Step up for a stronger Europe- opening

I personally initiated the conference, which I see as playing a key role in the current political agenda.

Why this conference and why did we choose this title?

-       because we need a stronger Europe to lift us out of this extremely serious crisis, in order to preserve what our developed societies have already achieved and establish the economic and social framework for the next generations;

-       because the EESC believes that the 2020 strategy is and will continue to be the best framework for action

The EESC has been working hard on the 2020 strategy objectives for some time now under the guidance of my friend Joost Van Iersel, president of the 2020 steering committee. This cross-cutting work has yielded opinions and, consequently, proposals to the European institutions. Mr Barroso and Mr Van Rompuy asked us to draw on a network of national ESCs and similar institutions to contribute to the ideas. They have provided valuable input, and I would like to formally thank their presidents or representatives who are here today. We must continue to operate as a network – it is crucial for the future of Europe.

I would also like to thank all the section and observatory presidents, the CCMI and the group presidents, Henri, Georgios and Luca, and all of you, as you have all contributed actively to the work. I am very grateful for their drive and commitment to the EESC and the European project.

So what are we going to discuss today?

On 28 and 29 June, the EU heads of state took key decisions for Europe. They agreed on two principles: improving financial and economic governance of the euro area and adopting a ‘Compact for growth and jobs’.

They are going to meet again on 18 and 19 October. We must tell them what these major decisions mean in practice. Subsequent summits will deal with the practical implementation of this two-fold programme. A long-term perspective is also needed: where do we want to take Europe? Mr Barroso and Mr Van Rompuy have made ambitious proposals in recent days for greater economic and political integration. A public debate is now needed on the framework under discussion.

The European Economic and Social Committee has resolutely taken its place in this political agenda today. That is the precisely the purpose of today's conference.

-       European organised civil society has proposals to make and tangible ideas and examples of good practice to put forward. Let us discuss them together!

-       I will send the conclusions of the conference formally to the European decision-makers and the Member States with a view to the coming summits.

My desire is for you to be able to talk frankly today and to share your expertise, commitment, and the points on which you disagree or hold different ideas.

-       This morning you will have the chance to discuss the specific proposals made by the EESC.

-       As an introduction to the day, we have asked Philippe Maystadt, former president of the European Investment Bank and president of the think-tank the European Policy Centre, to give us his view of things. Philippe Maystadt has played a key role in the European decision-making process. Mr Maystadt, it will be an honour to hear you speak. Bernard Cazeneuve, French European Affairs Minister, was also due to attend. France was the first to propose the growth compact. The French minister was called to an urgent hearing at the French Parliament this morning, but he has left us a video message.

-       In the afternoon we will look at the next stages, on the basis of the morning's conclusions.

I will now give the floor to my friend Joost whom I thank for the incredible drive with which he has tackled this matter.