Education alone cannot, however, solve the problem. The unemployment policy has to be evolved continously. Training is better than passively receiving benefits. High benefits are only sustainable if they are combined with uncompromisable demands on unemployed to take jobs and accept training. I am proud to note that Sweden still has the lowest long term unemployment rate within the Union because of our active unemployment policy.
Work is the base for Swedish welfare.
Only by maintaining one of the world's largest shares of the population in the labour force, Sweden can keep up thegood welfare. I am convinced that Sweden is heading in the rightdirection. We are heading towards stable finances and a high degree of employment. It is not an easy road to travel, but we have started the journey. Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me to end by returning to the European perspective.