To do everything possible

"The first concern is the unbearable burden that this crisis has cast on the workers", with unmanageable levels of unemployment, with "an impressive number of young people who cannot find a job", families "in dire straits" and with an "uncertain future". "We have done much to counter the" recession, "but not enough. Must continue on the path of reform, including through short-term measures to boost "the economy and job creation". José Manuel Barroso probed into the items up for discussion during the European Council of March 14-15. Responsible measures are needed. The spring summit is traditionally dedicated to economic and social issues, and in the debate with MEPs in Strasbourg on 13 March, the President of the Commission did not hesitate to express his point of view and all his concerns. "Just a year ago, analysts had expected the implosion of the euro, but their forecasts were proved wrong". Barroso said that, while in a state of stagnation, the national deficits "are gradually decreasing, and probably within the year will be below 3%", as stipulated in Eurozone regualtions. The problem of excessive national debts remains, although several states have undertaken "responsible reforms", while "industry and consumer confidence increases progressively". For these reasons, Barroso called upon the 28 Heads of State and Government gathered for the summit (the 27 Member States, plus the Prime Minister of Croatia who will join in July), to undertake "concrete measures to jump-start the economies, actions for growth and for employment to young people", emphasizing the "social dimension" of development.No more time to waste. "We must make every effort to overcome the crisis": the head of the Executive gave a crucial contribution to initiatives aimed at climbing the slope, despite delays and inconsistencies by the same Commission. Barroso recognizes, inter alia, that "the recovery is slow" and that "this year it will still be close to zero". This is why the Heads of State and Government are called to implement the decisions taken, including the ‘"initiative for young people" (6 billion appropriations to create employment opportunities and training for the under-25), to which the Commission on March 12 devoted a document with "applicative norms". The Portuguese politician also pointed at the Pact for growth (120 billion investment, including national and EU funds), decided by the same national leaders in June and remained on paper. "Some initiatives proceed at a very slow pace, and there’s no time to beat around the bush". Barroso mentioned the recent achievements: the fiscal compact, the "European Semester", the "two pack", the European Stability Mechanism and much more. "The EU has shown its capacity to act and appease markets. Now it’s time to restart" in terms of competitiveness, investment, innovation, "by enhancing solidarity" at European level" and "the social dimension of our development".Priority to youth employment. The same themes were reiterated by Herman Van Rompuy in his invitation letter for the summit. "We must continue to pursue our efforts to maintain stability, translate all decisions taken to promote growth and competitiveness into concrete action and results, and give absolute priority to supporting youth employment". The recovery of development and investment is not bound to be easy, as it comes at a time when state budgets are meagre and so are the funds to give new impetus to economic systems. On the European Council agenda figure, inter alia the verification of national reform programs, commitments to strengthen public finances and boost employment … The working schedule of March 14-15 includes meeting with social partners, (trade unions and private sector representatives), the opening remarks of Van Rompuy followed by the speech of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, a meeting between the leaders to verify the next steps of economic and monetary union and banking union. A Eurozone summit will take place at the end of the Council. Strategic actions. During the meeting held at the Justus Lipsius bulding, Van Rompuy continues in his letter of invitation, EU leaders are called to conclude "the first phase of the European Semester 2013", that "implies the coordination of economic, budgetary and employment policies of Member States for a six-month period". The Council will then assess "the progress made at national level as relates to the implementation of the 2012 recommendations and the strategic lines of action". Emphasis was also placed 2013 stability programs and on the implementation of priorities envisaged by the Europe 2020 strategy.