"Annexes" [2002] ELECD 78; in Rodrigues, João Maria (ed), "The New Knowledge Economy in Europe" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2002)

Book Title: The New Knowledge Economy in Europe

Editor(s): Rodrigues, João Maria

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781840647198

Section Title: Annexes

Number of pages: 49

Extract:

Annexes




273
Portuguese Presidency of the European
Union
Document from the Presidency


Employment, economic reforms and social cohesion ­ towards a Europe based
on innovation and knowledge Lisbon, January 2000



1. COORDINATING EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE A NEW
STRATEGIC GOAL

1.1. A new strategic goal

Europe, as it enters the new millennium, demands a new vision and a long-
term strategy. While retaining all that is best in its traditions and values,
Europe must develop as a civilisation which bases its economic and social
prosperity on the advancement of knowledge, cultural diversity and cohe-
sion and which plays an active role in promoting a more balanced, peace-
ful and harmonious world order.
A new strategic goal needs to be defined for the next ten years: to make
the European Union the world's most dynamic and competitive area, based
on innovation and knowledge, able to boost economic growth levels with
more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

1.2. An affirmative strategy

A new period is beginning in the process of European construction. The
European Union is gaining substance economically, socially and politically.
Initiatives in the area of common foreign and security policy and a
common area of freedom, security and justice add to the great achieve-
ments of the single market and the single currency. The enlargement
process too is now in full swing. These are major historical milestones in
the affirmation of the European project.
Despite the economic recovery, serious social problems continue to exist,

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