That is why we think it is important that all the candidate countries pay particular attention to how social partner organisations develop and to encourage active, autonomous dialogue between them. My third point is about maintaining and developing Europe's approach to social policy when the Union is enlarged Our starting-point is that social policies are vital for greater and more widely shared prosperity. High social standards are an integral part of the European Union's high productivity and competitiveness. This brings me to the question of social policy and enlargement. We want the new Member States to be actively involved in this reform process, and to bring with you new variations and new solutions to today's challenges - and to those of the future.
Enlargement is a great opportunity.
It will bring enhanced political stability and enhanced security. Stability, in turn, makes it possible for countries to take full advantage of the internal market and to attract the foreign investment necessary to ensure sustainable, long-term economic growth rates above the present EU level for a long period. But the benefits of EU membership go far beyond trade and investment. Implementation of a social policy based on the Union's values and accomplishments can also boost your competitiveness. Social policy is not about spending and regulation.