Growth and jobs: A different approach for each

Five years after its start, the Lisbon Strategy has not brought a clear improvement in the European position in the world economy. Even after the internet bubble has burst, productivity growth in the United States is higher than in the European Union; and while the baby boomers are about to retire, some member states are struggling with reforms of their economy. Not surprisingly, the Lisbon Strategy is due for change. The first way is to focus: "growth and jobs" must take centre stage. The concern for social cohesion and the environment is downplayed. In fact, higher growth and more jobs are now seen as essential for the financial sustainability of European welfare states and for investments in cleaner technologies. The second way is to put pressure on the member states to deliver. Barroso wants to renew the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), the mode of governance behind the Lisbon Strategy. In National Action Programmes, all member states should write down their aims and means to improve economic growth.