“Reforms to boost growth and reduce structural obstacles to job creation remain vital despite small signs of stronger economic recovery” declared today Hans-Joachim Reck, President of CEEP at the Tripartite Social Summit.

Mr Reck also underlined that while fiscal consolidation is required in many Member States, its speed should be calibrated according to country-specific circumstances so as to avoid excessive tightening. “Countries with well-functioning physical infrastructure, with high levels of human capital, and with high-quality public services have clear advantages as concerns investment climate compared to countries that lack such competitive edges”.

As highlighted in the results of the second edition of the “Pulse of Public Services” survey conducted by CEEP in September-October 2013, Mr Reck stated that “cuts and limitations in public budgets continue to be the biggest obstacle to investments for public services' employers”. In this respect he emphasised the need for a real debate about alternative ways of financing for the future.

While addressing the social dimension of the EU/EMU, it is clear that the crisis has also highlighted several shortcomings in our common European economic framework, in particular linked to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which need to be tackled.

“It is of utmost importance to effectively integrate the social dimension and the important role of social dialogue. This is a question of the democratic accountability and legitimacy of the European Union”, concluded Mr Reck while also taking the opportunity to welcome the Communication from the European Commission from early October which gives a good ground to build upon.