The information on this site is subject to a disclaimer and a copyright notice . You have started a job which is of the utmost importance for Europe's future. Combating unemployment and social exclusion is a major challenge for Europe and top priority for the new Commission. The EU has never had a programme for tackling unemployment.
Prosperity means jobs, but also competitiveness on the world market.
The United States has done it by embracing social and economic change, and of course new technologies. But I believe we have now reached a turning point. Some Member States are embracing change faster than others, of course, but overall the outlook is good. What the Commission can and will do, however, is continue bringing together business and governments, at conferences like this, to exchange specific experiences and good practice. Our aim is to ensure that the best practices are spread throughout Europe.