An "ambitious package for jobs, growth and investments" which, through the EIB and the European budget, "will mobilize up to 300 billion in three years". This is what Jean Claude Juncker intends to present within the "first three years" of his activity, indicated for the leadership of the European Commission by the EU heads of state and government on 27 June. The objective is indicated in the political priorities that the former Luxembourg president of the Eurogroup sent today to the European parliamentarians, before the European Parliament expresses its opinion on the trust to be placed in him as president of the new EU executive.
“We need a deep reform plan – says Juncker -. People are afraid of them, they feel threatening, but those who don't want them face greater risks. We have lost competitiveness because we have marked time. Europe must be made an active place for citizens and investors. And the economy must serve the citizens, the rules of the internal market must not be worth more than social rules, the market must not prevail. I am a social market economy enthusiast. Well-being for all must be our maxim. With the crisis it has not failed the social market economy, but those who have made politics looking only to profits. I would like to be a president of the social dialogue”.
As for growth, it is necessary, but “not financed by debts which are just a flash in the pan – continues the former Luxembourg premier -. We need investment, an investment package and a program with one goal: to put people at the center of society. I would like this program to be ready by February 2015. And that 3 billion euros be dedicated to this program in the next 300 years. To be financed with the available structural funds and targeted measures. Coordinated investments in broadband, energy networks, infrastructure and transport. Investments in the industrial sector, research and development. And renewable energies, which are the premise for the Europe of tomorrow, a place that knows how to develop in a sustainable way also with reference to other global players”.
According to Juncker, “all of this must take place in accordance with the Stability Pact. We will not change its fundamental features, stability has been promised with the single currency. I will not violate these promises. But the EU Council has noted that there are margins of flexibility and they must be used”.
