The contribution of the European bishops to the renewal of the Lisbon Strategy also in view of the European Council to be held on 22-23 March is contained in a paper presented in recent days, signed by the executive committee of COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union). The document subdivided into two parts emphasises the “integral nature of the European social model in the drive to increase the competitiveness of Europe’s economy”. And it reaffirms “the need to appreciate, respect and invest in the European social model so that it is in a healthy position to support Europe’s economic and environmental objectives, and the generations to come”. The first part of the paper “contextualises the vision of the European social model from the perspective of Catholic social teaching. This section pays particular attention to the intrinsic dignity of the human person and how society should be ordered and prioritised in order to allow for human development, in terms of the family, education, employment and social protection, working life and the environment”. The second part identifies “eight areas which are of particular importance in the re-organization of the Lisbon Strategy for the European social model”. It points out “the risks that may be incurred should the present European social model be funded at the expense of future generations, while advocating a European Family Strategy so that families are not sidelined in the pursuit of a renewed Lisbon Strategy”. The paper also recognises “the importance of nurturing Europe’s values, particularly their transferral between peoples and generations” and calls for “a deeper dialogue between science and research, and philosophy and theology in order to determine common values and objectives”. “Inaccessible employment COMECE concludes , the completion of the internal market and social services, the harmonization of the basis of corporate tax and Europe’s consumption of fossil fuels provide further areas for reflection and need of redress”.
