First, the US model cannot be applied wholesale to Europe, whose strength is in its diversity. Secondly, I have placed the need for economic reform as one of this commission's most pressing priorities. Initiatives to make Europe more competitive have come and gone in the past. This time things look different. The creation of Europe's single market, followed by EU governments' drive to meet the tough entry terms for the euro, have generated the best macroeconomic outlook for years.
Employment remains unacceptably high, but it is starting to subside.
A consensus, too, is beginning to emerge on the shape of economic reform. Few are any longer in denial over the need for tough structural reform, deregulation, flexible labour markets and the modernisation of pension systems. And many countries no longer shrink from publicly espousing the goal of full employment. How times have changed. Lisbon is the perfect moment for Europe's nations to make a common analysis of their economic needs, agree common solutions and then set dates by which to resolve them.