:

Against the background of the continuing jobs crisis, Commissioner Andor outlined his vision for tackling unemployment and its social consequences through education and reskilling. In particular, he focused on two flagship initiatives under the EU2020 Strategy -- "A New Agenda for Skills and Jobs" and the "Youth on the Move" initiative, which aims to tackle high levels of youth unemployment across the EU.  Commissioner Andor argued that the crisis has proven the value of the European Social Model and praised the Irish Government for "going in the right direction in terms of fostering job creation and protecting people from poverty." In particular, he welcomed the many good ideas contained in the Jobs Initiative and said that the Initiative could be built upon further and could act as an example for Europe.

Concluding on a positive note, Commissioner Andor said that Ireland's "lasting reputation in Europe has been formed by a record of commitment, innovation and progress." While he maintained that there is "work to be done in reforming labour markets, updates workers' skills and making sure the right conditions are there to create employment and keep those who are working in employment...all the foundations of the Irish success story are still present: a hard working economy country with an open economy."