That will also demand stronger partnerships, including with the Social Partners, in developing the use of the Structural Funds. I know that, in the media, here and elsewhere, the focus has been on the loss of assistance some regions will have to bear as the Funds concentrate their finite resources where need is greatest. I know this is a matter of great concern in Portugal, but I can assure you that appropriate and generous transition arrangements will enable you to navigate this change, especially since the Cohesion Fund will continue to support our shared cohesion objectives in Portugal. Across the Union, the reform will improve the Structural Funds' ability to do their job, for employment and cohesion, with the force of the new Treaty, and the Jobs Summit priorities behind them. The ESF will remain our most important instrument in our collective efforts.
Work is well underway in implementing the employment strategy.
In cooperation with the Member States, my Services have taken part in national seminars to help shape the action plans which will provide the basis of the new process. 13 of the 15 seminars have now taken place. I have noted a few key messages from the seminars that have already taken place. The first message is that all Member States have demonstrated real commitment to the exercise. All are involving the social partners in developing the National Action Plans.